註釋 The Committee's report provided an analysis of the issues raised by the Advanta rapeseed incident and identified the key lessons that needed to be learnt and their recommendations for the short term as they intend to look further into this matter. The Government reply notes that this was the first time an unauthorised GM impurity had been found in conventional seed in the UK and that comparisons with the Swedish experience (of a similar incident) was inappropriate because the problem in Sweden occured one month after the UK and early uncertainities had been resolved. The Government agreed with the Committee on the need for arrangements to test conventional seed for GM content. Separation/segregation distances are being considered and an announcement will be made. Seed purity rules, the Government agreed that rules are urgently needed to deal with the possible presence of GM impurities in conventional seed. The Government also agrees that the Environment Biotechnology Commission should have an important role to play on GM issues. 