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1128965

	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	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, pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2019 to Question 254174, on Animal welfare, if he will establish a database on the number of animal welfare inspectors appointed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	259166
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/06/2019 answer text <p>Anyone is able to take out a prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and it is on this basis that the RSPCA investigate calls and prosecute hundreds of people each year for offences under the Act. Local authorities also have enabling powers under the Act and make decisions on their approach to the Act based on local needs and resource priorities and the arrangements that work best for them working in partnership with others where helpful. We currently are not planning to establish a database of all those who are engaged in inspections and investigations under the Act.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 11/06/2019 14:09:38 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1132175

	registered interest
	date	13/06/2019
	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	Tree Felling: Sheffield
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Forestry Commission plans to publish the results of its investigation into street tree felling in Sheffield.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	264379
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/06/2019 answer text <p>The Forestry Commission’s internal report on its investigation into whether or not trees in Sheffield have been felled without a licence when a licence would have been required under section 9 of the Forestry Act 1967 (as amended) is nearing completion and will be published by the Forestry Commission, as the regulatory authority, as soon as due process allows.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 19/06/2019 15:04:11 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1134197

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	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	Climate Change
	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 the UK is taking steps with the Government of China to promote natural climate solutions at the UN’s Climate and Biodiversity Summits in 2020, and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	268449
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2019 answer text <p>Yes. The Government is a world leader in calling for nature based solutions to be recognised as critical in addressing climate action. I met the Environment Minister for China at the G20 to discuss this and The Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties to be held in China next year.</p><p> </p><p>The UN Climate Action Summit this September provides a more immediate opportunity to deliver ambitious initiatives that tackle both climate change and biodiversity loss. The UK is co-leading the Resilience and Adaptation theme for the Summit and is actively engaging with other partners who are leading and developing the other themes. This includes China, who is co-leading the Nature Based Solutions theme for the Summit.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 01/07/2019 13:32:16 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1134198

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	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	Climate Change
	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 he has to pursue and implement nature-based solutions domestically to (a) mitigate and (b) adapt to climate change and (c) protect and restore nature; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	268450
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>Nature-based solutions are key to tackling and strengthening resilience to climate change impacts. Our wetlands, forests and grasslands capture carbon – and provide other environmental benefits, such as flood management, pollination, and biodiversity. The Government is deploying such solutions to improve our natural environment and our Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan sets out key policies on how improving nature can help tackle climate change.</p><p> </p><p>Tree planting is one of the main contributors to nature-based carbon sequestration. Our manifesto committed to planting 11 million trees by 2022, and a further 1 million trees in our towns and cities. We also have a long term aspiration to increase woodland cover in England from 10% to 12% by 2060. To achieve these goals, in the Autumn Budget the Chancellor announced £10m for an Urban Trees Challenge Fund – which is now open for applications - and £50m to help plant new woodlands through the Woodland Carbon Guarantee.</p><p> </p><p>Peatlands are our largest terrestrial carbon store. Organic or peat soils make up 11% of England’s total land area, over 70% of which are drained or in poor condition. We have committed to publishing an England Peatland Strategy. The strategy sets out our vision to reverse decline in peatlands and restore them. Work is underway on four large-scale peatland restoration projects across England, to which we have allocated £10m, and will restore 5,851 ha of degraded peatlands. We are also improving saltmarshes.</p><p> </p><p>Natural England has an ongoing uplands programme with landowners and we will also be setting up a Lowland Agricultural Peatland Taskforce to help sustainably manage and restore peatland habitats. Once restored, our healthy functioning peatlands will provide a range of public benefits in addition to carbon storage, including flood mitigation and biodiversity rich habitats.</p><p> </p><p>Under the new Environmental Land Management Scheme we will pay public money for the provision of environmental public goods. These public goods will include the mitigation of and adaption to climate change.</p><p> </p><p>We also support nature-based solutions through our international aid programmes on forestry and mangroves/blue forests.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 02/07/2019 10:47:30 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1136364

	registered interest
	date	02/07/2019
	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	Imports: Environment Protection
	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 plans to take to minimise negative ecological effects on carbon-rich, biodiversity-rich ecosystems throughout the world of UK imports of (a) soft commodities including (i) palm oil, (ii) soy, (iii) cocoa, (iv) rubber, (v) beef, and (vi) timber and (b) hard commodities including (A) minerals, (B) oil and gas, and (C) other products of mining; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	272221
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan sets out our ambition to support and protect the world’s forests, support sustainable agriculture and work towards zero-deforestation supply chains. As part of this plan we are establishing a Global Resource Initiative (GRI) that will identify actions the UK can take across commodity supply chains to improve the sustainability of products and reduce deforestation.</p><p> </p><p>The GRI builds upon the Government’s work convening commodity-specific roundtables on palm oil and soya, two of the largest drivers of deforestation. The Government established the UK Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil in 2012 to improve reporting, traceability and understanding of supply chains to ensure continuous improvement and increased use of certified palm oil. The Roundtable’s latest annual report indicates that the UK achieved 75% certified sustainable palm oil in 2017, increasing from 16% in 2010.</p><p> </p><p>Our Resources and Waste Strategy sets out how we will preserve our stock of material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency and moving towards a circular economy approach, including by providing consumers with better information on the sustainability of their purchases. It also aims to minimise the damage caused to the natural environment by managing waste safely.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 10/07/2019 13:53:20 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1139805

