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1128891

registered interest
date	03/06/2019
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	Horse Racing: Animal Welfare
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 with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on the number of racehorses that die in BHA-monitored races.
tabling member constituency	Slough
tabling member printed	Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
uin	259406
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/06/2019 answer text <p>The Government is keen that the welfare needs of racehorses are well met, both during their racing lives and afterwards. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is responsible for the safety of racehorses at British racecourses and work alongside the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make horseracing as safe as possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, both I and the BHA consider that more can be done to make horseracing safer which is why I have been holding regular discussions with the BHA about this. Most recently on the 14 May, I met with the BHA as well as the new independent Chair of the BHA’s newly appointed Horse Welfare Board. This was a constructive meeting where the number of fatalities of racehorses was acknowledged and both sides agreed that further action is required to tackle avoidable harm and make the sport safer.</p><p> </p><p>The Board committed to doing all it can to improve welfare outcomes. I stressed the need for the BHA to develop a robust action plan that will deliver tangible results and intend to stay in regular contact with the industry to continue to press for improvements in racehorse welfare.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 06/06/2019 10:30:35 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4638 label Biography information for Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

1129222

registered interest
date	03/06/2019
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	Veterinary Medicine
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 increase the number of veterinary professionals in the meat industry.
tabling member constituency	Newcastle-under-Lyme
tabling member printed	Paul Farrelly
uin	259054
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>Defra is taking a number of steps, working with the profession and others, to increase the number of veterinary professionals working in the UK and to enhance the attractions of a veterinary career.</p><p> </p><p>We sent our evidence on UK veterinary capacity, including in the meat industry, to the Migratory Advisory Committee. In their review published on 29 May, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended that the veterinary profession is restored to the Shortage Occupation List. The recommendations are currently with the Home Secretary.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 10/06/2019 14:20:08 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	1436 label Biography information for Paul Farrelly

1129321

registered interest
date	03/06/2019
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	Forests: 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 plans his Department has to improve protection and preservation of ancient woodlands as part of future national planning policy.
tabling member constituency	Leeds North West
tabling member printed	Alex Sobel
uin	259435
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>Defra officials are working with the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government to produce the National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) to support the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published last year. The NPPF strengthens protection of ancient woodland, meeting one of the Government’s manifesto commitments. The NPPG will be published shortly. The planning framework and guidance will reflect the importance of strengthened protection of ancient woodlands, ancient trees and veteran trees and is a significant milestone in strengthening the protection of this irreplaceable habitat.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 10/06/2019 13:57:45 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4658 label Biography information for Alex Sobel

1128524

registered interest
date	23/05/2019
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	Poultry: Animal Welfare
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he is taking steps to help ensure that supermarkets which have committed to stop selling eggs from hens kept in enriched cages by 2025 meet that target.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	257735
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>I am aware that all major supermarkets have committed to stop selling eggs from hens kept in enriched cages by 2025. This is a voluntary initiative and as a result it is not necessary for the Government to take steps to help ensure they meet that target. 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.</p><p> </p><p>Consumers can make an informed choice as, under Commission Regulation (EC) 589/2008 laying down detailed rules as regards marketing standards for eggs, it is a requirement to include an indication of the farming method on the packs and the eggs themselves.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley grouped question UIN 257736 question first answered 10/06/2019 14:16:19 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1128525

registered interest
date	23/05/2019
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	Poultry: Animal Welfare
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 the Government is taking to encourage supermarkets to stop selling eggs from hens kept in enriched cages before 2025.
tabling member constituency	Harlow
tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
uin	257736
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>I am aware that all major supermarkets have committed to stop selling eggs from hens kept in enriched cages by 2025. This is a voluntary initiative and as a result it is not necessary for the Government to take steps to help ensure they meet that target. 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.</p><p> </p><p>Consumers can make an informed choice as, under Commission Regulation (EC) 589/2008 laying down detailed rules as regards marketing standards for eggs, it is a requirement to include an indication of the farming method on the packs and the eggs themselves.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley grouped question UIN 257735 question first answered 10/06/2019 14:16:19 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1128287

registered interest
date	22/05/2019
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	Dogs: Smuggling
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 recent discussions Ministers in his Department have had with the Immigration Minister on (a) puppy smuggling and (b) collaboration between Animal and Plant Health Agency and Border Force in tackling that activity.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	257548
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/06/2019 answer text <p>Defra takes the issue of the smuggling of dogs and puppies seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to the smuggled dogs and puts the health of pets and people in the UK at risk. We are working hard to tackle the problem, targeting both the supply and demand of illegally imported dogs. This approach includes enforcement, international engagement, tighter regulation and public communications.</p><p> </p><p>A meeting with the Immigration Minister, specifically to discuss puppy smuggling, was arranged a few weeks ago for mid-June.</p><p> </p><p>The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) continues to work collaboratively with Border Force at ports and airports, sharing intelligence in order to disrupt illegal imports.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 05/06/2019 11:39:55 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1128303

