Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 10 March 2022 · 11 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The department is coordinating with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and aid agencies to target offers of help through appropriate channels.
  • In sheep meat trade deals, a convention is followed with carcass-weight equivalent, while for beef, a special safeguard mechanism based on carcass weight is in place.
  • The bill has completed Committee stage, including new additions like a pet abduction offence and extended primates measures to Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Edwards PC
Ukraine Brexit Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from George Eustice

The department is co-ordinating with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and aid agencies to target offers of help through appropriate channels.

Answered
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Q2 Jonathan Edwards PC
Business & Trade
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.

Question

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.

Answer from George Eustice

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 Stephen Hammond Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is important for animal sanctuaries. It was introduced in June and completed Committee stage in November.

Question

My hon. Friend knows how crucial the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is for sanctuaries. Could you update us on its progress and timeline?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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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Q4 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Brexit
Context

Russia and Ukraine are significant in wheat exports and fertiliser supply. The UK was already facing a supply chain crisis before the war.

Question

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?

Answer from George Eustice

A food strategy is being worked on that addresses all issues across the supply chain and some challenges in the industry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the specific plan to address weakening food security was not detailed

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Q5 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

Food banks have raised concerns about turning away families due to the cost of living crisis. Some report decreased donations but increased demand.

Question

With many food banks struggling, what specific measures will the Government take to deliver food justice and address this crisis?

Answer from George Eustice

The household support fund worth £500 million is available to help with food issues. We also have schemes to assist with energy costs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific measures for addressing the crisis were not detailed

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Q6 Tom Randall
Environment
Context

Residents, particularly in urban areas, are concerned about breathing clean air. The government announced £11 million grants across projects.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

We are considering evidence regarding potential action for fur trade, guided by it. Further information will be provided in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no commitment to lifting the ban was addressed directly

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Q8 Nick Gibb Con
Energy Environment
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.

Question

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—

Answer from Rebecca Pow

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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Q9 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Housing Local Government Environment
Context

Residents of Newcastle's west end are facing issues with litter despite budget cuts. The extended producer responsibility scheme has been delayed.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the delay in EPR implementation and compensation for Newcastle City Council

How: Highlighting Upcoming Campaigns

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Q10 Aaron Bell
Environment
Context

The problem at Walleys Quarry in Newcastle-under-Lyme is ongoing, affecting local residents. The Minister receives weekly updates.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farming is facing a critical situation with rising input costs, particularly for fuel and fertiliser.

Question

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?

Answer from George Eustice

Yes, we are doing that in fertiliser. We are also exploring options to identify alternative sources of animal protein.

Partly answered

Not addressed: convening stakeholders including unions and supermarkets

How: Exploring Alternative Protein Sources

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