Topical Questions 2022-09-08

2022-09-08

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jessica Morden Lab
Newport East
Context
Valiant food banks in Newport East are struggling due to rising costs and reduced donations.
Valiant food banks serving Newport East tell me that they will really struggle to stay open this winter with rising energy, fuel and insurance costs and people finding it more difficult to donate to them. They provide a vital service that, sadly, we will need more than ever before, so what immediate steps will the Government take to help them stay open this winter?
I encourage the hon. Lady to wait to hear the Prime Minister later today.
Assessment & feedback
No specific immediate steps were provided.
Wait For Pm'S Statement
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Long-term decisions on energy prices are impacting food security.
From farm to fork, long-term decisions on rising energy prices are being made that could have a devastating impact on food security. Will my right hon. Friend please work with colleagues in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure that food production businesses and the wider supply chain receive the support they need to tackle rising energy prices?
My hon. Friend is, of course, right. I also encourage him to wait to hear what the Prime Minister says later today. It is very, very important to ensure we continue to be able to produce some of the best food in the world and the Government are committed to doing that.
Assessment & feedback
No specific collaboration or support measures were provided.
Wait For Pm'S Statement
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Rupa Huq Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Context
Ealing Central and Acton experienced numerous raw sewage dumps in 2021.
It is not just beaches. In 2021, Ealing and Acton saw 34 raw sewage dumps—216 hours' worth—including in the dear old River Brent. Did taking back control mean returning to being the dirty man of Europe? Is it any wonder that “Brexit opportunities” has vanished from the new ministerial responsibilities?
Listening to those on the Labour Benches, one would think that between 1997 and 2010 there was no sewage discharge from our system. The fact is that there was, but it is only because of the measures that this Government have taken to put monitoring in place that we are aware of the problem, and we are now the first Government ever to take action to solve this problem.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
Rob and Sally Mercer, a local farm near Lichfield, provides fresh food to families and runs an education project.
Rob and Sally Mercer, in their farm near Lichfield, each week provide fresh meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables to around 250 families. They run an education project, too, and they have an established charity. I have nominated them for a National Farmers Union community farming hero award, so my challenging question to the Minister is this: does he agree with me that they should get it?
I pay tribute to Rob and Sally. Staffordshire farmers are second only to Nottinghamshire farmers in their delivery for UK food production.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
Only one of the three proposed animal welfare Bills from 2021 Queen's Speech has been enshrined into law.
The Government have said that they aspire to be a global leader in animal welfare, yet only one of the three animal welfare Bills proposed in the 2021 Queen's Speech has since been enshrined into law. Earlier this year the Government scrapped the Animals Abroad Bill entirely, which would have ensured that cruel animal practices abroad were not supported by the UK consumer market. Does the Minister agree that a country that cares for animals as much as we do should play no part in the import of fur, foie gras and hunting trophies?
We have long set out that we have no plans to change our animal welfare, food safety or environmental standards, and that remains the case.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Social media claims about water quality are deemed misleading by the Environment Agency.
In my tourist town of Eastbourne, the sea is our greatest asset. Meeting with the Environment Agency just a week or two ago, water quality was deemed to be good, yet social media discharges by local Liberal Democrats would have people believe that it is dangerous to swim. Does my hon. Friend agree that the raft of measures we are bringing in through the Environment Act 2021 will not only improve the quality of the water, but that responsible, balanced and honest accounting is important, too?
My hon. Friend is a strong champion for her constituency of Eastbourne and the businesses there. She is absolutely right. This is the first Government ever to take the action we are taking to address this long-standing issue that has been going on for many, many generations. She is absolutely right that the misinformation put out by some Opposition parties is shameless scaremongering.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Kerry McCarthy Lab
Bristol East
Context
The Prime Minister criticized solar panels on agricultural land but ignored biomass.
During her leadership campaign, the now Prime Minister chose to make a big thing of solar panels being on agricultural land. She did not talk about biomass, which actually takes up far more arable land. Does the Secretary of State agree with her attacks on solar, or does he think that it has a role to play in helping to sort out our energy crisis?
I want to see top-quality agricultural land being used to grow food.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The Agriculture Act 2020 requires the Secretary of State to report on UK food security every three years.
The Agriculture Act 2020 states that the Secretary of State has to come before Parliament every three years to report on the UK's food security. Will he do so this autumn?
Having been in the role just over 24 hours, I will review all my duties in due course.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to report this autumn was avoided.
Just Started Position
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Liz Twist Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Context
The Environment Agency's budget has been halved over the past decade.
The Environment Agency is a key player in tackling sewage discharges, yet it has seen its funding halved over the past 10 years. What is the Minister doing to reinstate the essential funding for the Environment Agency?
I do not recognise the figures that the hon. Lady quotes. In this spending review, the DEFRA budget increased by more than £4 billion, and the Environment Agency is being more active than ever before in enforcing the regulations on our water quality.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to reinstate funding were avoided.
Dispute Figures
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
United Utilities is consulting on a plan to spend up to £18 billion on water quality and sewage discharge improvements in the area.
I am concerned about clean water in the Ladybrook, the Micker brook and all streams feeding into the River Mersey. United Utilities' plan will cost up to £18 billion. I am encouraging my Cheadle constituency to join this consultation. Will the Minister support me by urging everyone to participate?
My hon. Friend is right that addressing sewage discharge issues requires a combined effort from all parties. It is crucial for everyone to engage and ensure we get the best solutions.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to joining or encouraging others in the consultation
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Alex Davies-Jones Lab
Pontypridd
Context
The demand for pet food banks is increasing due to the cost of living crisis, leading to concerns about abandoned animals.
Charities are bracing for an increase in abandoned pets as owners struggle with rising costs. What assurances can you give us about targeted financial support for charities during this difficult winter?
The Government have introduced £37 billion in household support, targeting those most in need. Further measures will be announced by the Prime Minister later today.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide assurances about specific financial support for pet food banks and animal welfare charities
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
There are now regulatory and criminal investigations into Walleys Quarry Ltd following an announcement by the Environment Agency.
Will the new Secretary of State visit Newcastle-under-Lyme to oversee the ongoing investigations, ensuring justice for my constituents?
I am aware of the issues with Walleys Quarry Ltd. We are making progress on enforcement action with the Environment Agency. I am happy to meet with my hon. Friend if appropriate.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to visiting Newcastle-under-Lyme or ensuring investigations conclude quickly
Response accuracy