Linked Data API

Show Search Form

Search Results

1126883
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-15more like thismore than 2019-05-15
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Dogs: Imports more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dogs were imported (a) in total and (b) from each country of origin via the Pet Travel Scheme in 2018. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Nottingham North more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alex Norris more like this
star this property uin 254873 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction true more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p><del class="ministerial">194,712</del> <ins class="ministerial">307,357 </ins>dogs were imported in total via the Pet Travel Scheme in 2018.</p><p> </p><p>The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is unable to provide a breakdown of the number of dogs travelling under the scheme by country as it does not hold that information.</p><p> </p><p>The data regarding the Pet Travel Scheme is taken from APHA’s system for recording pets’ throughput based on information provided by checkers employed by approved carriers of pet animals.</p><p> </p><p>The information that APHA has provided is a true reflection of the information that is held. APHA cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data, as it can only rely on the information that has been entered into the pets’ returns by a third party.</p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
star this property answering member printed David Rutley more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T14:34:26.907Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T14:34:26.907Z
star this property question first ministerially corrected
less than 2019-06-04T10:12:59.157Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-04T10:12:59.157Z
star this property answering member
4033
star this property label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
star this property previous answer version
119296
star this property answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
star this property answering member printed David Rutley more like this
star this property answering member
4033
star this property label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
unstar this property tabling member
4641
unstar this property label Biography information for Alex Norris more like this
1126882
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-15more like thismore than 2019-05-15
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Dogs: Imports more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dogs were imported (a) in total and (b) from each country of origin using the Balai Directive in 2018. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Nottingham North more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alex Norris more like this
star this property uin 254872 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction true more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>The numbers of dogs that were imported in total and from each country of origin using the Balai Directive in 2018 were as follows:</p><p> </p><p>The total number of dogs imported in 2018 was <ins class="ministerial">37,144</ins><del class="ministerial"><strong>20,845</strong></del>.</p><p> </p><p>The breakdown of this figure by country is as follows:</p><p> </p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Country Of Origin</p></td><td><p>Dogs</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Austria</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1</ins><del class="ministerial">10</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Belgium</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1</ins><del class="ministerial">4 </del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Bulgaria</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">216</ins><del class="ministerial">61</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Croatia</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">265</ins><del class="ministerial">149</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Cyprus</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">3566</ins><del class="ministerial">3156</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Czech Republic</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">63</ins><del class="ministerial">115</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong> <ins class="ministerial">Denmark</ins></strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1 </ins></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Estonia</strong></p></td><td><p>2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Finland</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">3</ins><del class="ministerial">2</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>France</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">72</ins><del class="ministerial">19</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Germany</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">13</ins><del class="ministerial">4</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Greece</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">107</ins><del class="ministerial">125</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Hungary</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1585</ins><del class="ministerial">519</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Ireland (Rep. of)</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">7828</ins><del class="ministerial">4896</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Italy</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">26</ins><del class="ministerial">24</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Latvia</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1</ins><del class="ministerial">2</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Lithuania</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">6</ins><del class="ministerial">9</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Malta</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">4</ins><del class="ministerial">6</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Netherlands</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">111</ins><del class="ministerial">19</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Poland</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">881</ins><del class="ministerial">420</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Portugal</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">173</ins><del class="ministerial">2</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Romania</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">17189</ins><del class="ministerial">7461</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Slovakia</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">23</ins><del class="ministerial">9</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Slovenia</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">3</ins><del class="ministerial">2</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Spain</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">4995</ins><del class="ministerial">3816</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Sweden</strong></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">9</ins><del class="ministerial">8</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><del class="ministerial"><strong>Switzerland</strong></del></p></td><td><p><del class="ministerial">2</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><del class="ministerial"><strong>UK</strong></del></p></td><td><p><del class="ministerial">3</del></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Total</strong></p></td><td><p><strong><ins class="ministerial">37,144</ins><del class="ministerial">20,845</del></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p>The data for commercial imports covers the number of animals imported into the UK, and was extracted from TRACES through the Qlikview facility by searching for imports of dogs and their commodity codes in 2018 to the UK by country of origin. These figures cover all commercially imported dogs, including commercial puppies, rescue dogs, research dogs and unaccompanied pets.</p><p> </p><p>The information that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has provided is a true reflection of the information that is held. APHA cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data, as the information has been entered into TRACES by a third party.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
star this property answering member printed David Rutley more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T14:25:58.137Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T14:25:58.137Z
star this property question first ministerially corrected
less than 2019-06-04T10:12:38.463Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-04T10:12:38.463Z
star this property answering member
4033
star this property label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
star this property previous answer version
119293
star this property answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
star this property answering member printed David Rutley more like this
star this property answering member
4033
star this property label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
unstar this property tabling member
4641
unstar this property label Biography information for Alex Norris more like this
1126091
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-13more like thismore than 2019-05-13
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Livestock: Animal Welfare more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of a ban on all caged farming. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Birkenhead more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Frank Field more like this
star this property uin 253508 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare and the welfare of our farmed livestock in all systems is protected by comprehensive and robust legislation. This is backed up by statutory species specific welfare codes, which encourage high standards of husbandry and which keepers are required by law to have access to and be familiar with. Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors and local authorities conduct inspections on farms to check that the animal welfare standards are being met.</p><p> </p><p>Whatever the system of production, the most important factor in determining animal welfare is good stockmanship and the correct application of husbandry standards. This reflects the advice of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee.</p><p> </p><p>We have already banned cages or close confinement systems where there is clear scientific evidence that they are detrimental to animal health and welfare. For example, we banned the keeping of sows in close confinement stalls in the UK in 1999, and the use of conventional (‘battery’) cages for laying hens in 2012.</p>
star this property answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
star this property answering member printed David Rutley more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T16:40:38.807Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T16:40:38.807Z
star this property answering member
4033
star this property label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
unstar this property tabling member
478
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Field of Birkenhead more like this
1126313
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-13more like thismore than 2019-05-13
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Glyphosate more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidelines they have issued to local authorities on the use of glyphosate on grass verges, park paths, walkways, council gardens and road verges. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
star this property uin HL15673 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>Those who use, or cause or permit others to apply, glyphosate or other plant protection products are subject to a number of legal requirements. This includes a requirement to minimise the use of pesticides along roads and in areas used by the general public. The requirements and approaches to good practice are set out in the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products and an accompanying guidance note. Specific requirements and advice for using a particular product are set out on the label.</p> more like this
star this property answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T15:16:05.003Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T15:16:05.003Z
star this property answering member
4161
star this property label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
unstar this property tabling member
248
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
1126314
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-13more like thismore than 2019-05-13
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Glyphosate more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the quantity of glyphosate that has been used by each local authority in England and the cost to each of such use in the last five years for which figures are available. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
star this property uin HL15674 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>This data is not collected. A regular survey of the amenity use of pesticides is conducted as part of the long-standing system of Pesticide Usage Surveys carried out by Fera Science Ltd. The most recent survey gives data and information on usage for 2016 for those local authorities who submitted data. It does not, however, include cost data and does not give figures for individual local authorities.</p> more like this
star this property answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T15:13:15.65Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T15:13:15.65Z
star this property answering member
4161
star this property label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
unstar this property tabling member
248
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
1126312
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-13more like thismore than 2019-05-13
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Glyphosate more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the use of glyphosate. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
star this property uin HL15672 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>The effects of glyphosate on wildlife have been carefully assessed as part of the regulatory process for pesticides. The effects of glyphosate itself were considered by the EU when deciding whether to approve the substance. UK regulatory scientists participated in the assessment made by the European Food Safety Authority and agreed with its conclusions. The Government therefore supported the decision at the end of 2017 to continue the approval of glyphosate.</p><p> </p><p>All products containing glyphosate are individually authorised and the Government will not authorise products for which the scientific assessment suggests that there may be unacceptable effects on wildlife.</p><p> </p><p>Decisions on glyphosate are based on regulatory studies which companies are required to commission to support their applications. Relevant published data is also considered. The Government is not carrying out its own research on the environmental impact of glyphosate use because a comprehensive evidence base is already available.</p>
star this property answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
star this property grouped question UIN HL15671 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T15:08:28.653Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T15:08:28.653Z
star this property answering member
4161
star this property label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
unstar this property tabling member
248
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
1126311
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-13more like thismore than 2019-05-13
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Glyphosate more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effects of using glyphosate on wildlife, including birds and insects; and what research, if any, they are undertaking into the impact of using glyphosate. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
star this property uin HL15671 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>The effects of glyphosate on wildlife have been carefully assessed as part of the regulatory process for pesticides. The effects of glyphosate itself were considered by the EU when deciding whether to approve the substance. UK regulatory scientists participated in the assessment made by the European Food Safety Authority and agreed with its conclusions. The Government therefore supported the decision at the end of 2017 to continue the approval of glyphosate.</p><p> </p><p>All products containing glyphosate are individually authorised and the Government will not authorise products for which the scientific assessment suggests that there may be unacceptable effects on wildlife.</p><p> </p><p>Decisions on glyphosate are based on regulatory studies which companies are required to commission to support their applications. Relevant published data is also considered. The Government is not carrying out its own research on the environmental impact of glyphosate use because a comprehensive evidence base is already available.</p>
star this property answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
star this property grouped question UIN HL15672 more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T15:08:28.6Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T15:08:28.6Z
star this property answering member
4161
star this property label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
unstar this property tabling member
248
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Jones of Cheltenham more like this
1127012
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-15more like thismore than 2019-05-15
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Pollinators more like this
star this property house id 2 more like this
star this property legislature
25277
star this property pref label House of Lords more like this
star this property question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) highlight the importance to the planet of bees and other pollinators such as butterflies and bats, and (2) protect pollinator species. more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Lord Pendry more like this
star this property uin HL15773 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>Protecting pollinators is a priority for this Government. The Government supports two major events to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators and encourage people to take action.</p><p> </p><p>Firstly, our ‘Bees’ Needs’ campaign, which we run with a number of partners. In July 2018, with the generous support of our hosts, Shaftesbury PLC, we put on a week long event in Carnaby Street (renamed ‘Carnabee’ Street for the week) to raise awareness of the steps we can all take to protect pollinators. With immense gratitude to our hosts Shaftesbury PLC, this event will be repeated this year from 8 to 14 July.</p><p> </p><p>Defra also organises, in partnership with the Green Flag Awards, an annual Bees’ Needs Champions Awards to recognise and celebrate examples of exemplary initiatives undertaken by schools, local authorities, universities, community groups and bee farmers to support pollinators.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is taking a range of other steps to protect pollinator species. In 2014 we published a ten year National Pollinator Strategy, setting out how the Government, conservation groups, farmers, beekeepers and researchers can work together to improve the status of the 1,500 or so pollinating insect species in England.</p><p> </p><p>We are also creating habitat for pollinators. In 2015, we introduced new and simple wildlife ‘packages’ within Countryside Stewardship to make it easier for farmers to provide flower rich margins or pollen and nectar plots on fields to support wild pollinators.</p><p> </p><p>The Government also recently announced £60,000 to develop pollinator habitat mapping and is supporting largescale projects to bring landowners and conservationists together to provide habitat in Devon and Hampshire. Natural England, our statutory nature conservation adviser, continues to work with a range of landowning and NGO partners to support the recovery of threatened species such as the barberry carpet moth, shorthaired bumblebee and chequered skipper butterfly.</p><p> </p><p>We are supporting monitoring work. In collaboration with research institutes and volunteer organisations, we have established a pollinator monitoring and research partnership to gather further data and improve our understanding of the status of pollinators and pollination services in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>We are taking steps to reduce pressures on pollinators. We have implemented science led restrictions on neonicotinoids based on scientific evidence that they carry risks to pollinators. We continue to tackle threats from invasive species, such as the Asian hornet, and protect honey bees from pests and diseases through the National Bee Unit’s nationwide team of bee inspectors.</p><p> </p><p>We are safeguarding honey bee health. Collaboration has been a central tenet of the work by the Government and Bee Inspectors to protect honey bee health. Along with beekeeping associations, the Government has carried out a decade of work under the Healthy Bees Plan, drafted in 2009 as a means of sustaining our honey bee population. We will be reviewing this work this year and using valuable lessons from this to develop our future strategy.</p>
