Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the challenges faced by zoos due to financial difficulties caused by the pandemic. There is a need for specific support beyond general business assistance.
What steps are being taken to support zoos during the covid-19 outbreak?
In addition to the full range of financial support available to all businesses and employers, we have established an extra £100 million support fund for those facing severe financial difficulty. The deadline for applications has been extended to the end of January.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
During a visit to Chester Zoo, concerns were raised about the criteria of the zoos animal fund which seems restrictive, requiring zoos to be nearly closed before qualifying for aid.
On a recent visit to Chester zoo, I saw its excellent conservation work and learned at first hand about the remarkable way it is coping with the coronavirus pandemic. However, the zoo animal fund criteria for access seem to be very peculiar, because zoos seem to have to be on the verge of closure before they can get any money. Surely that is wrong. Will my hon. Friend look at those criteria again, please?
We listened to concerns following the roll-out of the initial support scheme and we have made changes to reflect that. The zoos animal fund is now open to zoos that have up to 12 weeks of reserves left, allowing for applications in advance.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for reassessment was not explicitly addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Cumbria is involved in a project to explore the feasibility of reintroducing the white-tailed eagle, which is mentioned in the 25-year environment plan. The local nature recovery strategy pilot and group bid for feasibility work on this proposal.
As we have just heard, zoos have an important conservation role to play. The white-tailed eagle is listed in our 25-year environment plan as a species whose reintroduction we could support as we develop our nature recovery network. Cumbria is at the forefront of nature recovery, as we have a local nature recovery strategy pilot and, separately, we are in a group that has submitted a bid for feasibility work on the white-tailed eagle's reintroduction. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how her Department might assist with that proposal?
The 25-year environment plan encourages the reintroduction of species such as the white-tailed eagle. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials would be pleased to meet him and discuss what further action could be taken.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete departmental support or meeting commitments were not provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy