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1125711

registered interest
date	09/05/2019
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	Moorland: Conservation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the recent wildfires, what discussions he has had with representatives of conservation groups on the protection and enhancement of moorlands throughout the UK.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	252636
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2019 answer text <p>Defra’s Wildfire Review will ensure our future land management policies protect our moorland and minimise the risks from wildfire. The review has encompassed discussions by Defra officials with stakeholders, both through a workshop held in February, and through continuing discussions with key stakeholders including the Moorland Association and the RSPB.</p><p> </p><p>Restoring peatlands so they are wet, and contain less combustible woody vegetation, is a key component in protecting our moorlands from the risk of wildfire. On 30 April I addressed a reception on ‘Managing the uplands for public benefit’, hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Attendees included representatives from the RSPB, Moors for the Future, and Ulster and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts. Defra will be publishing the England Peatland Strategy which sets out our approach to long term peatland restoration and protection.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 16/05/2019 12:21:18 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1123933

registered interest
date	30/04/2019
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	Packaging
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage online businesses to use environmentally friendly packaging.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	249304
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/05/2019 answer text <p>The Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy for England published in December last year sets out our plans to reduce plastic pollution and move towards a more circular economy. This builds on the commitment in the 25 Year Environment Plan to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste.</p><p> </p><p>Our priority is to prevent or reduce waste in the first place. The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations already require businesses, including online retailers, to ensure that all their packaging does not exceed what is needed to make sure that the products are safe, hygienic and acceptable for both the packed product and for the consumer. As part of the Resources and Waste Strategy, we have committed to review the effectiveness of these regulations by the end of next year. These regulations apply to those responsible for the packing or filling of products into packaging and those importing packed or filled packaging into the UK from elsewhere.</p><p> </p><p>We are also consulting on reforms to the way we manage packaging waste. The reforms to the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations will require producers to fund the full net cost of managing the packaging they place on the market, once it becomes waste. This creates an incentive for companies, including obligated online businesses, to use less packaging and to ensure that their packaging can be recycled at end of life as it will reduce their costs in complying with the regulations.</p><p> </p><p>We have set out in our consultation options for how we want to enhance the incentive for producers to make better packaging design choices. The options are for a modulated fee system or a deposit fee system. These options provide a financial incentive for producers, in addition to the full net cost fees, to move towards using more easily recycled packaging materials and formats.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to this, the consultation also sets out a proposal to require online marketplace businesses to ensure that the packaging that is sold through their websites from outside the UK is compliant with the regulations.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 07/05/2019 10:26:10 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1121338

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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	Deer: Conservation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he had had with his counterparts in devolved Administrations on a UK-wide deer cull to tackle damage to countryside and crops.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	244091
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>I have not had any discussions with the devolved administrations on this.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 29/04/2019 12:36:37 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1077127

registered interest
date	25/02/2019
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	Livestock: Conservation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect rare breeds of UK (a) cattle, (b) sheep and (c) pigs.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	225511
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2019 answer text <p>The UK has one of the richest native rare breed populations in the world and their importance is recognised at both international and UK levels. We have identified 104 UK native breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>To protect our native rare breeds Defra works with the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee and the evolved administrations on all rare breed issues, particularly their conservation and sustainable use.</p><p> </p><p>We have:</p><ol><li><p>Established an <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-farm-animal-genetic-resources-fangr-breed-inventory-results" target="_blank">Annual Inventory</a> to provide data on populations of breeds.</p></li><li><p>Published the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-country-report-on-farm-animal-genetic-resources-2012" target="_blank">UK Country Report on Farm Animal Genetic Resources</a> which, in part, outlines conservation plans and priorities for specialist and native breeds.</p></li><li><p>Carried out annual reviews of the lists of Breeds at Risk present in the UK using statistics taken from the Annual Inventory.</p></li><li><p>Created contingency plan guidance for Breeds at Risk in the event of an exotic disease.</p></li></ol><p> </p><p>Some rare native breeds are also supported through agri-environment schemes. Details on total agreements and value of funding under Defra run schemes, including Environmental Stewardship (HR2) and Countryside Stewardship (SP8) (grazing supplement for rare native breeds), for the years 2015–2018 are:</p><p> </p><p>2015 – 1,454 agreements totalling £2,958,854</p><p>2016 – 1,404 agreements totalling £2,832,800</p><p>2017 – 1,340 agreements totalling £2,707,668</p><p>2018 – 1,310 agreements totalling £2,719,028</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 04/03/2019 11:48:27 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058688