registered interest
date	22/05/2019
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	Pet Travel Scheme: Cats
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many kittens and cats entered the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme in 2018.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	257555
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/06/2019 answer text <p>In 2018, 28,979 cats and kittens entered Great Britain under the Pet Travel Scheme. This data is not publically available, but is held by the Animal and Plant Agency (APHA). APHA only holds data on the number of pets entering Great Britain (rather than the UK as a whole).</p><p> </p><p>This statistic is based on information provided by checkers employed by approved carriers of pet animals. It is a true reflection of the information that we have access to, however, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data, as it is provided to us by third parties.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 05/06/2019 16:48:04 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1128308

registered interest
date	22/05/2019
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	Tree Planting
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 (a) has taken and (b) is planning to take in response to the recommendations on planting trees made by the Climate Change Committee in its report Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming, published in May 2019.
tabling member constituency	Stroud
tabling member printed	Dr David Drew
uin	257400
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>The Committee on Climate Change published its report on 2 May. We very much welcome this analysis and will be responding in a timeframe that reflects the urgency of this crucial issue.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is driving forward its manifesto commitment to plant 11 million trees over the course of this parliament.</p><p> </p><p>We have kick started a vast Northern Forest, which will see 50 million trees planted from Liverpool to Hull; allocated £10 million to plant new trees in our towns and cities through the urban trees challenge fund; and appointed a Tree Champion to lead our engagement on a new English Tree Strategy. In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced £50 million to help plant new woodlands through the Woodland Carbon Guarantee.</p><p> </p><p>We have recently consulted on Best Practice Guidance and issued the Urban Tree Manual, which support the sustainable management of trees. The National Planning Policy Framework, published in July 2018, encourages better recognition of trees and woodlands for the wider natural capital benefits they can provide.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley grouped question UIN 257421 question first answered 10/06/2019 14:06:25 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	252 label Biography information for Dr David Drew

1128314

registered interest
date	22/05/2019
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	Tree Planting
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 (a) has taken and (b) is planning to take to encourage local authorities to implement the recommendations on planting trees made by the Climate Change Committee in its report Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming, published in May 2019.
tabling member constituency	Stroud
tabling member printed	Dr David Drew
uin	257421
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>The Committee on Climate Change published its report on 2 May. We very much welcome this analysis and will be responding in a timeframe that reflects the urgency of this crucial issue.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is driving forward its manifesto commitment to plant 11 million trees over the course of this parliament.</p><p> </p><p>We have kick started a vast Northern Forest, which will see 50 million trees planted from Liverpool to Hull; allocated £10 million to plant new trees in our towns and cities through the urban trees challenge fund; and appointed a Tree Champion to lead our engagement on a new English Tree Strategy. In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced £50 million to help plant new woodlands through the Woodland Carbon Guarantee.</p><p> </p><p>We have recently consulted on Best Practice Guidance and issued the Urban Tree Manual, which support the sustainable management of trees. The National Planning Policy Framework, published in July 2018, encourages better recognition of trees and woodlands for the wider natural capital benefits they can provide.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley grouped question UIN 257400 question first answered 10/06/2019 14:06:25 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	252 label Biography information for Dr David Drew

1128335

registered interest
date	22/05/2019
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	Pet Travel Scheme
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 Animal and Plant Health Agency holds on animals imported into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme; and (a) when and (b) for what reasons that Agency stopped recording the country of origin of animals imported under that scheme.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	257572
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/06/2019 answer text <p>Currently the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) holds data on the total number of animals entering Great Britain under the Pet Travel Scheme, and the number of animals that failed the compliance checks.</p><p> </p><p>APHA stopped recording the country of origin of compliant animals imported under the scheme in 2016. Detailed data on non-compliant pet animals, including the country in which the paperwork accompanying the animal was issued, is always collected.</p><p> </p><p>In previous years the country of origin data was taken from a legacy database (Pets database) which was deployed in 2006 when the throughput of pet animals was much lower. Pet carriers recorded details of pet animals entering Great Britain, including the country of origin.</p><p> </p><p>APHA introduced a new system to establish the quality of the submitted data available from the Pets Database. This new system more accurately records the number of pet animals entering the country but does not record the country in which the paperwork was issued or the country the animal travelled from.</p><p> </p><p>When the new system was introduced to verify throughput figures it was identified that recording the country of origin for compliant animals would place an undue burden on the carriers given the volume of pets travelling (the number of pets entering Great Britain has increased from 91,308 in 2006 to 336,446 in 2018).</p><p> </p><p>Collecting the country of origin data for compliant pet imports has not proved useful in deterring puppy smuggling as it is essentially collecting information on legal movements; however APHA are looking at how this data could be accurately collected in the future and the likely costs that would be involved.</p><p> </p><p>There is no legal requirement for the country of origin to be recorded, and we always relied on the good will of the carriers to record this information.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 05/06/2019 16:45:35 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris