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792918

	registered interest
	date	21/11/2017
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Zoos: Licensing
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the adequacy of the provisions of (1) the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, and (2) SI 2002/3080 which implemented EC Directive 1999/22/EC.
	tabling member printed	Lord Kennedy of Southwark
	uin	HL3442
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/11/2017 answer text <p>Under zoo licensing legislation zoos are subject to an annual inspection and must comply with the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. These are detailed standards for zoo management, including animal health, welfare and husbandry. The standards are kept under review by Defra’s Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC) which includes leading animal welfare experts.</p><p> </p><p>Ministers have tasked the ZEC with considering whether any changes need to be made to the zoo licensing system. The Department will consider the recommendations when they are received in due course.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 30/11/2017 15:08:36 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	4153 label Biography information for Lord Kennedy of Southwark

77809

	registered interest
	date	14/07/2014
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Zoos
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implementation of the European Union's Zoos Directive 1999 in the United Kingdom through the zoo inspection system.
	tabling member printed	Lord Harrison
	uin	HL1106
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2014 answer text <p> </p><p>The Zoo Licensing Act 1981, which sets out comprehensive licensing and inspection requirements for zoos, implements the EC Zoos Directive in Great Britain. Responsibility for administering these requirements rests with local authorities, which have powers to check compliance with zoo licences, to impose conditions and to take action. Ultimately this could mean closing part, or all, of a zoo if the requirements of the legislation are not met. This in turn ensures our compliance with the Directive.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In response to concerns about how local authorities were carrying out this role, Defra commissioned research into local authority implementation of the Act. The 2011 report, which looked at the period 2008-2010, found no serious problems and indeed there was evidence of significant improvements in a number of areas during this time.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The report made suggestions for further improvements, such as updating guidance and zoo inspection report forms. These, together with the majority of the suggestions, have been actioned and we continue to work to make further improvements.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord De Mauley question first answered 22/07/2014 14:41:46 answering member 2202 label Biography information for Lord De Mauley
	tabling member	2488 label Biography information for Lord Harrison

455793

	registered interest
	date	26/02/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Xylella
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the dangers posed to trees and shrubs by Xylella fastidiosa, and the experiences of France and Italy in tackling that disease, what steps they are taking (1) to prevent it entering this country, and (2) to deal with any incursion should it occur.
	tabling member printed	Lord Framlingham
	uin	HL6483
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2016 answer text <p><em>Xylella fastidiosa</em> is a regulated pathogen in the EU under the Plant Health Directive, with strengthened requirements now in place in response to the risk posed by this organism. This includes measures to protect against its introduction from countries outside the EU, as well as requirements to prevent infected material being moved from areas within the EU where it is present.</p><p> </p><p><em>Xylella fastidiosa</em> is currently not present in the UK and we are taking robust action to protect against its introduction, including restricting high-risk imports, inspecting host material from outside the EU and raising awareness, through publicity and direct interaction with growers and trade associations.</p><p> </p><p>Our aim is to prevent further introductions into the EU as a whole (thereby protecting the UK) and to prevent spread from areas of the EU where it is present. This includes engaging actively with our EU partners and the European Commission on ensuring we have the best possible protective measures in place.</p><p> </p><p>Imports of host plants from outside the EU can now only take place where the pest status of the country or origin has been confirmed and when stringent import conditions have been met. All such imports are inspected at points of entry. Plant species which have been confirmed as a host in the EU must now be accompanied by a Plant Passport, meaning they can only be moved into and within the UK by officially authorised businesses. Additional requirements apply to areas where the pathogen is present to prevent the movement of potentially infected plants from such areas.</p><p> </p><p>Through our delivery bodies we are applying the EU-wide provisions as well as carrying out surveillance visits of premises growing and trading host plants. In the event of an incursion, a full investigation would take place to determine the circumstances and the actions required. Should an outbreak occur, the requirements of the EU Decision would apply, including destruction of infected and potentially infected plants and demarcation of the outbreak area with restrictions imposed in line with the Decision. We are working closely with industry bodies to raise awareness and encourage good practice.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 08/03/2016 16:21:50 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	134 label Biography information for Lord Framlingham

757235

	registered interest
	date	05/09/2017
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Xylella
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa is capable of infecting tree and plant species in the UK; and if so, whether they are taking steps to ban the importation of any goods, produce, plants or other species that could bring the disease into the UK.
	tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
	uin	HL1220
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/09/2017 answer text <p>Certain subspecies of <em>Xylella fastidiosa</em> could be damaging to tree and plant species in the UK. We are pressing, at an EU level, for protections to be strengthened and will continue to keep this issue under review nationally. This includes taking account of the most up to date scientific information, including that published by the European Food Safety Authority, which has helped to inform the development of measures to protect against the disease and actions in response to findings within the EU.</p><p> </p><p>On the basis of the current evidence, Defra’s Secretary of State has written to the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytensis Andriukaitis to raise concerns about EU protections against the disease and urge stronger action. The letter also highlights that national measures could be introduced in the event that the appropriate level of protection is not forthcoming through the EU review. The Chief Plant Health Officer has written to businesses growing and trading host plants to encourage good biosecurity and careful sourcing of plants. Copies of these letters will be placed in the library.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble attachment 1 file name letter to Commissioner Andriukaitis.pdf title Letter to Commissioner Andriukaitis 2 file name 'Act now to keep the UK Xylella free' letter.pdf title 'Act now to keep the UK Xylella free' letter grouped question UIN HL1221 question first answered 20/09/2017 16:06:05 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

757236

	registered interest
	date	05/09/2017
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Xylella
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the EU Food Safety Agency's plans to stop the spread of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe.
	tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
	uin	HL1221
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/09/2017 answer text <p>Certain subspecies of <em>Xylella fastidiosa</em> could be damaging to tree and plant species in the UK. We are pressing, at an EU level, for protections to be strengthened and will continue to keep this issue under review nationally. This includes taking account of the most up to date scientific information, including that published by the European Food Safety Authority, which has helped to inform the development of measures to protect against the disease and actions in response to findings within the EU.</p><p> </p><p>On the basis of the current evidence, Defra’s Secretary of State has written to the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytensis Andriukaitis to raise concerns about EU protections against the disease and urge stronger action. The letter also highlights that national measures could be introduced in the event that the appropriate level of protection is not forthcoming through the EU review. The Chief Plant Health Officer has written to businesses growing and trading host plants to encourage good biosecurity and careful sourcing of plants. Copies of these letters will be placed in the library.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble attachment 1 file name letter to Commissioner Andriukaitis.pdf title Letter to Commissioner Andriukaitis 2 file name 'Act now to keep the UK Xylella free' letter.pdf title 'Act now to keep the UK Xylella free' letter grouped question UIN HL1220 question first answered 20/09/2017 16:06:05 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

517799

	registered interest
	date	05/05/2016
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Woodland Trust
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current level of financial support they provide to the Woodland Trust and its tree planting programme, and whether they have any plans to increase that support over the next four years.
	tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
	uin	HL8222
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/05/2016 answer text <p>In the last financial year, the Government provided £55,338.12 to the Woodland Trust, to plant 35,400 trees with state primary schools across England in spring 2016. This support will increase over the next four years, as we expand the programme to fund the Woodland Trust to provide an additional 400,000 trees for schools for schoolchildren to plant in school grounds and local communities.</p><p> </p><p>The Woodland Trust can apply for grants under the Countryside Stewardship scheme, as part of the Rural Development Programme, in the same way as any other land owner or manager and it receives grants from previous support mechanisms.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 11/05/2016 16:08:14 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

683625

	registered interest
	date	02/02/2017
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Wines: Labelling
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether sampling of Spanish and French wine has been increased in the light of allegations that cheap Spanish wine is being labelled as French wine.
	tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
	uin	HL5188
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/02/2017 answer text <p>Wine sampling is conducted by Her Majesty’s Government on a random and risk-led basis. It therefore remains fully adaptable to respond to actual and perceived risks faced by the wine sector and consumers.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 13/02/2017 14:16:21 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

772444

	registered interest
	date	17/10/2017
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Wild Parsnips
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what dangers wild parsnips pose to the environment and the public.
	tabling member printed	Lord Moonie
	uin	HL2137
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2017 answer text <p>Wild parsnip, <em>Pastinaca sativa</em> subspecies <em>sylvestris</em>, is the wild ancestor of the cultivated garden parsnip. It is part of our native flora and poses no risk to the environment. Some members of the public experience skin irritation or blisters after contact with the plant’s sap and sunlight but the health risk is limited.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 30/10/2017 12:19:03 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	621 label Biography information for Lord Moonie

389165

	registered interest
	date	13/07/2015
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	White Fish: Conservation
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action is being taken to prevent the disappearance of sea bass in the English Channel and North Sea due to overfishing.
	tabling member printed	Lord West of Spithead
	uin	HL1351
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2015 answer text <p>Bass are in serious decline due to the combination of five consecutive years of poor reproduction (due to cold winters) and overfishing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>This year the UK Government has negotiated action at EU level to close the pelagic trawl spring fishery on spawning aggregations; introduce a recreational daily 3 fish bag limit; set monthly vessel catch limits across all commercial fishing gear categories; ban commercial fishing by EU vessels in waters around Ireland; and, increase the minimum conservation reference size for bass to 42cm, to come into force from 1 September.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Consideration will now be given to appropriate action for next year, to respond to the latest scientific advice, and to the development of regional multi-annual plans. Aligned with this work at EU and regional level the UK Government has initiated a high-level review of our current domestic management measures, particularly for protection of bass nursery areas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 21/07/2015 14:43:33 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	3834 label Biography information for Lord West of Spithead

381741

	registered interest
	date	17/06/2015
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Whales: Japan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Japan about that government's intention to resume whaling in the Antarctic.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hoyle
	uin	HL594
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/06/2015 answer text <p>The UK Government regularly makes representations to the Government of Japan to set out our opposition to special permit whaling for “scientific purposes”. Most recently, the UK Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) reiterated the Government’s concerns, including in relation to Japan’s proposals to resume whaling in the Antarctic, at a meeting with the Japanese Commissioner to the IWC in May 2015, and officials from the Japanese Embassy in March 2015. The Minister of State for Farming, Food and the Marine Environment, George Eustice, attended the IWC meeting in September 2014, where he underlined the Government’s continued opposition to commercial whaling.</p><p>We will continue to make our concerns known to Japan at every appropriate opportunity, including in light of the recently published advice of the IWC Scientific Committee, which has examined Japan’s latest proposals.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 29/06/2015 15:34:14 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	1000 label Biography information for Lord Hoyle