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
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	Stoats: Pest Control
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to control stoat numbers.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	219436
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/02/2019 answer text <p>While the Government regulates the management of wildlife it is not directly involved in the control of stoats. Responsibility for management lies with the landowner or occupier.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 15/02/2019 12:05:30 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058690

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
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	Water: Pollution Control
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce water pollution from industry.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	219438
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/02/2019 answer text <p>This is a devolved matter and the below relates to England only.</p><p> </p><p>Water pollution from industry is controlled by permits issued under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2015. In England, these permits are issued by the Environment Agency (EA) and control the levels of pollution in effluent discharges by setting limits on the chemical concentration and volume of the effluent. The limits are set to protect waters from the adverse impacts of pollution and to meet the appropriate environmental standards for river, ground water and bathing water quality. Operators must comply with the permit and it is an offence to breach a permit condition. Enforcement action may be taken dependant on the nature and severity of the offence.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to controlling pollution from discharges using permits, the EA receives around 40,000 water pollution incident reports per year. Most have little or minor impact but there are around 250 incidents per year which are classified as significant or serious. Very few of these are deliberate acts and are caused accidentally after spillage or system failure. Most significant or serious pollution incidents come from the water industry and agriculture. The remainder are spread across other sectors such as transport, retail, manufacturing, domestic and residential or are a result of natural causes.</p><p> </p><p>The EA responds to all serious incidents and follows them up with appropriate action including warning letters, formal caution, civil sanctions and prosecution. In 2014 the sentencing guidelines were revised so that fines are now related to the level of culpability and the company’s turnover. This has seen a steep rise in the value of fines which is now a much greater deterrent to causing pollution.</p><p> </p><p>Working to control discharges through environmental permits and by taking decisive action in response to pollution offences has led to significant reductions in pollution and improvements in water quality over recent years. Plans for continued improvement in this area are included in the Government's 25 Year Environmental Plan.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 18/02/2019 11:06:26 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058692

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
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	Birds of Prey: Theft
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to prevent birds of prey being stolen to order.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	219440
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/02/2019 answer text <p>The Government takes wildlife crime, including the illegal taking of birds of prey, seriously. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with strong penalties for those committing offences against birds of prey including up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.</p><p> </p><p>Birds of prey are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which controls trade in endangered species through a permitting system. This protects species from the risk of extinction due to unsustainable trade. The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018 means that anyone committing CITES offences, including trying to trade in birds of prey taken from the wild, could face up to five years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.</p><p> </p><p>Raptor persecution and CITES issues are two of six UK wildlife crime priorities. Local police and Border Force are responsible for wildlife crime enforcement. The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is co-funded by Defra and the Home Office, provides intelligence to support police and Border Force enforcement activities.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 15/02/2019 12:40:50 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058694

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
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	Partridges: Conservation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what funding his Department has allocated to grey partridge recovery projects.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	219441
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/02/2019 answer text <p>The funding of agri-environment schemes is the principal means of improving habitat provision for farmland birds such as the grey partridge. Examples of measures funded to benefit the grey partridge include the provision of over-wintered stubble and wild bird seed mixtures to provide seed in the winter, reduced input arable margins, such as conservation headlands, to provide food in spring and summer and sympathetic management of hedgerows to provide enhanced nesting opportunities.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 18/02/2019 10:45:52 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058695

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
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	Poultry
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on the numbers of geese that migrated to the UK in 2018.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	219442
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2019 answer text <p>The UK’s Goose and Swan and Monitoring Programme assesses the number of geese which migrate here every year. The programme is jointly run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Scottish Natural Heritage.</p><p> </p><p>Data for the winter season 2017-2018 is available on the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust website: <a href="https://monitoring.wwt.org.uk/our-work/goose-swan-monitoring-programme/" target="_blank">https://monitoring.wwt.org.uk/our-work/goose-swan-monitoring-programme/</a>. As the 2018/19 winter season has yet to finish, data for this season will not be available until late summer 2019.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 14/02/2019 16:24:07 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058698

registered interest
date	11/02/2019
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	Hedges and Ditches: Rural Areas
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote the skills of hedge-planting in rural areas.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	219445
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>This answer applies to England only.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Government provides grants for hedge planting under Countryside Stewardship and previously under Environmental Stewardship. These schemes do not pay specifically for skills development, but do create a demand for hedge skills. Under live Environmental Stewardship and Countryside Stewardship agreements we are funding over 690km of hedgerow planting in total.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has worked with national park authorities and the Institute for Apprenticeships in developing a Countryside Worker Apprenticeship standard. This includes hedge management within its scope.</p><p> </p><p>There are a range of training courses and advisory materials on hedge planting and management provided by charities such as the National Hedgelaying Society and by the Hedgelink partnership.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 19/02/2019 13:44:29 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon