Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 12 September 2024 · 19 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scotland's financial allocation will be confirmed through the spending review concluding in October.
  • The Government will not stand by and allow water pollution levels to continue, and will take action through the Water (Special Measures) Bill.
  • The Government remains committed to the environmental land management schemes and will make budget announcements at the appropriate time.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The financial allocation for Scotland's departments is yet to be confirmed through the spending review. The question arises from the need to provide clarity on how funding will support farming and agriculture in Scotland.

Question

Scotland's financial allocation will be confirmed through the spending review that concludes in October. As agriculture is devolved, it will be for the Scottish Government to allocate funding to farmers in Scotland. Will the Secretary of State make a statement on his departmental responsibilities?

Answer from Steve Reed

Scotland's financial allocation will be confirmed through the spending review that concludes in October. As agriculture is devolved, it will be for the Scottish Government to allocate funding to farmers in Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about making a statement on departmental responsibilities was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farming and agriculture are vital parts of the economy in west Fife and Dunfermline. The economic, social, and environmental value of active farming and crofting in Scotland is significant.

Question

Farming and agriculture are a vital part of the economy in west Fife and my constituency of Dunfermline and Dollar. Given the economic, social and environmental value of active farming and crofting in Scotland, will the Secretary of State share what he will do to ensure that food security and food production in Scotland remain at the heart of our national security?

Answer from Steve Reed

Many of those issues are devolved to the Scottish Government. I have already held meetings with the Scottish Agriculture Minister and we are due to meet again next week, and I will be making sure that we have a strong working relationship.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring food security was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire
Environment
Context

The Water (Special Measures) Bill was announced to strengthen requirements on water firms, but concerns exist about regulatory easements being introduced.

Question

The Secretary of State has repeatedly talked tough with the water companies. Will he confirm that there will be no regulatory easements as part of the review?

Answer from Steve Reed

The very Bill that the right hon. Gentleman referred to strengthens regulation. We will be looking further at regulation through the review. The intention will be to make it stronger, not weaker.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
Environment
Context

Raw sewage was discharged into rivers and seas for 4 million hours last year, causing significant environmental damage.

Question

Will the Minister reassure our coastal communities that water companies will be held accountable for necessary investment to address systemic pollution of waters?

Answer from Emma Hardy

We will not stand by and allow these levels of pollution to continue. I hope that where she saw inaction in the past, she will see this Government taking action right now through our Water (Special Measures) Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about holding water companies accountable was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Energy Environment
Context

Water bills in the west midlands are set to increase by 37% over the decade, causing concerns about affordability for constituents.

Question

What steps will the Secretary of State take to stop private water companies from increasing consumer bills and ensure they remain affordable?

Answer from Emma Hardy

Customer bills will be ringfenced under the changes brought about by the Government, and if that money is not spent on infrastructure improvement, it will be refunded to customers.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Helena Dollimore Labour (Co-op) Hastings and Rye
Energy Environment
Context

Water bills increased despite Southern Water failing to meet service standards, leading to environmental damage.

Question

What are the Government doing to clean up the mess left by Southern Water?

Answer from Steve Reed

One of the things we are looking at doing is doubling the rates of compensation from water companies when they let down their customers.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q7 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
NHS
Context

Animal and Plant Health Agency staff face challenges such as bluetongue in East Anglia, African swine fever across Europe, avian influenza, and bovine tuberculosis.

Question

Will the Minister support APHA by affirming that the Government will fully commit to the redevelopment of its HQ in Weybridge?

Answer from Mary Creagh

The Department remains vigilant to potential global disease threats and has robust measures in place. We will be looking at funding as part of the spending review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about full commitment for HQ redevelopment was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q8 Polly Billington Lab East Thanet
Local Government Environment
Context

Thanet district council faces high levels of littering and fly-tipping during peak tourist season, affecting local beaches.

Question

Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are popular seaside destinations. Thanet district council deals with significant littering and fly-tipping issues. At the end of a hot day, 5,000 people leave Margate main sands very dirty. The rubbish is an environmental and health hazard. What plans do the Government have to support coastal communities in tackling this blight?

Answer from Mary Creagh

I welcome my hon. Friend to her place. We need to educate the public that there is no such thing as 'away' when disposing of waste at beaches. I am convening a circular economy taskforce, and we will look at seasonal needs as part of that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans not addressed; instead suggests education and taskforce review

How: We Need To Educate The Public

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q9 Adrian Ramsay Green Waveney Valley
Climate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The environmental land management scheme aims at climate and nature recovery. The RSPB, National Trust and Wildlife Trusts propose a £5.9 billion annual budget increase.

Question

Any cuts to the environmental land management scheme would damage farmers and hinder Government's climate and nature targets. Does the Secretary of State agree with an economic assessment made by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Trust and the Wildlife Trusts that the ELM scheme budget will need to be increased to around £5.9 billion a year?

Answer from Steve Reed

The Government remain fully committed to the ELM schemes, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will make announcements about the budget at the appropriate time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment on specific budget increase or agreement with proposed amount; defers announcement timing

How: Announcements To Be Made Later

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q10 Marie Tidball Lab Penistone and Stocksbridge
Environment
Context

Yorkshire Water caused almost 18,000 hours of sewage discharges in the constituency.

