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1279008

registered interest
date	21/01/2021
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	Fisheries: Sustainable Development
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	What steps he is taking to promote sustainable fisheries.
tabling member constituency	North Devon
tabling member printed	Selaine Saxby
uin	911176
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/01/2021 answer text <p>The Fisheries Act sets out clear objectives on sustainability with detailed policies published in the Joint Fisheries Statement. We will publish our Fisheries Management Plans to meet our commitment to fishing within sustainable limits. As an independent coastal state, we are committed to working with our international partners to manage our shared stocks sustainably.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 21/01/2021 15:35:01 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4863 label Biography information for Selaine Saxby

1279009

registered interest
date	21/01/2021
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	Oilseed Rape: Pesticides
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	What steps his Department is taking to promote the development of environmentally friendly pesticides to help support the domestic farming of rapeseed.
tabling member constituency	Don Valley
tabling member printed	Nick Fletcher
uin	911177
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/01/2021 answer text <p>The consultation on the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides outlines how the Government will support the development of nature-based solutions, low toxicity methods, and biopesticides, in line with the principles of Integrated Pest Management.</p><p> </p><p>In partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Defra is funding field trials for Integrated Pest Management in oilseed rape.</p><p> </p><p>Defra also supports research on the genetic improvement of rapeseed to increase resilience to pests.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 21/01/2021 15:36:32 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4832 label Biography information for Nick Fletcher

1278609

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Food: Labelling
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 his Department’s consultation on food labelling is planned to include questions on the need (a) for labelling to better promote healthier foods (b) to simplify the food labelling requirements and (c) to promote more sustainable foods.
tabling member constituency	Stoke-on-Trent Central
tabling member printed	Jo Gideon
uin	140961
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>The Government’s obesity strategy, published in July 2020, includes a number of important measures to improve nutrition labelling to aid consumers in making more informed, healthier choices. These include commitments to consult on front of pack nutrition labelling and alcohol calorie labelling, and a commitment to introduce legislation to implement out-of-home calorie labelling for large businesses. The consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling closed on 21 October 2020, the consultation on alcohol calorie labelling will take place shortly and we are looking to introduce legislation on out-of-home calorie labelling later this year.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has further committed to consult on what can be done through labelling to promote high standards and high welfare across the UK market following the end of the transition period. The consultation is currently being prepared. The consultation will seek stakeholder and public views on how consumer information should be presented and on a range of policy options including mandatory/voluntary labelling reforms.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We also have the opportunity to carry out a review of food labelling now we are no longer bound by EU rules to ensure information supports UK consumers' safe, healthy and sustainable food choices and also Great British food products. This would include careful consideration of how food labelling might contribute to the outcomes of the National Food Strategy, which is looking in detail at creating a better food system for people and for the environment.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/01/2021 13:12:12 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4817 label Biography information for Jo Gideon

1278672

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Rivers: Sewage
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 December 2020 to Question 123502, when the new joint taskforce on storm overflows will publish its proposals on protecting chalk streams.
tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
uin	140999
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>The new Storm Overflows Taskforce established between the Government, the water industry, regulators and environmental NGOs will set out clear proposals to address the harm and frequency of sewage discharged into our rivers and other waterways from storm overflows. The Taskforce has commissioned a research project to gather a comprehensive evidence base about the costs, benefits and feasibility of different options. This research project is due to be completed in the spring.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, we are working with stakeholders through a new national working group to develop a chalk steam action plan to restore and protect England’s chalk streams.</p><p>The working group will be considering all available options on providing further protection of chalk streams and will be reporting its recommendations later in the year.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/01/2021 14:15:39 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1278673

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Rivers: South Downs
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 assessment his Department has made of the level of protection of chalk streams in the South Downs.
tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
uin	141000
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>Restoring England’s internationally important chalk streams is a Government priority. In October last year I co-hosted a conference bringing together key partners whose actions are needed to achieve that priority. A chalk streams working group has been formed and is developing an action plan, a first draft of which will be presented to Government later this year.</p><p> </p><p>A number of river systems drain the South Downs but in many cases only the headwaters would be considered to be chalk streams. The main exceptions are the Itchen and Meon which are sizeable rivers with strong chalk stream character. The Itchen is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation from source to sea for its national and international importance as chalk stream habitat.</p><p> </p><p>More broadly, River Basin Management Plans set out the actions that are required by a range of organisations and sectors to improve the water environment at a local scale. In addition, the Nitrates (Pollution Prevention) Regulations 2015 and the Farming Rules for Water (2018) aim to reduce agricultural loadings to the natural environment. The Environment Agency is addressing the issue of unsustainable water abstraction, which may also impact on the health of a chalk stream.</p><p> </p><p>Chalk streams are habitats of principal importance under Section 41 of The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, alongside other important river types. The Act requires that the Secretary of State takes steps, as appear to be reasonably practicable, to further the conservation of these habitat types, and promote the taking of similar steps by others. Natural England and the Environment Agency work closely with public bodies and other landowners and stakeholders to advise on and support better protection and restoration of chalk streams, in the South Downs and more widely.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/01/2021 14:18:11 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1278675

