Topical Questions 2023-07-06
2023-07-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The week saw significant events in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) including a ban on plastics and discussions around water industry financial resilience.
It has been a particularly busy week for DEFRA with several key announcements. Does the Secretary of State agree that speculation about the water industry's financial resilience should be treated carefully?
The Government have confidence in the financial resilience of the water sector. Significant discussions are ongoing and it is critical to treat any situation carefully, ensuring ongoing investment in the water industry.
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Assessment & feedback
Treating Speculation Carefully
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
There has been misinformation about the government's action on puppy farming from opposition members.
Thankfully, my dog Sidney Pickles came from a great home. However, there has been much misinformation about the Government's action on puppy farming from the Opposition. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government have taken firm action to stop unscrupulous selling of puppies by deceitful sellers?
Indeed, regulations require commercial dog breeders to hold a valid licence from their local authority and prohibit the third-party sale of puppies and kittens.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Water companies have racked up debts of over £60 billion since Tory privatisation. Every day, 800 sewage dumps occur and over 3 billion litres of water are lost to leaks.
Since Tory privatisation, water companies have racked up debts of over £60 billion. Is this an isolated case or does the Secretary of State believe that five companies rated as being of concern by Ofwat represent a broader issue?
The Government have full confidence in the financial resilience of the water sector. However, the gearing for Thames Water increased significantly under Labour's government.
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Assessment & feedback
Speculation And Misinformed Comments
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Five companies are rated as being of concern by Ofwat. The MP has written a letter setting out six key tests to protect bill payers, workers and taxpayers from boardroom failures.
People know that Thames Water is not an isolated case: five companies are rated as being of concern by the Government's own financial regulator. Will she act to protect the national interest based on these six key tests?
I will respond to his letter before recess. Speculation around the water industry does not help, but Ofwat has acted and new equity has come into many companies.
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Assessment & feedback
Speculation
Measured Approach
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Hundreds of animal lovers across the west midlands have suffered the crime of pet theft in recent years.
What are Ministers doing to prevent such crimes?
Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence. We have legislated to require the microchipping of cats and dogs, which can act as an effective deterrent.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been an escalating number of dangerous dog attacks, including a death in Milngavie.
Will the Secretary of State review the Government's decision to drop the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill? If not, how will she deliver its measures by different means?
We intend to take through manifesto commitments. We have a taskforce working on this situation and expect a report with recommendations later this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Taskforce
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The Yorkshire Water's sewer improvement project in Ilkley is a result of the Environment Act 2021, which the opposition voted against at every stage.
Does the Minister agree that the Government are purely focused on cleaning up the water quality of our rivers?
Absolutely right, this Government have got water quality on the radar. We are cleaning up our rivers and 93% of our bathing waters are classed as good or excellent.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Gateshead food bank and Feeding Families, operating in Blaydon and Consett, have seen significant increases in demand for food parcels. Food inflation is at 18.3%, exacerbating the situation.
The huge increases in demand for food parcels from Gateshead food bank and Feeding Families are due to rising food inflation of 18.3%. What will the Minister do to tackle food inflation so people don't have to rely on these organisations?
The Government are investing in farmers for more efficient food production and a £94 billion support package has been provided, with an additional £100 million for charities.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address measures to reduce food inflation specifically
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Anglian Water was required to submit a plan for mitigating storm overflows to the Secretary of State by last Friday, concerning Southend-on-Sea residents.
Due to this Government's actions, Anglian Water was supposed to have its plan for mitigating storm overflow usage on the Secretary of State's desk last Friday. Was it there and when can my constituents see it?
All water companies have submitted their storm overflow mitigation plans, which are currently being analysed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when residents can see the plans
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Cambridge suffers from poor air quality affecting young people, pregnant women, and others.
What should I tell my twin grandsons in Cambridge about their future given that air quality is poisoning them? What will the Secretary of State do to clean up the environment for that generation?
Vote for a Conservative MP.
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Assessment & feedback
Completely avoided discussing any environmental policies or actions
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about accurate food labelling to support UK farmers.
What assurance can the Farming Minister give my Ynys Môn farmers that this Government are doing all they can for food labelling accuracy? Will you accept an invitation to discuss this at the Anglesey show on 15 and 16 August?
Welcoming Welsh farmers, supporting UK farms with red tractor labels. Will check diary for attendance at the Anglesey show.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide assurances about food labelling accuracy specifically
Response accuracy