	registered interest
	date	17/07/2019
	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	Mining: Seas and Oceans
	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 he has made of the (a) effect on and (b) risks to the environment of deep sea mining; and if he will make it his policy to pursue a moratorium.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	278457
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>Defra is investigating the risks and environmental effects of deep sea mining through a cross Government working group including Cefas, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The working group is supported by input from the National Oceanography Centre, Natural History Museum and British Geological Survey who are involved in a number of ongoing academic projects considering the impacts of deep sea mining. In addition, FCO and Defra commissioned a workshop in February 2019 which brought together UK universities, industry and consultancies involved in the assessment of deep sea mining activities, to share information, progress and research findings. The outputs of these discussions are being used to inform the UK’s input into the development of regulations, standards and guidelines at the International Seabed Authority.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is pushing for transparent, science-based and environmentally sound regulation of seabed mining by the International Seabed Authority to ensure effective protections of deep sea habitats and biodiversity while allowing UK businesses to realise the commercial opportunities.</p><p> </p><p>We are using our influence to secure the adoption of a mining code in 2020 that provides for robust and accountable oversight of mining activity. This includes (i) enshrining the precautionary principle and an ecosystem approach in the mining code; (ii) ensuring that in addition to the core regulations, effective and binding standards and guidelines to ensure environmentally sound mining have been adopted before exploitation licences are granted, and that these reflect the different environmental and other features of the different mineral deposits; (iii) ensuring that Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs) with robust environmental objectives are established before exploitation licences can be granted and that there is a clear regulatory link between the REMPs and exploitation licences; and (iv) allowing for the suspension of mining activities when operators fail to adhere to environmental safeguards or where new evidence of risk of serious harm arises.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 30/07/2019 09:51:10 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1139808

	registered interest
	date	17/07/2019
	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	Deep Sea Mining
	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 oral evidence given by his Department’s Chief Scientist Professor Gideon Henderson to the Environmental Audit Committee on 16 October 2018, what the implications are for his policies of the statement that deep sea mining will do substantial damage to that local environment on the seabed, and that is pretty much unavoidable; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	278459
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is pushing for transparent, science-based and environmentally sound regulation of seabed mining by the International Seabed Authority to ensure effective protections of deep sea habitats and biodiversity while allowing UK businesses to realise the commercial opportunities.</p><p> </p><p>We are using our influence to secure the adoption of a mining code in 2020 that provides for robust and accountable oversight of mining activity. This includes (i) enshrining the precautionary principle and an ecosystem approach in the mining code; (ii) ensuring that in addition to the core regulations, effective and binding standards and guidelines to ensure environmentally sound mining have been adopted before exploitation licences are granted, and that these reflect the different environmental and other features of the different mineral deposits; (iii) ensuring that Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs) with robust environmental objectives are established before exploitation licences can be granted and that there is a clear regulatory link between the REMPs and exploitation licences; and (iv) allowing for the suspension of mining activities when operators fail to adhere to environmental safeguards or where new evidence of risk of serious harm arises.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 30/07/2019 09:02:38 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1140943

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2019
	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	Dutch Elm Disease: Disease 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 the Government is taking to (a) support local authorities managing and tackling elm disease and (b) ensure that Brighton and Hove City Council has adequate support to protect the National Elm Collection in the city.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	280285
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>Landowners are responsible for managing the trees on their land. All Local Authorities, including Brighton and Hove, have been provided with the legislative powers necessary to safeguard the nation’s elm population and prevent the spread of elm disease. These powers are set out in the Dutch Elm Disease (Local Authorities) Order 1984. They allow officers (appointed by the Local Authority) who suspect the presence of this disease to enter any land to inspect trees and take samples, and where disease is present, to take action to eradicate it. Government has a strong risk-based biosecurity response to reduce the pest and disease risk to trees involving comprehensive international and domestic surveillance, stringent border biosecurity, robust contingency plans and world leading research. Government invests over £30million per year on our plant health service.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Richmond Park answering member printed Zac Goldsmith question first answered 09/09/2019 13:32:17 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1140950

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2019
	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	Climate Change
	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 July 2019 Progress Report to Parliament published by the Committee on Climate Change, for what reasons 21 of the 56 risks and opportunities identified in the UK’s Climate Change Risk Assessment have no formal actions in the National Adaptation Programme.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	280287
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 09/09/2019 16:34:01 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1141131

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2019
	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	Bees: Pesticides
	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 EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed decision on 17 July 2019 to suspend the 2013 European Food Safety Authority guidance on bee safety tests for new pesticides, how the UK voted in that Standing Committee meeting; and what plans he has to prevent the approval of pesticides that can (a) destroy wild bee populations and (b) cause long-term harm to honeybees.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	280362
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/08/2019 answer text <p>The Government recognises the need to protect bee populations from the effects of pesticides. This requires an effective scientific means of assessing the risks and enabling sound decisions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) drew up new guidance on the risk assessment in 2013, however this has not been adopted by the European Commission because a number of Member States had a variety of concerns about whether it was workable. The UK was among those proposing that the EFSA draft should be the starting point but that further work would be needed to develop it.</p><p> </p><p>The Commission has now decided to ask EFS to review the draft and, in the meantime to begin to introduce aspects of the draft that are considered to be more immediately implementable. The Standing Committee vote on 17 July was to make minor changes to the rules on assessing the risks of pesticides so as to reflect the partial implementation of the 2013 draft guidance.</p><p> </p><p>We remain committed to the continuing development of a comprehensive and workable approach to important this issue as we build the national pesticides regime after the UK leaves the EU. We will work with stakeholders to develop an up to date approach that ensures that potential risks to bees can be properly assessed.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 02/08/2019 10:29:13 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1141400

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Food Supply
	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 guidance his Department has issued to consumers on the supply of food in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	281006
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/08/2019 answer text <p>On 31 July, the Prime Minister announced a new £138 million public awareness campaign to prepare the public for every aspect of our leaving the EU without an agreement at the end of October.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 13/08/2019 16:22:24 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1141402

