Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 12 January 2023 · 17 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 12 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Cat Smith inquired about a young farmer denied financial support under the Basic Payment Scheme, and the Minister suggested she write to the Farming Minister for a detailed review.
  • Marco Longhi questioned the Secretary of State about the export market potential for UK farmers and food sector in Brazil, and the response highlighted the significance of trade with Brazil and Mercosur.
  • Wera Hobhouse criticized the Government for scrapping environmental indicators and omitting water quality from legally binding targets, and the Minister assured that an environmental improvement plan would be published soon.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

A constituent, after returning from maternity leave, moved to a new farm but was denied the young farmer's financial support payment. The MP requested clarification and a meeting with the Farming Minister.

Question

I was contacted by a young farmer in my constituency who, after returning from maternity leave, moved to a new farm and created a new business. She was denied her young farmer's financial support payment by the basic payment scheme because the Rural Payments Agency deemed it to be a continuation of her old business. The BPS rules have no business continuation guidance. Why are the new business questionnaires needed when the RPA determines that a new farm is not a new business? Will the Secretary of State ask the Farming Minister to meet me and my constituent to discuss this case?

Answer from Therese Coffey

It would be helpful if the hon. Lady wrote directly to the Farming Minister, who I know is happy to meet her to go through the case. It sounds like quite a complicated, technical situation, so it may take a little time to get a full answer from the RPA.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit to asking the Farming Minister for a meeting but suggested writing directly instead.

How: Suggesting Alternative Action

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Q2 Marco Longhi
Business & Trade Environment
Context

The MP inquired about the importance of trade with Brazil, including its export market potential for UK farmers and its potential as a source of imported food.

Question

The Secretary of State has mentioned Brazil a few times today, and we know that she recently visited Brazil for the inauguration of President Lula. While acknowledging her brief time there, does she agree that Brazil represents a huge export market for our farmers and our food sector, as well as being a potential source of food that we currently import from elsewhere?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Brazil already produces a significant amount of foods that are not produced in this country, so we welcome any imports. My hon. Friend highlights the importance of trade and how we can export to Brazil. In any potential future trade agreement with Mercosur, of which Brazil is a member, we would want to make sure that we uphold our standards on food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.

Answered
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Q3 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Environment
Context

There were more than 775,000 sewage spills in England and Wales between 2020 and 2021. The MP raised concerns about the removal of important indicators for river health by the government.

Question

Between 2020 and 2021, there were more than 775,000 sewage spills in England and Wales. The Government have muddied the waters further by scrapping vital indicators of river and stream health, and by omitting water quality from their legally binding environmental targets. The Secretary of State avoided my previous question on this subject, so I ask again: how can our constituents be sure that their water is clean?

Answer from Therese Coffey

We will be publishing our environmental improvement plan, but the hon. Lady will be aware of the action already taken by the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow). As we have highlighted to the House today, thanks to Conservative Government monitoring is now widely available, so that we can tackle that, and we never had it before. That is why we are trying to resolve the issues and I know that the hon. Lady will want us to achieve that as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a specific answer on how constituents can be sure about water cleanliness, but referred to future plans and current actions by another Minister.

How: Referencing Other Actions

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Q4 Philip Davies Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP raised the issue of clear labelling for consumers who want or do not want to buy halal or kosher meat.

Question

Some people particularly want to buy halal and kosher meat, and some people particularly want to avoid doing so. Is it not time to properly label all these products appropriately, so that consumers, whether they want to buy this or do not want to buy it, can make an informed decision?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Government have committed to consult on mandatory labelling reforms this year. We want to make it easier for consumers to purchase products aligned with their values. As part of the consultation, we will seek views on labelling products that conform with religious requirements, such as those that are halal and kosher.

Answered
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Q5 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP met the Agricultural Industries Confederation Scotland and heard concerns about rising fertiliser costs due to high gas prices.

Question

Earlier this week, I met the Agricultural Industries Confederation Scotland and it echoed what I am hearing in North East Fife about the impact of gas prices on the cost of fertiliser. What assessment has the Minister undertaken of the impact of fertiliser costs on farming and what is he doing to prevent farmers from being forced to roll back agricultural production as a result of it?