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Pesticides: Pollinators
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 the development and wider use of non-chemical pesticides in order to protect pollinators.
tabling member constituency	Sutton Coldfield
tabling member printed	Mr Andrew Mitchell
uin	140749
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>Our strict regulation applies to both chemical and non-chemical pesticides, as it cannot be assumed that non-chemical pesticide are inherently safer.</p><p>Defra and the Devolved Administrations are currently consulting on the revised National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Pesticides (the NAP). The NAP lays out how we intend to support the uptake of integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce the risks associated with pesticides use, including those to pollinators.</p><p>The NAP supports the development of alternatives to chemical pesticides, with the aim of reducing impact on non-target species. Our proposed plan will increase uptake of non-chemical approaches by improving advice and skills sharing, and providing financial support through the new Environmental Land Management Scheme.</p><p>In England, we are working to ensure that these actions support and align with our wider priorities for protecting pollinators through the National Pollinator Strategy.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/01/2021 13:23:22 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell

1278685

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: UN Climate Conference 2021
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 departmental staff will be attending COP26 in an official capacity with their expenses covered.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	140781
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>Numbers on departmental staff attending COP26 are still to be determined.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/01/2021 13:03:14 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1278787

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Horses: 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 plans to increase support for equine rescue centres during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Meriden
tabling member printed	Saqib Bhatti
uin	140962
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>Equine rescue centres do excellent work, often on a voluntary basis, to rescue and rehome unwanted and abandoned horses, and to ensure they are protected against cruelty. I am acutely aware that the coronavirus pandemic, and specifically the measures put in place to control the spread of the virus, continue to affect individuals, businesses and charities caring for animals. Equine welfare remains a priority for Defra throughout the coronavirus pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>It has been encouraging to see the sector working collaboratively and successfully to support itself and to safeguard the welfare of equines in their care in the face of financial hardship and uncertainty. The sector continues to keep us informed of the status of the emergency grant schemes they have established to support numerous smaller organisations. These schemes include the Covid-19 Equine Rescues Emergency Fund established by the Pet Plan Charitable Trust (PPCT) together with World Horse Welfare and the National Equine Welfare Council.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to this, we have worked closely with sector groups to update guidance to animal rescue and rehoming organisations, and other animal charities and businesses. This has enabled them to undertake core operations as far as possible, whilst maintaining compliance with the social distancing rules and need for hygiene precautions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Throughout this period, we have ensured that rescue and rehoming organisations are permitted to stay open, that staff and volunteers can continue to work and tend to the animals in their care, and that rehoming, fostering and adoption services can continue in accordance with Covid-19 secure guidance.</p><p> </p><p>We take the concerns of the sector very seriously and are keeping a close watch on in-take levels and trends in animal relinquishments. Defra remains committed to continued engagement with the sector to understand the longer-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, monitor the animal welfare implications of this and offer appropriate advice and support.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/01/2021 17:01:57 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti

1278793

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Neonicotinoids
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 safeguards he is putting in place to prevent the overuse of neonicotinoids.
tabling member constituency	Totnes
tabling member printed	Anthony Mangnall
uin	140935
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>The Government remains committed to the neonicotinoid restrictions put in place in 2018 to protect bees and other pollinators. We will only consider exceptions in special circumstances where emergency authorisation for limited and controlled use appears necessary because of a danger that cannot be contained by any other reasonable means and where the risk to people, animals and the environment is considered acceptably low.</p><p> </p><p>The emergency authorisation that was recently granted for Cruiser SB (containing the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam) meets all these requirements. It only allows use on the 2021 sugar beet crop to address a serious threat from viruses transmitted by aphids. The use of this product will be tightly limited and controlled. A threshold of predicted disease level must be met before the use of treated seeds is allowed and the application rate of the product will be below the previously authorised commercial rate. There is also a prohibition on any flowering crop being planted within 22 months of the drilling of the sugar beet crop. This period is extended to 32 months for oilseed rape, which is attractive to bees and other pollinators.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/01/2021 14:21:19 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4762 label Biography information for Anthony Mangnall

1278794

registered interest
date	20/01/2021
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	Seafood: Consumption
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 steps his Department has taken to increase domestic consumption of UK-caught seafood
tabling member constituency	Totnes
tabling member printed	Anthony Mangnall
uin	140936
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2021 answer text <p>We are committed to encouraging consumers to buy and eat more locally caught fish and shellfish from UK waters, thereby increasing domestic consumption.</p><p>Through the Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme, we provided funding for projects that helped to increase the supply of local seafood to domestic markets and help to increase consumption of locally caught seafood in the UK.</p><p>Additionally, we have worked in partnership with Seafish on the 'Sea for Yourself' consumer facing campaign to inspire the UK to eat more locally caught seafood. The launch of their 'Love Seafood' brand in October 2020 will help consumers across the UK reconnect with the enjoyment of seafood by promoting the choice, convenience and balanced living that it provides. 'Love Seafood' represents an ambitious long-term initiative to reframe the nation's view of seafood and encourage consumers in the UK to eat more seafood over the next 20 years.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/01/2021 13:18:56 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4762 label Biography information for Anthony Mangnall