Question

There were almost 18,000 hours of sewage dumping by Yorkshire Water in my constituency last year. What is the Minister doing to ensure that Yorkshire Water cleans up its act and our beautiful River Don?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I thank my hon. Friend for her question and welcome her to her place. She is a tireless champion for her constituency, raising this issue with me before. Our new Water (Special Measures) Bill will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific action against Yorkshire Water mentioned; cites new bill without details

How: Welcoming Her To The Place, Referencing A Future Bill

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q11 Alison Griffiths Con Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Justice & Courts Environment
Context

The Secretary of State is discussing the justice impact test for a new water bill.

Question

The Secretary of State is talking tough but will he publish the justice impact test for his Water (Special Measures) Bill and list additional court cases and prison places needed?

Answer from Steve Reed

We will publish all information relating to the Bill at the appropriate time during its passage through Parliament.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment on publishing test or listing additional measures; defers timing

How: Publishing At An Unspecified Future Date

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q12 Christopher Vince Lab Co-op Harlow
Crime & Law Enforcement Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Rural crime is a significant issue affecting Essex farmers.

Question

What action will the Secretary of State and his Department take to support farmers in addressing rural crime, which is huge in my constituency?

Answer from Steve Reed

I am pleased to say that I made a joint announcement with the Home Secretary for a cross-departmental rural crime strategy intended to cut huge impacts on communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures mentioned; cites broad strategy without details

How: Referencing A Broad Strategic Approach

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q13 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Climate Environment
Context

The policy of biodiversity net gain is now mandatory but has exemptions which many developers are exploiting.

Question

Biodiversity net gain must replace loss and is now mandatory for planning applications. What will the Government do to tighten up current exemptions?

Answer from Mary Creagh

This new policy has just come into force and we are keeping it under active review. I am in discussions with officials about tightening up any current exemptions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions mentioned; acknowledges review but no concrete plans

How: Acknowledging A Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q14 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

A bluetongue outbreak is serious and requires swift testing by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Question

The bluetongue outbreak at Haddiscoe is concerning, and it's crucial that the APHA has sufficient resources for quick testing. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this urgent matter?

Answer from Steve Reed

I am happy to ensure that the relevant Minister meets my hon. Friend, but I note that APHA and other authorities are doing a good job right now of containing this worrying incident.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No meeting commitment; cites current containment efforts without details

How: Acknowledging Ongoing Containment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q15 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Housing
Context

The High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty faces pressure due to centrally imposed housing targets.

Question

In Bexhill and Battle, we enjoy the High Weald AONB but it's expansive at 1,400 sq km. What advice did your Department give Housing on planning issues for such areas?

Answer from Mary Creagh

Our national landscapes are protected, and planning authorities work appropriately. I am in discussions with officials and will write to the hon. Gentleman properly addressing this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific advice given; mentions ongoing discussions without details

How: Referencing Protected Landscapes, Acknowledging Discussions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q16 Jenny Riddell-Carpenter Lab Suffolk Coastal
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Bluetongue cases confirmed in the constituency, impacting local farmers.

Question

In my constituency we have confirmed bluetongue cases and a farmer lost six pregnant ewes. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this issue?

Answer from Steve Reed

I will happily ensure my hon. Friend gets a meeting, perhaps with our hon. Friend from South Norfolk (Ben Goldsborough), to discuss this issue in her region.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct commitment; suggests joint discussion without details

How: Suggesting A Joint Meeting

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q17 Joshua Reynolds Lib Dem Maidenhead
Environment
Context

26 year 3 students wrote to the MP expressing their concern over sewage discharge into the Thames.

Question

Before summer holidays, 26 year 3 students in Cookham expressed concern over sewage discharge. Will the Minister meet me and students at Holy Trinity to discuss these concerns?

Answer from Emma Hardy

As a former primary teacher, how can I not say yes? I am already looking forward to it.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q18 Terry Jermy Lab South West Norfolk
Energy Environment
Context

The Thetford biomass facility in South West Norfolk turns half a million tonnes of poultry litter into electricity annually. Concerns arise over the end of the renewables obligation scheme affecting its operation and waste management.

Question

I am very concerned about the future of the Thetford biomass facility in my constituency. Every year, it turns half a million tonnes of poultry litter into electricity. Has the Secretary of State had meetings to discuss the potential impact of the end of the renewables obligation scheme on the disposal of poultry litter?

Answer from Mary Creagh

We are in the early stages of looking at how we deal with the country's waste and considering the policies we will bring forward. This will be looked at as part of the review. We will be working with colleagues from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure we get the right results.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about meetings or plans related to the Thetford biomass facility were not provided, only a general statement of reviewing waste management policies.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q19 Freddie Van Mierlo Lib Dem Henley and Thame
Environment
Context

The closure of Marsh Lock bridge on the Thames path in Henley-on-Thames has raised concerns among local residents regarding access to recreational areas.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me and the Environment Agency to discuss the closure of Marsh Lock bridge on the Thames path in Henley-on-Thames?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and the Environment Agency to discuss the matter in more detail.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email