Answer from Mark Spencer

I am chairing the fertiliser taskforce within DEFRA that is looking at these challenges. We recognise the huge pressure that fertiliser prices are putting on farmers up and down the country. We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to assist in dealing with the challenge we are facing. The good news is that the wholesale price of gas is coming down and some fertiliser prices are reflecting that drop in wholesale gas prices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a detailed assessment or specific actions taken but mentioned ongoing work and recent trends in gas and fertiliser prices.

How: Mentioning Ongoing Work

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Q6 Andrew Selous Con
Environment
Context

The MP raised concerns about local authorities not reviewing their air quality action plans regularly enough, leading to outdated and ineffective plans.

Question

The Government require local authorities to assess local air quality, but they only expect and request air quality action plans to be reviewed every five years. Many of those plans are seriously out of date, so will the Government please get a bit tougher with local authorities to make sure that those plans are up to date and are doing what they are supposed to do?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important point, which highlights not only the role of local authorities in air quality, but ensuring that these action plans are reviewed and delivered on time. We have recently updated our local air quality management policy guidance, with a new escalation process for local authorities that do not have an up-to-date plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not enforce stricter timelines but mentioned updating guidance and implementing an escalation process.

How: Mentioning Updated Guidelines

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Q7 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP raised concerns about repeated flooding of the River Severn and the Vyrnwy, which originates upstream in Wales.

Question

The River Severn and the River Vyrnwy are in flood again, and the Minister will know that this is the fourth year in a row we have seen flooding, with record flooding over the past three years. Obviously, that water originates upstream in Wales. Will she update me as to the conversations she has had with her Welsh colleagues about managing the upper Severn catchment?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

The hon. Lady raises the important point that the whole catchment is involved in flooding; this is about not just where the flooding occurs at the bottom, but where it comes from. Not long ago, I visited the Vyrnwy reservoir. Apparently, that was the first time a Minister had ever been there. I held a roundtable with the Welsh equivalent of the Environment Agency and all sorts of other bodies, but the Labour Welsh Environment Minister declined to join us.

Not addressed: The Minister focused on her visit and a missed opportunity for collaboration rather than addressing flood management discussions directly.

How: Changing Subject

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Q8 Steve Brine Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The MP's constituents were without mains water due to severe weather affecting Southern Water's facilities.

Question

Two days before Christmas, thousands of my constituents were left without any mains water after the big freeze followed by thaw led to a deluge. Does the Minister agree that Southern Water needs to explain and compensate residents this month? Will she thank Winchester scouts for their work in distributing bottled water?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Yes. I also thank my hon. Friend for his work as the local MP; all our local MPs got involved in this, as did DEFRA's emergency team. I met the chief executive officer of South East Water to talk about how it had to put up better water stations and improve its communications—all the things that he is mentioning. Its feet will be held to the fire to get its comms out to everybody to explain what happened and to improve the situation in future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific compensation details not provided

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q9 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Environment
Context

Untreated sewage was released for over 2.6 million hours in 2021 and customers pay a significant portion on servicing debt.

Question

Untreated sewage was released from storm overflows for more than 2.6 million hours in 2021, with customers paying 20% of their water bills on servicing debt. Does the Minister think that the current system of regulation is fit for purpose?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Yes, the Minister does think that the current regulation is fit for purpose, but many tweaks and improvements are made to ensure that it is working properly. That is why, under the Environment Act 2021, powers were given to Ofwat to alter the licences, so that what it pays out reflects whether it is improving the environment. That will be a critical step forward, as will our strategic policy statement that we gave it to put tackling storm overflows and improving the environment at the top of the agenda.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on customer financial burdens not provided

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q10 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
NHS Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in the constituency.

Question

H5N1 avian flu has been confirmed in Eden. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking frontline workers, including vets? Will farmers be reassured that support and compensation measures are constantly under review?

