Horticultural Peat 2024-02-01
2024-02-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to end the use of peat in horticulture, as signalled by the government in 2020.
When will the Department bring forward legislative proposals to ban the sale of horticultural peat?
This Government are committed to legislating for a ban on the sale of peat for use in amateur gardening as soon as parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, we continue to work with industry to explore ways to transition completely to peat-free products.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific timeline or date for when legislation will be introduced.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the urgent need for legislation to ban peat use in horticulture, supported by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Given that UK peatlands store 3 billion tonnes of carbon, which is more than all forests in the UK, France and Germany combined, why has there been no primary legislation yet despite previous proposals? The RHS is committed to being peat-free but needs urgent legislative support.
This Government are committed to ending the use of peat in horticulture and will legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows. We work closely with those who want peat-free mediums, including funding research on alternative products. Peat use has halved since 2020.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific timeline for when the legislation will be introduced.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Peatlands in Northern Ireland are crucial for water absorption, habitat improvement, and carbon storage.
With the potential restart of the Northern Ireland Assembly, will discussions be held with the DAERA Minister to ensure collaboration on improving peatland conditions?
Peatlands are important habitats, and we work closely on restoration projects. We have increased sustainable farming incentive payments to over £900 a hectare for re-wetting peat.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not confirm specific discussions with the DAERA Minister.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the urgency for legislation to ban horticultural peat sales, which was expected in the King's Speech but not included.
Given the Government's intentions on peatland and industry support, why is there no parliamentary time allocated for this urgent policy? We were expecting legislation in the King's Speech.
We are committed to banning the use of peat when parliamentary time allows. We work on projects for peatland restoration and farmer transition to new crops, with increased sustainable farming incentive payments.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific timeline or clarify why legislation is delayed.
Response accuracy