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Food Supply
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish his Department's guidance issued to (a) Resilience Forums, (b) local authorities (c) other bodies with responsibilities to prepare for crises under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and (d) representatives from the agriculture industry on the worst-case scenario in relation to food preparations in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	281007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/09/2019 answer text <p>Specific guidance for the food and drink sector is available at <a href="http://www.gov.uk/defra/brexit-food-drink-sector" target="_blank">www.gov.uk//defra/brexit-food-drink-sector</a>.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 05/09/2019 16:31:45 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1141404

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Food Supply
	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 the Government has made of the worse-case effects of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on (a) the proportion of food trucks not being able to have smooth border transit, (b) waiting times at borders, (c) the length of time of disruption to food supplies, (d) potential food price rises and (e) the finances of vulnerable people.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	281008
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/08/2019 answer text <p>The government has been planning for a no deal scenario for the past three years and the cross government Border Delivery Group has been working on logistics issues and planning for a range of scenarios. The government has conducted exercises to test systems in preparation for leaving the EU without a deal and Operation Brock has been developed as a contingency plan, in the event that any problems arise at cross-Channel ports, to manage traffic flows.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 12/08/2019 08:54:11 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1141407

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Food Supply
	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 the legal responsibility of local authorities to provide food in a time of crisis extends to (a) children, (b) people on a low income, (c) elderly people, (d) disabled people and (e) housebound people.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	281010
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/09/2019 answer text <p>Food is a critical national infrastructure sector and Defra has lead Government department oversight of responsibility for food supply in England. The policy is devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the constitutional settlement.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is not responsible for the supply of food and drink to the population in an emergency, and the expertise, capability and levers to plan for and respond to food supply disruption lie within the industry. However, we have well established relationships with the food and drink sectors, and we work collaboratively with the food industry and across Government to support coherent and robust industry contingency planning and response in the event of an incident situation. The food industry is experienced in dealing with scenarios that can affect food supply.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities do not have a general duty to provide food but have duties to provide food to particular groups in particular circumstances, including schools and care settings. Public sector food provision for specific sectors is led by the relevant Government departments. Defra works with lead Departments (including DfE, DHSC and MoJ) to support their contingency planning for food supply to public services. Defra’s role involves providing advice and support to these departments who in turn work with their public services to ensure that supply is resilient.</p><p> </p><p>We are committed to a strong safety net for those who need it, which is why this Government continues to spend over £90 billion a year on welfare benefits.</p> answering member constituency Richmond Park answering member printed Zac Goldsmith question first answered 06/09/2019 14:02:23 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1141409

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Food Supply
	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 the Government has to undertake a public awareness campaign on the effect on food (a) supply and (b) prices of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	281012
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/08/2019 answer text <p>On the 31st July, the Prime Minister announced a new £138 million public awareness campaign to prepare the public for every aspect of our leaving the EU without an agreement at the end of October.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 09/08/2019 14:44:20 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1142947

	registered interest
	date	02/09/2019
	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	European Environment Agency
	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 the UK Government plans to seek membership of or co-operator country status with the European Environment Agency in the event that the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	284441
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2019 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 09/09/2019 16:19:43 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1148046

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	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	Climate Change
	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 Reducing UK emissions - 2019 Progress Report to Parliament, published by the Committee on Climate Change on 10 July 2010, for what reasons 21 of the 56 risks and opportunities identified in the UK’s Climate Change Risk Assessment have no formal actions in the National Adaptation Programme.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	293517
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The Government welcomes the Committee on Climate Change’s progress report to Parliament. As required, we will respond formally by the deadline of 15 October.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 08/10/2019 10:01:49 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1148048

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	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	European Environment Agency
	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 the UK Government plans to seek membership of or co-operator country status with the European Environment Agency in the event that the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	293518
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>Our future relationship with the EU is still to be determined and is the subject of negotiations. As part of Exit negotiations the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States our future status and arrangements with regard to EU bodies and their environmental functions.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 08/10/2019 11:24:20 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1148049

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	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	European Environment Agency
	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 representations the UK Government has received on the UK’s relationship with the European Environment Agency from (a) the Scottish Government, (b) the Welsh Government and (c) the Northern Ireland Executive.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	293519
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>We are committed to working closely with the Devolved Administrations as the UK exits the EU.</p><p> </p><p>Defra Ministers and officials speak regularly with counterparts from the Devolved Administrations on issues relating to EU exit, including at a regular Inter-Ministerial Group. This includes discussions on the environment and future relationship with EU bodies.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 08/10/2019 10:37:47 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1148051

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	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	European Environment Agency
	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 the Government has made of the effect on the monitoring, measuring and reporting of environmental outcomes in the event that the UK ends its membership of the European Environment Agency.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	293520
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to high environmental standards and to increasing, not weakening, environmental protections as we leave the EU. To support this, current EU legislative requirements concerning monitoring, measuring and reporting have been reflected in EU exit Statutory Instruments, and will continue to be implemented after the UK leaves the EU. Our preparations for leaving the EU reflect this, including replacing functions previously carried out by the European Environment Agency.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 08/10/2019 10:51:37 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1150552

	registered interest
	date	17/10/2019
	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	Sites of Special Scientific Interest
	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 estimate she has made of the (a) number and (b) proportion of sites of special scientific interest that have had no condition assessments undertaken in the last six years; and if she will publish the names of those sites.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	1653
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/10/2019 answer text <p>56% (2,314) of the 4,125 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) have not had an assessment by Natural England (NE) within the past six years. In 2010, NE adopted a different, risk-based approach rather than a fixed six-year cycle. NE continues to support and encourage partners in the work they themselves do to undertake SSSI condition assessments. Information on individual SSSIs, including site names and the dates of assessments, is published on Natural England’s Designated Sites View: <a href="https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/" target="_blank">https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 25/10/2019 10:57:46 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1150553

