Tuesday 8 January 2013 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Enterprise and Environment John Wilson (Central Scotland) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the introduction of genetically modified food production. (S4W-11794) Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government maintains a precautionary approach to the production of genetically modified food and will continue to defend the integrity of our own food and drink sector by continuing to oppose the cultivation of GM crops in Scotland. In addition, there is no evidence of either a drive from retailers to sell genetically modified food, or a demand from consumers to buy it. Liz Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many flood mitigation issues have been identified by local authorities. (S4W-11796) Paul Wheelhouse: The National Flood Risk Assessment published in December 2011 revealed that around 125,000 properties in Scotland are at risk from flooding; this represents one in 22 homes and one in 13 businesses. Strategy and External Affairs John Lamont (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether and, if so, from which (a) individuals, (b) organisations or (c) bodies it has sought legal advice regarding an independent Scotland’s membership of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. Holding answer issued: 16 November 2012 (S4W-10932) John Swinney: I refer the member to the Lord Advocate’s letter to Ruth Davidson MSP of 30 October in which he set out his view regarding the consideration of legal advice. A copy of the letter to Ruth Davidson was placed in the Scottish Parliaments Information Centre (Bib. number 54425). .