Topical Questions 2022-03-10
2022-03-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK government received inquiries from farmers, food producers and water companies wanting to offer help to the people of Ukraine. The situation has led to turbulence in international commodity markets.
Following harrowing events after the invasion of Ukraine, my department has received many offers of assistance from local businesses. How is your Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs coordinating with other departments like FCDO and aid agencies to ensure these offers are channeled effectively?
The department is co-ordinating with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and aid agencies to target offers of help through appropriate channels.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Meat imported from New Zealand and Australia can be either in carcass form or deboned. There is a convention in the sheep meat sector based on something called the carcass-weight equivalent, but this does not always apply to beef.
In trade deals with New Zealand and Australia, are there any nuances regarding how meat should come into the UK, whether as carcasses or deboned? This would limit imports and keep value within the country.
In sheep meat trade deals, a convention is followed with carcass-weight equivalent. However, for beef, this does not always apply; however, there's a special safeguard mechanism based on carcass weight.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is important for animal sanctuaries. It was introduced in June and completed Committee stage in November.
My hon. Friend knows how crucial the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is for sanctuaries. Could you update us on its progress and timeline?
The bill has completed Committee stage in November, with new additions like a pet abduction offence and extended primates measures to Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Russia and Ukraine are significant in wheat exports and fertiliser supply. The UK was already facing a supply chain crisis before the war.
The Secretary of State, it has been two weeks since I submitted my parliamentary question. With Russia-Ukraine conflict affecting food security, what is your plan to address this?
A food strategy is being worked on that addresses all issues across the supply chain and some challenges in the industry.
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Assessment & feedback
the specific plan to address weakening food security was not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Food banks have raised concerns about turning away families due to the cost of living crisis. Some report decreased donations but increased demand.
With many food banks struggling, what specific measures will the Government take to deliver food justice and address this crisis?
The household support fund worth £500 million is available to help with food issues. We also have schemes to assist with energy costs.
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Assessment & feedback
specific measures for addressing the crisis were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Residents, particularly in urban areas, are concerned about breathing clean air. The government announced £11 million grants across projects.
Does my hon. Friend agree on the importance of clear air for residents? What specific support do the Government offer local authorities to tackle this issue?
The government announced more than £11 million in grants across local authority projects and made £880 million available. There's also a cross-Government approach with investments.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A poll shows that seven in ten people think breeding mammals for fur is immoral, even higher against force-feeding ducks and geese for foie gras.
Why are the Government considering the idea of lifting a proposed ban on fur farming and foie gras? Can they commit to putting this rumour to bed?
We are considering evidence regarding potential action for fur trade, guided by it. Further information will be provided in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
no commitment to lifting the ban was addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
Southern Water's figures indicate that for 236 hours between December 27, 2021 and January 6, 2022, untreated wastewater was discharged from the Lidsey sewage treatment plant. The final draft of 'The government's strategic priorities for Ofwat' states the Government expect water companies to significantly reduce the frequency and volume of sewage discharges.
According to Southern Water's figures, between December 27, 2021 and January 6, 2022, for 10 consecutive days untreated wastewater was discharged from Lidsey sewage treatment plant into Lidsey Rife. Can the Minister confirm—
Ofwat is legally required to act in accordance with the policy statement that my right hon. Friend referred to, and the Government expect Ofwat to take serious action against water companies. He might be aware that Ofwat called in five water companies just yesterday to look at what they are doing and their data, and our new system will tackle the issue.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of Newcastle's west end are facing issues with litter despite budget cuts. The extended producer responsibility scheme has been delayed.
Residents of Newcastle's west end are sick and tired of wading through litter. Despite swingeing cuts to Newcastle City Council's budget, it found extra money for street cleaning, but council tax payers should not bear the whole burden. Why has the extended producer responsibility scheme been delayed? Will she compensate the council?
We will be hearing the response to the extended producer responsibility consultation very shortly. I also highlight that, within a week, we have the Keep Britain Tidy and Clean for the Queen campaigns. That is about everyone taking on part of the responsibility and the extended producer responsibility scheme will help everyone to do that.
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Assessment & feedback
the delay in EPR implementation and compensation for Newcastle City Council
Highlighting Upcoming Campaigns
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
The problem at Walleys Quarry in Newcastle-under-Lyme is ongoing, affecting local residents. The Minister receives weekly updates.
I know that the Minister gets regular updates on the situation at Walleys Quarry in Newcastle-under-Lyme. She knows that the problem is not yet solved and people are still having to live with it. What update can she give me? What hope can she give to my constituents?
DEFRA's chief scientific adviser has been talking to independent external scientific experts about Walleys Quarry and site capping, gas management, air dispersal and leachate. My officials keep me regularly updated and my hon. Friend knows that I take it very seriously.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Farming is facing a critical situation with rising input costs, particularly for fuel and fertiliser.
I remind the House of my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. I say to the Secretary of State that farming faces a moment of existential crisis with massively increased input costs, especially for fuel and fertiliser, which could seriously reduce productivity in the long term. Will he use his office to bring together the unions, the supermarkets and other stakeholders in farming to find a way through so that farming has a long-term future?
Yes, we are doing that in fertiliser. We are also exploring options to identify alternative sources of animal protein.
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Assessment & feedback
convening stakeholders including unions and supermarkets
Exploring Alternative Protein Sources
Response accuracy