	registered interest
	date	17/10/2019
	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	Natural England
	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 estimate she has made of (a) the cost to Natural England of monitoring sites of special scientific interest, (b) the number of Natural England FTE staff on (i) temporary and (ii) permanent contracts and (c) the amount her Department has awarded Natural England in its core grant-in-aid for each year since 2009.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	1654
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2019 answer text <p>Natural England’s costs for <em>Site of Special Scientific Interest</em> (SSSI) monitoring consist of external spend of £0.2 million and internal staff time of £0.5 million (which includes landscape monitoring). The projected staff numbers for the end of the financial year 19/20 are (i) temporary full-time equivalent (FTE) of 88 and (ii) permanent FTE of 1,656.</p><p> </p><p>Defra has awarded Natural England (NE) core grant-in-aid for each year since 2009 as shown in the table below. Natural England also receives ring-fenced grant-in-aid from Defra, some grant-in-aid from other Government Departments and income from other sources. This additional funding is for specific projects.</p><p> </p><p>Over the last 5 years NE’s Grant in Aid budget has reduced by nearly 50%, but the fall in total expenditure is about 25% when increases in other NE income are taken into account - close to the Defra Group average of 23% across the same period. NE no longer has responsibility for management of the Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship schemes; although it continues to provide advice under these schemes.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>£'m</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2009/10</p></td><td><p>212.8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010/11</p></td><td><p>220.3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011/12</p></td><td><p>172.4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012/13</p></td><td><p>174.1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013/14</p></td><td><p>138.0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014/15</p></td><td><p>109.9</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015/16</p></td><td><p>94.6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016/17</p></td><td><p>83.3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017/18</p></td><td><p>79.8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018/19</p></td><td><p>71.9</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019/20</p></td><td><p>60.5</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 22/10/2019 16:00:00 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1150554

	registered interest
	date	17/10/2019
	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	Environment Agency: Staff
	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 estimate she has made of the number of Environment Agency FTE staff on (a) temporary and (b) permanent contracts in each year from 2009; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	1655
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2019 answer text <p>The below table shows the number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) in ENGLAND ONLY from 2009:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td colspan="2"><p>a) Directly</p></td><td colspan="2"><p>b) Contracted Basis</p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Perm Employees</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Fixed Term Contract Employees</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Employment Agency Staff</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Contractors</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Total</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>09/10</p></td><td><p>10,918</p></td><td><p>359</p></td><td><p>429</p></td><td><p>452</p></td><td><p>12,158</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>10/11</p></td><td><p>10,063</p></td><td><p>105</p></td><td><p>209</p></td><td><p>135</p></td><td><p>10,512</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>11/12</p></td><td><p>9,816</p></td><td><p>158</p></td><td><p>516</p></td><td><p>139</p></td><td><p>10,628</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>12/13</p></td><td><p>10,345</p></td><td><p>310</p></td><td><p>487</p></td><td><p>216</p></td><td><p>11,358</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>13/14</p></td><td><p>10,068</p></td><td><p>207</p></td><td><p>218</p></td><td><p>114</p></td><td><p>10,608</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>14/15</p></td><td><p>9,624</p></td><td><p>113</p></td><td><p>343</p></td><td><p>154</p></td><td><p>10,235</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>15/16</p></td><td><p>9,556</p></td><td><p>117</p></td><td><p>275</p></td><td><p>391</p></td><td><p>10,340</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>16/17</p></td><td><p>9,839</p></td><td><p>264</p></td><td><p>185</p></td><td><p>607</p></td><td><p>10,896</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>17/18</p></td><td><p>9,174</p></td><td><p>316</p></td><td><p>233</p></td><td><p>283</p></td><td><p>10,006</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>18/19</p></td><td><p>9,577</p></td><td><p>296</p></td><td><p>297</p></td><td><p>260</p></td><td><p>10,429</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>September 2019</p></td><td><p>9,793</p></td><td><p>351</p></td><td><p>293</p></td><td><p>267</p></td><td><p>10,705</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p>The changes in the number of staff who work at the Environment Agency represent the Spending Review settlements and income received from charge payers.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, please note the following:-</p><p> </p><p>In November 2017 896 FTE transferred to Defra Corporate Services under a Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) arrangement.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 22/10/2019 16:08:53 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1150555

	registered interest
	date	17/10/2019
	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	Environment Agency: Inspections
	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 estimate she has made of the number of site inspections carried out by the Environment Agency in each year since 2014.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	1656
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2019 answer text <p>The information requested is not collated centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 22/10/2019 12:26:44 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1151433

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2019
	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 recent comparative assessment she has made of the number of racehorse fatalities (a) in the first nine months of 2019 and (b) in the same period in 2018; what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the British Horseracing Authority in reducing annual levels of racehorse fatalities; and with reference to the Answer of 16 April 2019 to Question 242198 on Horse Racing: Animal Welfare, what recent discussions officials in her Department have had with the British Horseracing Authority.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3670
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2019 answer text <p>The official annual statistics on fatality rates are published on the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) website, in an approach endorsed by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. We would expect the fatality rates for 2019 to be published by BHA in the New Year. Officials regularly meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including the BHA.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Richmond Park answering member printed Zac Goldsmith question first answered 30/10/2019 14:08:57 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1151434

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2019
	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, if she will make it her policy to set up new independent welfare body to protect race horses from abuse.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3671
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2019 answer text <p>The Horse Welfare Board (HWB) was formed in March 2019 and is currently developing a comprehensive equine welfare strategy, covering the whole life of the racehorse, which will be published in the coming months. The Government will stay in regular contact with the industry and the new HWB. We will continue to press them for improvements in racehorse welfare and a reduction in the number of fatalities.</p> answering member constituency Richmond Park answering member printed Zac Goldsmith question first answered 30/10/2019 14:05:41 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1151567

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2019
	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
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish the most recent classification by chemical status of the UK's surface water bodies.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3754
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2019 answer text <p>The most recent surface classifications were published in January 2017 and can be accessed via the Catchment Data Explorer application available online at: <a href="https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/" target="_blank">https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Chemicals status classifications will next be updated in 2020 as part of the work to review and update River Basin Management Plans.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 28/10/2019 12:39:10 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1151568

