Topical Questions 2020-06-25
2020-06-25
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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The UK is looking for opportunities in emerging markets like the Gulf.
Could the Secretary of State let us know how he plans to increase UK food and drink exports to emerging markets such as the Gulf?
This week, we announced new measures on exports, with export champions to lead the way in opening new markets and to get more of our fantastic food and produce in those overseas markets. I have in recent years attended exhibitions such as Gulfood in the Gulf, where there are indeed many opportunities, particularly for our lamb sector.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The Prime Minister committed to a summit last November but it has not yet taken place.
Why, six months on, has the promised flood defences summit for the north of England not taken place? Can he set a date and confirm that the PM will attend?
The reason that we have not yet had that summit is quite simple: it is that the coronavirus outbreak has taken up quite a lot of our time and obviously made it very difficult to physically travel to areas. I think it would be better to have a summit such as that physically in the location, rather than it being yet another Zoom meeting. However, I can give the hon. Lady a guarantee that that summit will indeed take place. I gave that commitment and it will happen.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Animal welfare charities are experiencing a sharp increase in need and financial difficulties due to reduced donations.
When will the Secretary of State bring forward his strategy and the necessary funding to support these vital animal welfare charities?
We are aware that animal welfare charities have suffered from a fall in donations and have had to close during the coronavirus epidemic. There was an application that was considered as part of a charities fund, but we will continue to work with those groups to identify the support that they need.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Concerns about the possibility of chlorinated chicken entering UK markets due to trade negotiations.
Can the Minister guarantee that chlorinated chicken will not be on the menu in our trade negotiations, and that we will remain a world leader on food and animal welfare standards?
As I explained earlier, in any trade negotiation it will be for the UK to determine what goes into the so-called sanitary and phytosanitary chapter, which addresses these issues. As I also pointed out, there is currently a prohibition on the sale of any poultry treated with a chlorine wash.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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There have been concerns about virus spread from meat processing plants.
What measures specific to food processing plants has the Minister put in place?
Very early in this crisis, we worked with Public Health England on guidance for these plants. It included, in some cases, spacing out staff on the production line to maintain a distance of 2 metres, and, where that was not possible, ensuring that things were arranged so that staff were facing away from one another. It also involved increased hygiene, new measures on canteens and guidance on car-share arrangements. As I have said, as a result of the three outbreaks that have occurred, we are reviewing those matters.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The overuse of antibiotics in animal farming is linked to bacterial resistance. American cattle receive 13 times more antibiotics than UK herds.
With American cattle receiving significantly higher amounts of antibiotics compared to UK herds, how does the Minister plan to prevent the importation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through US beef?
There has been a global effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance, particularly reducing the use of antibiotics in agriculture. The UK is at the forefront with farm practices that have reduced antibiotic usage. We collaborate internationally, including with the United States, to assist them in achieving similar reductions.
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