Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 9 December 2021 · 12 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 9 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Penrose raised concerns about the highest number of avian influenza cases in the UK since last year, and the Secretary of State responded by confirming the introduction of an avian influenza prevention zone.
  • Jim McMahon criticized the delay in national action and military intervention following Storm Arwen, and the Secretary of State acknowledged that a colleague visited impacted areas and discussed issues with farmers.
  • Neil Hudson asked about closing exemptions in standards for international trade and public sector food procurement, and the Secretary of State thanked him for his questioning and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve Government procurement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Penrose Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The UK faces a seasonal risk of avian influenza associated with migratory wild birds. This year, the outbreak has been exceptionally large, with 36 confirmed cases, making it the largest since last year's record of 26 cases.

Question

I am concerned about the significant increase in this year's avian influenza outbreak in the UK, with 36 confirmed cases—the highest number seen. Can the Secretary of State make a statement on his departmental responsibilities and elaborate on the measures taken to address this issue?

Answer from George Eustice

Each year, we face seasonal risks of avian influenza linked with migratory birds. This year, however, we have seen an unprecedented outbreak in the UK, with 36 confirmed cases—the highest number since last year's record of 26. We have introduced an avian influenza prevention zone on November 3rd in England and November 17th in Northern Ireland, alongside additional housing orders that came into effect on November 29th. The chief veterinary officer is actively leading the response to this outbreak.

Answered
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Q2 John Penrose Con
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The UK's post-Brexit landscape presents opportunities for simplifying bureaucratic red tape while maintaining high food and environmental standards. The “Power to the people” report outlines proposals for better regulation.

Question

Following our exit from the EU, we have the chance to replace cumbersome regulations with modern, efficient digital alternatives without compromising on food or environmental standards. My report on 'better regulation' has been commissioned by the Government. What plans does my right hon. Friend have to implement these proposals and when will they be introduced?

Answer from George Eustice

Thank you for your work on the 'Power to the people' report. There are many aspects of this report that we intend to implement, although specific timelines and details have not been provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a concrete timeline or detailed implementation plans.

How: There Are Many Things In His Report That We Do Indeed Intend To Take Forward.

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Q3 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Storm Arwen caused significant devastation in the north of England, leaving over 20,000 homes without power for a week. Despite the severity, it took a full week to declare it a major incident and another week before military support was deployed.

Question

Thank you Mr Speaker. The disruption from Storm Arwen was severe; more than 20,000 homes were left powerless for over a week with minimal on-the-ground support despite the severity. This required immediate national action but it took a full week to declare as such and another for military intervention. Given my region's rural nature and your responsibility, can you confirm when you visited these communities post-Storm Arwen and what you learned?

Answer from George Eustice

My colleague, the Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Food, visited the impacted areas last week. She met with farmers to discuss their challenges such as power disruptions and damage to fencing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not directly address his own visit or learnings.

How: My Colleague... Visited The Impacted Areas Last Week.

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Q4 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Post-Storm Arwen, there was a delay in declaring it a major incident and military intervention. The community faced severe hardships for over a week with minimal support.

Question

This situation constituted a national emergency but no Cobra meeting was held; the Prime Minister was absent and the Secretary of State failed to take charge. With Ofgem planning a narrow review, will the Secretary of State now acknowledge his role's inadequacy by apologising for not visiting affected communities and commit to a comprehensive internal review?

Answer from George Eustice

My colleague, the Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Food, visited and met with farmers. I have been informed about issues such as fencing damage by storms. My colleagues in BEIS are addressing power disruption concerns diligently.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide an apology or commit to a comprehensive review.

How: My Colleague... Visited And Met With Farmers.

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Q5 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Government buying standards for food and catering services include an exemption if meeting high animal welfare and food production standards would increase costs, which the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee sees as a loophole.

Question

It is essential to maintain our high standards in international trade and public sector food procurement. The current standards allow exemptions if compliance increases costs. Will my right hon. Friend update on when the Government will close this exemption gap, as recommended by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee?

Answer from George Eustice

I thank my hon. Friend for his passionate questioning on this matter. We have improved Government procurement over the years, including the balanced scorecard introduced five years ago. There is more to be done, and I will review the specific proposal from him and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a concrete timeline or commitment to closing this exemption gap.

How: There Is More That Can Be Done.

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Q6 Deidre Brock SNP
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Post-Brexit, agricultural support levels vary between Scotland and England. The UK Internal Market Act and the Subsidy Control Bill may affect Scottish support measures.

Question

I welcome the new shadow Minister and Secretary of State to their roles. I commend my predecessor for his diligence and knowledge. Will the Minister confirm that the Government will not use the UK Internal Market Act or Subsidy Control Bill to reduce Scotland's agricultural support levels below those in England?

Answer from George Eustice

We have outlined our aggregate market support through the WTO schedule, and this provides no particular constraints. Agriculture policy is devolved, so each part of the UK decides its own policies.

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Q7 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Taxation
Context

Recent tax changes have raised concerns among cider producers, particularly regarding the impact on traditional strong ciders. The constituency of West Worcestershire is renowned for its ciders.

Question

On behalf of small and large cider makers in West Worcestershire, I thank the Secretary of State for his advocacy to the Chancellor on tax issues. Is he making representations for larger, traditionally made ciders affected by the recent changes?

Answer from George Eustice

I am aware that my hon. Friend represents a famous area for ciders. I would be happy to meet with her and any businesses to discuss their specific tax concerns, although alcohol duties remain a Treasury matter.

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Q8 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Energy Environment
Context

The question was prompted by the issue of sewage being dumped into Newcastle's waterways for hundreds of hours each year, which is causing concern among constituents.

Question

My constituents were horrified to learn just how much sewage is dumped into Newcastle's waterways during hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of hours each year. Instead of the meaningless progressive reductions that the Government are currently proposing, when will they ban the dumping of sewage so that my constituents can enjoy the glorious River Tyne in all its natural beauty and safety?

Answer from George Eustice

Earlier this year, we published the direction—the strategic policy plan—for Ofwat, which requires it to prioritise reducing the use of these combined sewer overflows and to secure the funding through the pricing review to deliver that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or ban on sewage dumping

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Q9 Scott Benton
Environment
Context

The question was prompted by an avian flu outbreak that caused the death of 15 swans in Blackpool's Stanley Park and subsequent cases found across the UK.

Question

In Blackpool's Stanley Park, 15 swans died last month following an outbreak of a deadly bird flu virus. Sadly, over the past month, avian flu has been found in several areas across the UK, and further cases have been confirmed this week. I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his update on this issue a few moments ago. Will he arrange for me to meet with officials in his Department so that I can discuss this particular issue in Blackpool?

Answer from George Eustice

My hon. Friend makes a good point. My noble Friend Lord Benyon is leading on this issue and I will ensure that he can have that conversation. As I have said, we are following this closely, and the chief veterinary officer is leading our response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to arranging a meeting with officials

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Q10 Barry Sheerman Lab
Climate Environment
Context

The question was prompted by the need for sustainable growth in towns and cities, with a specific reference to a campaign for 500 sustainable towns, cities, and communities.

Question

When will the Secretary of State wake up and take a lead on sustainability? We have talked about clean air and clean water, but we need every town and city in this country to be sustainable for communities. When will he join our campaign for 500 sustainable towns, cities and communities? Moreover, will he stop dodging “Farming Today” and not appearing on the show?

Answer from George Eustice

I regularly appear on “Farming Today”, as do my ministerial colleagues. The issue that the hon. Gentleman raises specifically is addressed through the Environment Act 2021, which has just been passed into law. We now have biodiversity net gain, which very much relates to local authorities, making sure that we have sustainable growth and space for nature in every part of our country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to joining the campaign or leading on sustainability specifically

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Q11 Michael Fabricant Con
Energy
Context

The question was prompted by the need to address delays in restoring power following severe storms like Storm Arwen.

Question

Although hon. Members on both sides of the House are justified in saying that it took a long time to restore power following Storm Arwen, is the Minister aware that when Storm Sandy hit the east coast of the United States, it took six months to restore power in some parts of southern Manhattan?

Answer from George Eustice

My hon. Friend makes a good point. A storm of this scale, which brings down this number of trees, can cause significant damage to infrastructure. We should pay tribute to the work that many engineers would have been doing around the clock to try to restore power.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address delays in restoring power or provide a comparison with US storms

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Q12 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Climate Environment
Context

The question was prompted by the importance of wetlands as a nature-based solution for climate, biodiversity, and wellbeing challenges.

Question

Wetlands, such as the RSPB's Newport wetlands, are one of the best nature-based solutions for the climate, biodiversity and wellbeing challenges that we face, so what steps are Ministers taking to restore and create wetlands, as Government advisers have recommended?

Answer from George Eustice

Some of this work will be taken forward in coastal areas through our agriculture policy. We are also looking at protected sites more generally and the work that we can do in wetland areas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for restoration and creation of wetlands

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