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2019
	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
	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 proportion of surface water bodies have been tested for chemical status using a biota sampling methodology; and of those bodies so tested what proportion were classified as having a good chemical status.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3755
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2019 answer text <p>Biota testing has now been undertaken in 2.8% (130) surface waterbodies.</p><p> </p><p>Chemicals status classifications will next be updated in 2020 as part of the work to review and update River Basin Management Plans.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 28/10/2019 12:53:21 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1151569

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2019
	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
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an estimate of the proportion of unmonitored surface water bodies that would be classified as having a good chemical status using a biota sampling methodology.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3756
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2019 answer text <p>It is not possible to monitor biota in every water body. The Environment Agency is considering how to assess unmonitored surface water bodies to inform the classification of chemical status when this is next undertaken in 2020.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 28/10/2019 12:46:58 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1151570

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2019
	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
	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 it is her policy to use a biota sampling methodology to assess the chemical status of surface water bodies in the next round of the Government's River Basin Management Plans.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3757
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2019 answer text <p>The intention is to use biota sampling to inform the next chemical status classification in 2020.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 28/10/2019 12:54:29 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1167520

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2019
	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	Natural England
	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 22 October 2019 to Question 1654 on Natural England, what estimate she has made of the shortfall in the resources available to Natural England to discharge its statutory functions and duties; for what reason Natural England does not have powers to charge for regulatory works; if she will make it her policy to grant Natural England those powers; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	7747
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2019 answer text <p>Natural England (NE), like all other Defra sponsored bodies, receives a budget to carry out its duties and responsibilities in line with what is affordable and the Government’s priorities for the natural environment. Grant in Aid has reduced over recent years, however NE receives income from other sources to carry out its duties. The resulting reduction aligns with the Defra Group average of 23% across the same period.</p><p> </p><p>NE’s primary power to charge for services and licences is in section 11 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (‘the Act’). Under section 11(1) of the Act, NE can charge for its services and, for example, uses this power to underpin its chargeable Discretionary Advice Service, through which it is able to offer advice to developers and others in response to non-statutory requests (e.g. pre-application advice). To exercise its powers under section 11(3) of the Act to charge for its service in issuing licences, enabling legislation would need to be in place. Defra is working closely with NE to consider how to broaden its income base.</p><p> </p><p>The recent one-year Spending Round for the financial year 2020 to 2021 saw some additional funds allocated for biodiversity. Defra will work with NE to determine future funding necessary from 2020 to deliver NE’s contribution to Government’s ambitions for the environment, including its 25 Year Plan for the Environment.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 04/11/2019 17:49:42 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1171108

	registered interest
	date	15/01/2020
	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	European Environment Agency
	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 the Government plans to seek membership of or co-operator country status with the (a) European Environment Agency and (b) European Environment Information and Observation Network after the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	3725
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/01/2020 answer text <p>Our future relationship with the EU is the subject of negotiations. The Government will consider our future working relationship with EU bodies as part of the discussions about our future partnership.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 20/01/2020 12:36:03 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1176843

	registered interest
	date	06/02/2020
	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	Trees: Imports
	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 procedures are in place to ensure that invasive tree pests and diseases are not imported on trees for plantation; whether additional steps will be taken to improve biosecurity after the transition period; and what biosecurity standards to prevent the import of invasive tree pests and diseases will be applied to new free trade deals that the UK agrees with (a) the US and (b) other countries.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	13453
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/02/2020 answer text <p>The UK has robust controls in place to protect against tree pest and disease threats. These include being the most prolific user of the EU Protected Zone system, comprehensive official inspections and surveillance, and a statutory notification scheme for certain tree species imported from the EU. The UK operates under WTO obligations and will apply the EU Plant Health Regulation (which came into force in December 2019) until the end of the Transition Period. This risk-based regime prohibits or controls the import of high risk plants and planting material from third countries. The UK frequently uses national measures to enhance these biosecurity provisions. Horizon scanning for any new and emerging threats associated with tree imports is carried out continuously and the results are considered monthly by all UK Plant Health Authorities, facilitated by the Defra chaired UK Plant Health Risk Group. The UK Plant Health Risk Register (UKPHRR) is the principal screening tool used for this purpose and all outputs are published. The UKPHRR now has over 1000 entries (300 of which can impact trees), informing decision making and prioritisation in relation to tree health threats. UK legislation is updated on a frequent basis to protect against new and revised threats.</p><p> </p><p>After the Transition Period, the UK will continue with our risk based approach to maintain strong biosecurity protections. We will maintain our own autonomous sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regime to protect plant health and the environment, reflecting our existing high standards. The UK will introduce import controls on EU goods at the border and will continue to have controls on other third country goods. This will allow the UK to keep our borders safe and bio-secure.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is proud of its world-leading biosecurity standards. We will not lower our standards nor put the UK’s biosecurity at risk as we negotiate new trade deals. We are already considering what additional measures it might now be appropriate to introduce against key threats such as <em>Xylella fastidiosa</em> and the Emerald ash borer. In planning for all scenarios, we have always had three key objectives: to maintain current high levels of UK plant health biosecurity; to maintain the flow of goods at the border; and to minimise impacts on businesses.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 18/02/2020 14:31:42 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1176844

	registered interest
	date	06/02/2020
	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
	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 her Department has taken to help the UK's forests and woodlands recover from Ash Dieback; and what steps her Department is taking to prevent new diseases being imported.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	13514
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/02/2020 answer text <p>Since ash dieback was first detected in the UK, the Government has invested more than £6 million to advance our scientific understanding of this disease. We have conducted the world’s largest screening trials for tolerant trees and last month planted 3,000 trees in the first UK archive of tolerant ash. This will provide the basis for a breeding programme of tolerant ash over time and is a major step towards landscape recovery.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance for landowners on managing diseased ash has been published, including a toolkit for local authorities which has been downloaded over 18,500 times. Defra also provides restoration grants to support replanting with alternative species where ash dieback is present.</p><p> </p><p>The UK has robust controls in place to prevent new diseases being imported, including a comprehensive system of inspections and surveillance and a statutory notification scheme for certain tree species. Thirty-five high risk host species, including many native tree species such as ash, oak, beech, willow and birch, are now provisionally prohibited from import to the UK from outside the EU, until a full risk assessment has been carried out.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 13/02/2020 13:10:45 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1177520

	registered interest
	date	10/02/2020
	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	Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
	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 section 24 (3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, when the Government laid before Parliament a copy of the (a) 6th Quinquennial Review advice received from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and (b) Government’s formal response to that review and any accompanying statements; where those documents can be located online; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	14727
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government has not laid these documents before Parliament. In tandem with its advice to the governments of all GB administrations on species listing following the 6<sup>th</sup> Quinquennial review of Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) noted concerns from stakeholders that the selection criteria needed to be reviewed. The Government concluded that we should not consult upon species or amend legislation, based on criteria which were likely to be modified. Defra will arrange to lay these documents before Parliament as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 17/02/2020 14:04:35 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1181560

	registered interest
	date	28/02/2020
	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	Polychlorinated Biphenyls
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will place in the Library the results of the UK’s inventories of open and closed sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls that formed part of the overall inventories by OSPAR in 2000-2001 and 2005-06.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	22381
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/03/2020 answer text <p>The information on inventories of open and closed sources of polychlorinated biphenyls submitted by the UK and other OSPAR countries in 2000-2001 and 2005-2006 to OSPAR can be found on the OSPAR website by following these links:</p><p> </p><p>2000-2001: <a href="https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=42229" target="_blank">https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=42229</a></p><p>2005-2006: <a href="https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=41686" target="_blank">https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=41686</a></p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 09/03/2020 14:27:44 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1183059

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	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: Staff
	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 officials in his Department with responsibility for adaptation to climate change including flooding have been in post in each financial year from 2010-11 to present; and for what reasons there have been changes in the numbers of those positions each year.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	25641
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government’s commitment to addressing the risks from climate change is as strong as ever. The Prime Minister’s climate change committee will drive further action across Government and we recognise the benefits of taking early actions. The United Kingdom has been a leader in this area for more than a decade; while continuing to reduce our contribution to climate change, we are also taking robust action to improve the resilience of our people, economy and environment.</p><p> </p><p>In line with our 25 Year Environment Plan, the second National Adaptation Programme (NAP) sets out an ambitious range of actions that the Government will implement in the following five years.</p><p> </p><p>The second NAP is informed by the second Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) which was published in 2017 and highlights priority risk areas such as flooding and coastal change risks to communities and infrastructure; risks to health and wellbeing from high temperatures; and risks to natural capital (including terrestrial, coastal, marine and freshwater ecosystems).</p><p> </p><p>Adaptation is rightly integrated throughout the policies and programmes of Government. The NAP is a cross-department collaboration, bringing together Government’s policies on managing climate risks in one place.</p><p> </p><p>This means that teams across Government are involved in a wide range of adaptation activity. Within Defra, this includes embedding adaptation into biodiversity, agriculture, peat, water, and floods’ policies and programmes, amongst others. Beyond Defra, adaptation is mainstreamed into areas such as housing, infrastructure and health. The mainstreaming of adaptation across Government makes it difficult to ascertain exact numbers on staffing who have responsibility for adaptation embedded into their roles.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is the overall lead Department for climate adaptation, though responsibility for ensuring that policies and programmes are climate resilient lies across Departments and policy leads. Our support to the updated UK climate projections (UKCP18), published in 2018, provides an additional tool to help everyone better understand the changes to climate and its risks and make decisions on that basis. This will make an important contribution to building resilience throughout the UK.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 13/03/2020 11:12:42 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1183061

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	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	Nature Reserves
	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 proportion of national nature reserves (a) are at and (b) exceed favourable condition.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	25642
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/03/2020 answer text <p>53% of National Nature Reserves (NNR) are currently estimated to be in favourable condition. Natural England do not have data which distinguishes between NNR units being ‘at’ and units that ‘exceed’ favourable condition.</p><p> </p><p>NNR condition data is publicly available on Natural England’s Designated Sites View:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportConditionSummary.aspx?SiteType=NNR" target="_blank">https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportConditionSummary.aspx?SiteType=NNR</a></p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 13/03/2020 07:37:12 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1183063

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	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	Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Nature Reserves: Expenditure
	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 much Natural England spent on site management per hectare for (a) national nature reserves and (b) Higher Level Stewardship Agreements in each of the last ten years.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	25643
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/03/2020 answer text <p>The total area of National Nature Reserves (NNR) managed by Natural England is approximately 60,000 ha. The table below sets out the breakdown of funding year on year.</p><p> </p><p>Pre-2014 data is not held centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate costs.</p><p><em> </em></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Year</strong></p></td><td><p>£</p></td><td><p>Ha</p></td><td><p>£ / Ha</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014/15</p></td><td><p>£4,977,000</p></td><td><p>60000</p></td><td><p>£83</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015/16</p></td><td><p>£3,986,000</p></td><td><p>60000</p></td><td><p>£66</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016/17</p></td><td><p>£2,957,100</p></td><td><p>60000</p></td><td><p>£49</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017/18</p></td><td><p>£3,184,000</p></td><td><p>60000</p></td><td><p>£53</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018/19</p></td><td><p>£3,197,000</p></td><td><p>60000</p></td><td><p>£53</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019/20</p></td><td><p>£3,233,000</p></td><td><p>60000</p></td><td><p>£54</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong> </strong></p><p>It is not possible to provide a figure for site management spend per hectare under Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements. Hectarage is based on a scheme year while the payments are based on a calendar year. The table below sets out the amount of HLS payment value every year in England since 2010.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Total</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>£96,848,808</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>£117,519,353</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>£141,073,804</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>£182,878,594</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>£204,930,051</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>£163,085,900</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>£154,369,818</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>£146,954,501</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018</p></td><td><p>£128,842,685</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019</p></td><td><p>£179,031,585</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 13/03/2020 11:15:30 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1183064

