Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) established?  

What is the Biotechnology Commission's role?

How were members of the Biotechnology Commission chosen?

How often does the Biotechnology Commission meet and where can meeting details be found?

What reports has the Biotechnology Commission produced and how can hard copies be obtained?

Who does the Biotechnology Commission report to?

What is the Biotechnology Commission's relationship to Government?  

How can I find out more?

Why was the Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) established?

The Biotechnology Commission was set up in June 2000 following a review in 1999 by the Cabinet Office & the Office of Science & Technology of the Advisory & Regulatory framework for Biotechnology.  The Review found:

• a lack of public confidence in the framework and its transparency;

• a lack of faith in the framework's ability to address ethical and wider issues or to cope with rapid advances; and

• a need to simplify the framework and to avoid gaps, fragmentation and overlaps.

The Review concluded that a strategic advisory structure should be established, with two new biotechnology-specific bodies set up to work alongside the Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for all aspects of the safety of GM foods.  The Human Genetics Commission advises on the impact on humans and the AEBC on all other aspects of biotechnology except food.  

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What is the Biotechnology Commission's role?
Our remit is to provide the UK Government and Devoloved Administrations with independent, strategic advice on developments in biotechnology and their implications for agriculture and the environment.  This can be a contentious area and the Government appointed the twenty Commission members from a diverse range of backgrounds, with a wide range of skills and expertise.  The Commission was set up to be an experimental and innovative advisory body.  Members are charged with working in an open and transparent way, to look at the broad picture, and to take ethical and social issues into account as well as the science.  The Commission aims to make good use of social research and interaction with the public and stakeholders in developing its advice.

Terms of reference

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How were members of the Biotechnology Commission chosen?

AEBC members have been appointed on merit in their own right and not as representatives of any body.  This involved a process of open competition and procedures approved by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.  The Commission has a diverse membership; some work in agriculture, in ecological research, in academia or in the biotechnology industry, while others are involved in non-Governmental organisations (NGOs), social research and consumer matters.

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How often does the Biotechnology Commission meet and where can meeting details be found?

The Biotechnology Commission holds five main meetings a year, alternately in London and the regions.  Meetings are usually open for the public to observe.  Agendas and meeting papers are published on this website when they are available.  For details of the next meeting visit the meetings page.

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What reports has the Biotechnology Commission produced and how can hard copies be obtained?  

Crops on Trial (September 2001)

Looked at the role of the Farm Scale Evaluations in decision-making whether to allow GM crops to be grown commercially.  

Animals and Biotechnology (September 2002)

Took a strategic look at the ability of the existing regulatory system to cope with the possible development of GM and cloned animals.  

GM Crops? Coexistence and Liability (November 2003)

Looked at whether GM crops could practically exist alongside conventional and organic farming and allow real choice for consumers.  

The Biotechnology Commission was the driving force behind GM Nation? The Public Debate (September 2003)  
The national GM debate (in Summer 2003) proposed by the Biotechnology Commission and run by the Steering Board made up of eight Biotechnology Commissioners together with three independent members.

The following reports are available from DTI publications by calling 0870 150 2500, please cote the URN code:  

All other information is available by contacting the secretariat.

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Who does the Biotechnology Commission report to?

The AEBC reports jointly to Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and to Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.  The AEBC also reports to the following Ministers in the devolved administrations: Ross Finnie, Scottish Executive Minister for Environment and Rural Development; Carwyn Jones, the Welsh Assembly Minister for Rural Development and Wales Abroad; and Angela Smith, Minister of the Environment, Northern Ireland.

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What is the Biotechnology Commission’s relationship to Government?

The AEBC is a non-statutory non-departmental public body which offers independent advice to Government [UK Government and the devolved administrations].  Ministers remain free to accept the AEBC’s advice, or not.  The secretariat of the AEBC is based in the Office of Science and Technology, part of the Department of Trade and Industry.  Defra, the Office of Science and Technology and the Devolved Administrations fund the Biotechnology Commission.

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How can I find out more?
If you are unable to find the information you are looking for on the website please contact the secretariat.