Topical Questions 2020-02-06

2020-02-06

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The dairy industry has shown significant improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Data published shows the dairy sector delivering a 21% improvement on its energy efficiency over the last decade. Does the Minister agree that, rather than being a villain in climate change issues, the dairy industry is proving itself to be beneficial?
I very much agree. I pay tribute to the huge efforts made in the dairy sector to become more efficient and more sustainable. I know that those in the sector have further plans through the pioneering dairy road map, and I wish them well with that.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner highlights the importance of buying seasonal and British products to support local farmers and protect the environment.
Does the Minister agree that purchasing seasonal and British goods is an excellent way to assist local farmers and preserve environmental quality?
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Q3 Direct Answer
Context
Local authorities require additional strategic planners, ecologists, and enforcement officers to meet the biodiversity requirements set forth in the Environment Bill.
If the biodiversity requirement is to have a significant impact, local government will need more staff. What assessment has been made of these human and financial needs?
Burdens put on local authorities through the Environment Bill will be fully funded. They will play a key role in helping with biodiversity net gain and setting up our local nature strategies, which will inform what we do, and I very much look forward to that.
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Q4 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner acknowledges the efforts of local environmental groups in Beaconsfield and welcomes new standards for environmental protection and animal welfare post-EU.
Will the Minister join me in welcoming the new environmental protection and animal welfare standards we will introduce as we leave the EU, and for supporting British farmers?
I will indeed. Our departure from the European Union gives us the opportunity to introduce a new farming policy—a new system of farm support—that has sustainability and the environment at its heart. We can use that to support our farmers in the brilliant work they already do as stewards of our environment and countryside.
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Q5 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner is concerned about the high levels of ammonia emissions from farming, which exceed WHO safety limits and contribute to particulate pollution in London.
Will the Secretary of State commit to addressing this issue of ammonia pollution through provisions in the Environment Bill?
We have a strong focus on these matters. The measures we will be bringing forward in the Environment Bill will help us set challenging and demanding targets on those issues. Our new system of farm support will also provide support to farmers in reducing ammonia emissions. I know they are determined to do it.
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Q6 Direct Answer
Mike Penning Con
Hemel Hempstead
Context
Animal rights activists have long called for an end to exporting animals on the hoof.
Penning inquires if Theresa Villiers can confirm that post-Brexit, the practice of exporting live animals will cease.
We want to see an end to live exports and are consulting on measures to improve the welfare of live animals in transport. We hope that ultimately this will result in an end to live exports overseas.
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Q7 Direct Answer
Emma Lewell-Buck Lab
South Shields
Context
A constituent of Emma Lewell-Buck, Mr Latimer, filed a complaint with the European Commission eight years ago regarding sewage discharge on to beaches.
Lewell-Buck asks if Theresa Villiers can provide any update or action on her constituent's case from the European Court ruling.
I am certainly happy to look into that case and come back to the hon. Member.
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Q8 Direct Answer
Ben Lake PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
The UK Government's policy on agricultural imports' standards is under scrutiny.
Lake inquires if the Government's policies align with the relevant expert trade advisory group views on agricultural imports' standards.
In our trade negotiations, we will ensure that the outcome works for farmers and the nation as a whole. We will defend our standards in future trade negotiations.
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Q9 Direct Answer
Kerry McCarthy Lab
Bristol East
Context
Prior to the election, there were promises made about legislative response to rotational burning of peatlands.
McCarthy asks when legislation addressing rotational burning on blanket bog will be published or developed.
We are looking carefully at the issue and working closely with land managers to ensure that we see this practice come to an end. We have scrutinised voluntary mechanisms, and in due course, we will consider whether to legislate in this area.
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