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	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	Natural England: Public Appointments
	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 the timetable is for the appointment of a permanent chief executive at Natural England.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	25644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/03/2020 answer text <p>The Cabinet office advertisement for the vacancy of Natural England Chief Executive closed on Friday 6 March. Sifting and candidate assessments are expected through March and Natural England plan to complete interviews early April 2020. A decision will be made shortly afterwards and the permanent Chief Executive should be in post as soon as possible, dependent on contractual arrangements.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 09/03/2020 16:35:34 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1185529

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	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	Trade Agreements: Standards
	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 the Government's policy that trade negotiations will not compromise environmental and food standards includes no weakening of current UK pesticides standards relating to (a) maximum residue levels for currently approved pesticide active substances, (b) bans on food being imported into the UK which contains detectable residues of currently unauthorised active substances, (c) authorisation of new active substances and (d) maintaining existing bans on active substances including the ban on the three neonicotinoids clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	29962
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>The UK is proud of its world-leading food, health and animal welfare standards. We will not compromise on our standards nor put the UK’s biosecurity at risk as we negotiate new trade deals. Any trade agreements must respect the regulatory autonomy of both parties. Now that we have left the EU, the UK will operate an autonomous Sanitary and Phytosanitary regime, which covers the regulation of pesticides, to uphold our existing high standards.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Government and devolved administrations have assured stakeholders that we will maintain current standards of environmental and health protection. Our EU exit legislation has carried across unchanged all of the statutory requirements of the EU regime relating to standards of protection, maximum residue level and approval of active substances. We will continue to ensure that decisions on the use of pesticides are based on careful scientific assessment of the risks, with the aim of achieving a high level of protection for people and the environment.</p><p> </p><p>We will continue to draw on the considerable scientific and technical expertise of the Health and Safety Executive which will continue to operate as our expert national regulator on behalf of the UK Government and the devolved administrations. This puts the UK in a strong position in terms of having the necessary capacity and expertise to be able to take its own independent decisions after the transition period. There is a comprehensive Government programme of monitoring of pesticide residues in food, including imports, to determine whether food available to UK consumers complies with the statutory residue levels and is safe. The results of this monitoring are published following consideration by the Defra Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food. We will not compromise on these standards in our trade negotiations.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 24/03/2020 15:33:50 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1185530

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	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
	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 a significant reduction in pesticide use will be required to meet the Government’s targets set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	29963
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government is clear that it is right to minimise the use of pesticides and is committed to putting Integrated Pest Management at the heart of its approach, to make the greatest possible use of alternative pest and disease control methods in support of sustainable farming and land management. This will support the goals and targets of our 25 Year Environment Plan.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 23/03/2020 13:39:22 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1186585

	registered interest
	date	19/03/2020
	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	Houseboats: Coronavirus
	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 support people living on the waterways during the covid-19 outbreak; what plans he has to lift the current requirements for boaters vessels to not stay moored in one place longer than two weeks; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	32113
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government is clear that the single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. We have announced a range of measures to support people and communities, including: a £500 million fund for households experiencing financial hardship; a coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where small and large employers will be eligible to apply for a Government grant of 80% of workers’ salaries up to £2,500 a month; deferral of the next quarter of VAT payments for firms; and £330 billion of Government-backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses. We have also made significant changes to the operation of statutory sick pay, universal credit, and employment and support allowance to ensure that people have quicker and more generous access to a support system, and we have taken further immediate steps to give businesses access cash to pay their rent, salaries or suppliers.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is continuously reviewing decisions to reflect the rapidly changing environment in response to Covid-19. Responsibility for inland waterways, including their operation, development or restoration, rests with the bodies that own them and with the relevant navigation authority. The two largest navigation authorities, the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency, are following Government guidance.</p><p> </p><p>Boaters should limit movement to all but essential travel to access services and continue to follow Government guidance. The Canal and River Trust is suspending the requirement to move every 14 days; the suspension will be kept under review in line with revised Government guidance. The Environment Agency and other navigation authorities will also be updating their guidance and mooring conditions for boaters to reflect and enable only essential travel, and will be reviewing this position on an ongoing basis in line with Government guidance on movement. Those who are unable to move as a result of self-isolation or other virus-related impacts are asked to contact the relevant navigation authority directly to discuss their circumstances on a case by case basis. The Government will continue to review the situation.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 27/03/2020 13:51:34 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1187748

