Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 6 July 2023 · 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 3 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have confidence in the financial resilience of the water sector and are treating any situation carefully to ensure ongoing investment.
  • The Government have taken firm action to stop unscrupulous selling of puppies by requiring commercial dog breeders to hold a valid licence and prohibiting third-party sales.
  • Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence, and legislation has been passed to require the microchipping of cats and dogs as an effective deterrent.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Suzanne Webb
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The week saw significant events in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) including a ban on plastics and discussions around water industry financial resilience.

Question

It has been a particularly busy week for DEFRA with several key announcements. Does the Secretary of State agree that speculation about the water industry's financial resilience should be treated carefully?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The Government have confidence in the financial resilience of the water sector. Significant discussions are ongoing and it is critical to treat any situation carefully, ensuring ongoing investment in the water industry.

Partly answered

How: Treating Speculation Carefully

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Q2 Suzanne Webb
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

There has been misinformation about the government's action on puppy farming from opposition members.

Question

Thankfully, my dog Sidney Pickles came from a great home. However, there has been much misinformation about the Government's action on puppy farming from the Opposition. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government have taken firm action to stop unscrupulous selling of puppies by deceitful sellers?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Indeed, regulations require commercial dog breeders to hold a valid licence from their local authority and prohibit the third-party sale of puppies and kittens.

Answered
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Q3 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Energy Environment
Context

Water companies have racked up debts of over £60 billion since Tory privatisation. Every day, 800 sewage dumps occur and over 3 billion litres of water are lost to leaks.

Question

Since Tory privatisation, water companies have racked up debts of over £60 billion. Is this an isolated case or does the Secretary of State believe that five companies rated as being of concern by Ofwat represent a broader issue?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The Government have full confidence in the financial resilience of the water sector. However, the gearing for Thames Water increased significantly under Labour's government.

Partly answered

How: Speculation And Misinformed Comments

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

Five companies are rated as being of concern by Ofwat. The MP has written a letter setting out six key tests to protect bill payers, workers and taxpayers from boardroom failures.

Question

People know that Thames Water is not an isolated case: five companies are rated as being of concern by the Government's own financial regulator. Will she act to protect the national interest based on these six key tests?

Answer from Therese Coffey

I will respond to his letter before recess. Speculation around the water industry does not help, but Ofwat has acted and new equity has come into many companies.

Partly answered

How: Speculation, Measured Approach

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Q5 Eddie Hughes Con
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Hundreds of animal lovers across the west midlands have suffered the crime of pet theft in recent years.

Question

What are Ministers doing to prevent such crimes?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence. We have legislated to require the microchipping of cats and dogs, which can act as an effective deterrent.

Answered
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Q6 Amy Callaghan
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

There has been an escalating number of dangerous dog attacks, including a death in Milngavie.

Question

Will the Secretary of State review the Government's decision to drop the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill? If not, how will she deliver its measures by different means?

Answer from Therese Coffey

We intend to take through manifesto commitments. We have a taskforce working on this situation and expect a report with recommendations later this year.

Partly answered

How: Taskforce

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Q7 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The Yorkshire Water's sewer improvement project in Ilkley is a result of the Environment Act 2021, which the opposition voted against at every stage.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the Government are purely focused on cleaning up the water quality of our rivers?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Absolutely right, this Government have got water quality on the radar. We are cleaning up our rivers and 93% of our bathing waters are classed as good or excellent.

Answered
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Q8 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Gateshead food bank and Feeding Families, operating in Blaydon and Consett, have seen significant increases in demand for food parcels. Food inflation is at 18.3%, exacerbating the situation.

Question

The huge increases in demand for food parcels from Gateshead food bank and Feeding Families are due to rising food inflation of 18.3%. What will the Minister do to tackle food inflation so people don't have to rely on these organisations?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Government are investing in farmers for more efficient food production and a £94 billion support package has been provided, with an additional £100 million for charities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address measures to reduce food inflation specifically

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Q9 Anna Firth
Environment
Context

Anglian Water was required to submit a plan for mitigating storm overflows to the Secretary of State by last Friday, concerning Southend-on-Sea residents.

Question

Due to this Government's actions, Anglian Water was supposed to have its plan for mitigating storm overflow usage on the Secretary of State's desk last Friday. Was it there and when can my constituents see it?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

All water companies have submitted their storm overflow mitigation plans, which are currently being analysed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when residents can see the plans

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Q10 Barry Sheerman Lab
Environment
Context

Cambridge suffers from poor air quality affecting young people, pregnant women, and others.

Question

What should I tell my twin grandsons in Cambridge about their future given that air quality is poisoning them? What will the Secretary of State do to clean up the environment for that generation?

Answer from Therese Coffey

Vote for a Conservative MP.

Not addressed: Completely avoided discussing any environmental policies or actions

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Q11 Virginia Crosbie
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns about accurate food labelling to support UK farmers.

Question

What assurance can the Farming Minister give my Ynys Môn farmers that this Government are doing all they can for food labelling accuracy? Will you accept an invitation to discuss this at the Anglesey show on 15 and 16 August?

Answer from Mark Spencer

Welcoming Welsh farmers, supporting UK farms with red tractor labels. Will check diary for attendance at the Anglesey show.

Not addressed: Did not provide assurances about food labelling accuracy specifically

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