Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Shellfish Industry

Thursday 17 June 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The FSA has revised its shellfish waters classification process to ensure proportionate and pragmatic public health protection.
  • The process to accelerate FSA recommendations is being expedited but must remain robust and fair.
  • Government officials are working across departments to support the shellfish industry and prevent business closures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anthony Mangnall
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The EU ban on live bivalve molluscs from class B waters has affected the shellfish industry, prompting calls for support and clarification.

Question

What steps are being taken to support the shellfish industry in light of the European Commission's import ban?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The FSA has revised its shellfish waters classification process to ensure classifications are proportionate and pragmatic, providing high levels of public health protection.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for support beyond mentioning the FSA's revisions

How: Changed Subject To Positive Aspects

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Q2 Anthony Mangnall
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister mentioned accelerating the process, raising concerns about whether recommendations can be brought forward earlier than September 2021.

Question

Is there any chance that FSA's recommendations can be brought forward ahead of September 2021?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The process is being accelerated but it must remain robust and fair. The Prime Minister and DEFRA are doing everything they can to speed up the process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or confirm any earlier dates

How: Reiterated Commitment Without Specifics

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Q3 Luke Pollard Labour (Co-op) Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Government's response to the EU ban has been criticised, with pressure mounting for legal action if they think the EU has acted unlawfully.

Question

If Ministers believe that the European Union has acted unlawfully or incorrectly in its decision on shellfish imports, why have they not initiated legal proceedings?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

There is a process to follow and we will consider when and if legal action should become appropriate. However, legal action is never a quick fix.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide reasons for not initiating legal proceedings or confirm any intentions

How: Emphasized Process Over Immediate Actions

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Q4 Neil Parish Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Concerns about the economic impact on shellfish businesses due to reclassification from B to A and calls for direct support.

Question

Why has legal action not been taken against the EU? The FSA can reallocate water classifications faster. We need agencies to work together more quickly, and direct support is necessary to prevent shellfish businesses from going out of business.

Answer from Victoria Prentis

We are looking at how we can best support the industry in a proportionate and joined-up way, including speaking to colleagues across Government repeatedly with those in the FSA and Department of Health and Social Care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific direct support measures or confirm faster inter-agency coordination

How: Reiterated Commitment Without Specifics

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