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2020
	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	Polychlorinated Biphenyls: EU Law
	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 March 2020 to Question 22381 on Polychlorinated Biphenyl, if she will place in the Library all data submitted by the UK to the EU as part of the inventories of open and closed sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) under Directive 96/59/EC; and whether that data so submitted included PCB wastes disposed of in solid or liquid containment from UK landfill sites.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	34957
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/04/2020 answer text <p>Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Directive 96/59/EC requires Member States to produce an inventory of closed source PCB equipment with more than 0.005% PCB contamination. The Environment Agency holds this inventory for England and Wales and updates it annually in July. After the initial list, produced in the late 1990s, this information is not sent to the EU but can be viewed on request to the Environment Agency.</p><p> </p><p>The inventory data does not include information on the disposal of PCB waste, but since the domestic PCB regulation ‘The Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000’ came into force it has been illegal to dispose of PCBs in landfill. All PCB liquid and materials must be destroyed or irreversibly transformed, usually by high temperature incineration.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 21/04/2020 16:59:11 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1188286

	registered interest
	date	20/04/2020
	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: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that Government advice on Public Health England’s healthy eating EATWELL plate informs (a) food purchasing during the covid-19 outbreak (b) food supply chains.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	37563
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2020 answer text <p>In the United Kingdom, the national food model, the Eatwell Guide (EG), provides a visual representation of Government recommendations on a healthy balanced diet.</p><p> </p><p>The EG and associated messaging is promoted through a range of existing channels including: the NHS.UK website, the GOV.UK website, and the Government’s national social marketing campaigns Change4Life and OneYou. The principles of the guide also underpin Government guidance and tools including the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services and Public Health England’s catering guidance.</p><p> </p><p>The food industry has been working hard to keep food including fresh produce flowing into stores and people’s houses. The Government has well-established ways of working with the food industry during disruption to supply situations. We have regular engagement with industry who are continuing to monitor the situation closely, taking the necessary steps to address issues where they arise. Following a significant spike in consumer demand, we have now seen stock levels in supermarkets improve. To support the food sector, the Government temporarily relaxed competition law and regulations relating to driver hours and delivery times so that the sector could work together to keep putting food on the shelves.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 28/04/2020 14:55:39 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1188288

	registered interest
	date	20/04/2020
	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: Coronavirus
	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 has had with representatives of (a) civil society organisations, (b) consumer groups, (c) public health organisations and (d) local authorities on ensuring people on low incomes have adequate access to nutritionally healthy food during the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	37564
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2020 answer text <p>Defra officials are working closely with a) frontline food charities such as the Trussell Trust and FareShare; charities supporting the vulnerable such as Age UK and disabled charities; b) Citizen’s Advice Bureau; c) NHS England, Alzheimer’s Society and Kidney Care UK and d) Local Authorities and the Local Government Association; Local Resilience Forums made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, and the Environment Agency. We are also engaging with supermarkets and with distribution companies such as Brakes and Bidfoods.</p><p> </p><p>We are remaining in regular contact with our stakeholders to identify the issues faced by people on low incomes in accessing nutritionally healthy food during the COVID-19 crisis, and to build intelligence in order to better inform the design of the scheme. Our regular stakeholder Forum totals 111 individuals from 62 voluntary and community sector organisations, universities and local authorities, plus representatives from DCMS, Defra, DfE, DHSC, DWP, MHCLG and the NHS.</p><p> </p><p>The Secretary of State and Minister Victoria Prentis have personally engaged with the Trussell Trust. In addition, Minister Prentis has met with FareShare.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 28/04/2020 16:47:08 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1188289

	registered interest
	date	20/04/2020
	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: Coronavirus
	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 he has to issue nutrition advice to people during the lockdown period of the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	37565
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2020 answer text <p>The Department of Health and Social Care is the Government department responsible for nutrition policy and Public Health England is responsible for issuing nutritional advice to the public.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has reissued advice for vitamin D supplementation. That is, if you are not going outdoors often, you should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Therefore, we are recommending that while the stay at home measures are in place, everyone follows this advice (including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and older people).</p><p> </p><p>The Government continues to advise that during this time everyone follows a healthy, balanced diet in line with the national food model, the Eatwell Guide.</p><p> </p><p>Public Health England has updated channels such as Change4Life, Start4Life and One You, to make them consistent with the wider COVID-19 and general advice on healthier eating.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 28/04/2020 14:47:32 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1188290

	registered interest
	date	20/04/2020
	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: Coronavirus
	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 healthy eating among (a) children previously in receipt of free school meals and (b) other at-risk groups.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	37566
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2020 answer text <p>In partnership with industry, the Government started to deliver shielding packages in late March, to those that are clinically extremely vulnerable and in need of essential supplies. Defra has worked with nutritionists to ensure that these packages are nutritious. Supermarkets are also prioritising online delivery slots for those that are most in need and have expanded their capacity for home deliveries.</p><p> </p><p>We are also working to support people who do not fall into the category of being clinically extremely vulnerable, but still need help getting essential food supplies. This includes those who are elderly, disabled or have health conditions that make it difficult for them to get the food they need. We are speaking to food retailers, delivery organisations and volunteer groups to help prioritise those individuals to access essential food.</p><p> </p><p>A very large number of schools have signed up for the national Free School Meals (FSM) voucher scheme. Through this scheme, schools can ensure that families with FSM-eligible children receive a weekly shopping voucher to the value of £15 per eligible child. Maintaining consumer choice is part of our offer. Families can use the vouchers to purchase healthy food options.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 28/04/2020 16:56:29 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1188932

	registered interest
	date	21/04/2020
	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	Biodiversity: Zoonoses
	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 he has made of the effect of the destruction of biodiversity and habitats on levels of emerging zoonotic diseases.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	38461
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2020 answer text <p>The Department has not yet made a full assessment of the link between the destruction of biodiversity and habitats on levels of emerging zoonoses. The recent 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report on biodiversity and ecosystem services highlights this as a factor potentially exacerbating the emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife, domestic animals and people. However, the evidence base is incomplete and the links are complex. We are urgently reviewing this evidence, as well as working to identify other evidence, to enable us to take an informed view as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 01/05/2020 10:58:04 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1188933

	registered interest
	date	21/04/2020
	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 Supply: Zoonoses
	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 has made a recent assessment of the effect of the food production system (a) in the UK and (b) globally on levels of emerging zoonotic diseases; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	38462
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2020 answer text <p>The Food Standards Agency and Defra work together to ensure the safety of the food chain both within the UK and through global trade. We regularly assess any changes in food production methods or trade patterns for increased risk from emerging diseases.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 01/05/2020 13:47:20 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas