The Department discusses these matters jointly with Whitehall Departments. Regarding GM Food and Crops 9. Within the Department the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and professional staff in his area feed into policy development, as well as expertise being available from SASA and other crop-related scientific bodies. When Formulating Policy 11. Policy is formulated in close liaison with MAFF, DH and DETR given that almost all issues have UK-wide applications.
Policy relies very heavily on the scientific advice.
Issues of practicality and enforcement are also carefully considered before policy decisions are taken. Mechanisms to Ensure Consistency with Other Departments 12. There is close liaison at all levels between Scottish Office officials and those of other Departments with GMO interests. A Scottish Minister is currently part of the Ministerial Group on Biotechnology and Genetic Modification, and there is Scottish Office representation at the related officials' meetings which take forward the agreed views and requirements of the Group. The Group provides a neutral forum for debate of GM policy at official level across Government.