star this property answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T15:04:18.053Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T15:04:18.053Z
star this property answering member
4161
star this property label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble more like this
unstar this property tabling member
457
unstar this property label Biography information for Lord Pendry more like this
1126504
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-14more like thismore than 2019-05-14
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Animal Welfare more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to (a) ensure local authorities have a duty to provide access to a fully trained Animal Welfare Inspector with responsibility for enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and (b) provide additional funding for that role; what estimate he has made of the number of local authorities that do not employ an Animal Welfare Inspector; and if he will make a statement. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Brighton, Pavilion more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Caroline Lucas more like this
star this property uin 254174 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, local authorities, the Animal &amp; Plant Health Agency and the police all have powers of entry to inspect complaints of suspected animal cruelty and take out prosecutions where necessary. Local authorities must be able to make decisions based on local needs and resource priorities and the arrangements that work best for them. It is for local authorities to determine how to prioritise their resources. We do not hold data centrally on the number of inspectors appointed under the Act.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities will often work in close partnership with others, such as the RSPCA, to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 allows anyone to be able to investigate allegations of animal neglect and if necessary take forward a prosecution and it is on this basis that the RSPCA have been enforcing animal welfare legislation in this country. Although they have no specific powers under the 2006 Act, the RSPCA do investigate allegations of cruelty and successfully prosecute 800 to 1,000 people each year.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
star this property answering member printed David Rutley more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T14:57:36.117Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T14:57:36.117Z
star this property answering member
4033
star this property label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
unstar this property tabling member
3930
unstar this property label Biography information for Caroline Lucas more like this
1126606
star this property registered interest false more like this
unstar this property date less than 2019-05-14more like thismore than 2019-05-14
star this property answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept id 13 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remove filter
star this property hansard heading Farmers: Suicide more like this
star this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to suicides in the farming sector, what steps he is taking to monitor levels of distress in that sector. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Stroud more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr David Drew more like this
star this property uin 254107 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2019-05-21
star this property answer text <p>Defra takes the issue of farmers and agricultural workers’ wellbeing very seriously. I am aware that rates of suicide are higher across the agricultural sector generally than they are for the general population. I know that they often have a solitary lifestyle, it is hard work and their businesses are subject to unpredictable factors such as the weather. As part of the Future Farming programme we are looking at the impact of policies on wellbeing, and we are also working with partners to foster personal and business resilience.</p><p> </p><p>As part of our on-going work using data on the farming sector, we monitor the published ONS statistics on suicides by employment group. As well as headline mortality numbers, we keep under review the issues that may affect broader experiences of positive and negative wellbeing.</p><p> </p><p>Officials meet regularly with farming and rural charities to hear first-hand about resilience in the farming sector. This provides an indication of how farmers and farm workers are responding to any pressures affecting the sector.</p><p> </p><p>Government launched its first ever Loneliness Strategy in October 2018. One of Defra’s commitments is to hold regular stakeholder roundtables to tackle the issues of loneliness and isolation in rural areas. The next roundtable, to be chaired by Lord Gardiner, is being held on 11 June 2019. Defra also provides financial support through an annual grant of £1.7 million to Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), whose network of 38 rural community councils work on housing and transport issues that we know can affect farming communities.</p><p> </p><p>Defra works closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on this issue. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy highlights the higher risk of suicide experienced by certain occupational groups, and this includes agricultural occupations. Through the Strategy, DHSC has ensured that every local authority has a suicide prevention plan in place to implement tailored approaches to reducing suicides based on the needs and demographics of local communities.</p><p> </p><p>In October 2018, the Prime Minister announced the first Minister for Suicide Prevention, and she recently met the Farming Community Network to understand better the issues facing farmers.</p><p> </p><p>It is important that farmers are aware of the people they can turn to if they are going through difficult times. In particular, the farming charities – the Farming Community Network, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Addington Fund – all do a brilliant job in supporting farmers and their families. The National Farmers Union also has a regional network of advisers who can provide support.</p>
star this property answering member constituency Scarborough and Whitby more like this
star this property answering member printed Mr Robert Goodwill more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2019-05-21T14:49:38.47Zmore like thismore than 2019-05-21T14:49:38.47Z
star this property answering member
1562
star this property label Biography information for Sir Robert Goodwill more like this
unstar this property tabling member
252
unstar this property label Biography information for Dr David Drew more like this