Answer from Mark Spencer

I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to those people who are working on avian flu, including the chief vet, who was recognised in the new year's honours list. I can assure my hon. Friend that we continue to talk to, and work with, industry to make sure that farmers can be profitable and confident that their business will succeed next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific assurances on ongoing review

How: Working With Partners

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Q11 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Context

Proposals to restrict plant-based products from using traditional meat and dairy terms.

Question

There are reports that the UK might adopt proposals banning producers of plant-based products from using traditional meat and dairy terms. Does the Minister think the British public is so stupid to think a product called 'oat milk' comes from a cow?

Answer from Therese Coffey

My advice is not to believe everything that we read in the papers.

Not addressed: No specific stance on labelling proposals

How: Does Not Engage With Question

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Q12 Scott Benton
Local Government Environment
Context

Blackpool's historic piers are deteriorating due to coastal erosion.

Question

Blackpool's historic piers show signs of significant deterioration. Although the Department is providing £12 million for coastal erosion, the measures needed around the piers are not included. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how they can be amended?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Within our budgets, we have the coastal erosion fund, of which my hon. Friend is aware. The pier is a very specific case. Of course, I would be happy to meet him to discuss this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment on plan amendment

How: Will Meet

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Q13 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Environment
Context

Research shows over 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away weekly.

Question

Material Focus found that at least 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week, including precious metals improperly disposed of and litter issues. What is the Secretary of State doing to support clear recycling advice?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. We had a recent debate on this subject. It is astounding that these disposable vapes are being literally littered. Measures include our extended producer responsibility scheme, which puts the onus on the manufacturer and the seller of the product to deal with their safe disposal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific recycling advice mentioned

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q14 Selaine Saxby
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Request to increase hedgerow coverage by 40% by 2040.

Question

What steps is my hon. Friend taking to support the planting of hedgerows to increase hedgerow coverage by 40% by 2040?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

Hedgerows are absolutely fantastic, as I saw for myself here in Parliament at the hedgerow showcase of CPRE, the Countryside Charity. As we treble tree planting across this country, I will ensure that we do everything possible to put hedge planting and protection at the forefront of our priorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps mentioned

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q15 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Concerns about alien plant species entering the UK.

Question

What discussions have Ministers had with colleagues about monitoring and restricting plants brought into the UK from overseas by the public to protect biodiversity and food production?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The hon. Lady raises an important question. It is critical that we have that information for the public at our borders, as well as the targeted information focused on nurseries. We will continue to inform the public that bringing alien species into this country is bad news for nature in the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific monitoring measures mentioned

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q16 Andrew Selous Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Two horses died in New Year's fireworks celebrations this year, one incident occurring in Andrew Selous' constituency. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 struggles to enforce regulations against such incidents.

Question

New year's fireworks celebrations caused the deaths of two horses this year—one in my constituency. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is very difficult to enforce. May I meet the animal welfare Minister to look at this issue? The numbers are astounding. No fireworks display is ever worth the death of a much-loved family pet or animal.

Answer from Therese Coffey

I am conscious of the impact fireworks can have on animals. I will share my hon. Friend's concerns with my noble Friend Lord Benyon, who covers this area, and I expect Lord Benyon will meet with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request was not directly addressed or committed to.

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Q17 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland
Context

Vets in Northern Ireland face difficulties accessing essential veterinary medicines due to the Northern Ireland protocol, impacting both availability and cost.

Question

The Minister will be aware of the Northern Ireland protocol and the difficulties that vets in Northern Ireland are experiencing in accessing medicines. It is important that assistance is given on both availability and cost. Vets are reorientating their supply chains with great difficulty. Can I seek the Minister's help for Northern Ireland vets in respect of medicines access, so that we have the same access to treatment as the rest of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the status of what is happening with the Northern Ireland protocol. My noble Friend Lord Benyon leads on borders and veterinarians, so I will bring the hon. Gentleman's question to his attention. It is important that we continue to ensure a peaceful solution to what is happening in Northern Ireland and a restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly as quickly as possible.

Not addressed: The issue was not directly addressed, focusing instead on broader political issues regarding the Northern Ireland protocol.

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