Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 6 February 2020 · 9 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 9 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister acknowledges dairy sector's 21% improvement in energy efficiency over the last decade.
  • Minister supports purchasing seasonal and British goods as a way to assist local farmers and preserve environmental quality.
  • Minister confirms that burdens on local authorities through the Environment Bill will be fully funded.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Crabb Con
Climate Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The dairy industry has shown significant improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Question

Data published shows the dairy sector delivering a 21% improvement on its energy efficiency over the last decade. Does the Minister agree that, rather than being a villain in climate change issues, the dairy industry is proving itself to be beneficial?

Answer from Theresa Villiers

I very much agree. I pay tribute to the huge efforts made in the dairy sector to become more efficient and more sustainable. I know that those in the sector have further plans through the pioneering dairy road map, and I wish them well with that.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Claire Coutinho Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The questioner highlights the importance of buying seasonal and British products to support local farmers and protect the environment.

Question

Does the Minister agree that purchasing seasonal and British goods is an excellent way to assist local farmers and preserve environmental quality?

Answer from Theresa Villiers

Yes, I do.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Liz Twist Lab
Local Government Environment
Context

Local authorities require additional strategic planners, ecologists, and enforcement officers to meet the biodiversity requirements set forth in the Environment Bill.

Question

If the biodiversity requirement is to have a significant impact, local government will need more staff. What assessment has been made of these human and financial needs?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Burdens put on local authorities through the Environment Bill will be fully funded. They will play a key role in helping with biodiversity net gain and setting up our local nature strategies, which will inform what we do, and I very much look forward to that.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Joy Morrissey Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The questioner acknowledges the efforts of local environmental groups in Beaconsfield and welcomes new standards for environmental protection and animal welfare post-EU.

Question

Will the Minister join me in welcoming the new environmental protection and animal welfare standards we will introduce as we leave the EU, and for supporting British farmers?

Answer from Theresa Villiers

I will indeed. Our departure from the European Union gives us the opportunity to introduce a new farming policy—a new system of farm support—that has sustainability and the environment at its heart. We can use that to support our farmers in the brilliant work they already do as stewards of our environment and countryside.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Fleur Anderson Lab
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The questioner is concerned about the high levels of ammonia emissions from farming, which exceed WHO safety limits and contribute to particulate pollution in London.

Question

Will the Secretary of State commit to addressing this issue of ammonia pollution through provisions in the Environment Bill?

Answer from Theresa Villiers

We have a strong focus on these matters. The measures we will be bringing forward in the Environment Bill will help us set challenging and demanding targets on those issues. Our new system of farm support will also provide support to farmers in reducing ammonia emissions. I know they are determined to do it.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Mike Penning Con Hemel Hempstead
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Animal rights activists have long called for an end to exporting animals on the hoof.

Question

Penning inquires if Theresa Villiers can confirm that post-Brexit, the practice of exporting live animals will cease.

Answer from Theresa Villiers

We want to see an end to live exports and are consulting on measures to improve the welfare of live animals in transport. We hope that ultimately this will result in an end to live exports overseas.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields
Environment
Context

A constituent of Emma Lewell-Buck, Mr Latimer, filed a complaint with the European Commission eight years ago regarding sewage discharge on to beaches.

Question

Lewell-Buck asks if Theresa Villiers can provide any update or action on her constituent's case from the European Court ruling.

Answer from Theresa Villers

I am certainly happy to look into that case and come back to the hon. Member.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Ben Lake PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Brexit Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The UK Government's policy on agricultural imports' standards is under scrutiny.

Question

Lake inquires if the Government's policies align with the relevant expert trade advisory group views on agricultural imports' standards.

Answer from Theresa Villers

In our trade negotiations, we will ensure that the outcome works for farmers and the nation as a whole. We will defend our standards in future trade negotiations.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Environment
Context

Prior to the election, there were promises made about legislative response to rotational burning of peatlands.

Question

McCarthy asks when legislation addressing rotational burning on blanket bog will be published or developed.

Answer from Theresa Villers

We are looking carefully at the issue and working closely with land managers to ensure that we see this practice come to an end. We have scrutinised voluntary mechanisms, and in due course, we will consider whether to legislate in this area.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)