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1471683
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-06-20more like thismore than 2022-06-20
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Sri Lanka: Economic Situation more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effect of the amount of foreign exchange from UK tourism and migrant workers on the economy of Sri Lanka in the last three years. more like this
tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
uin 21169 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-06-28more like thismore than 2022-06-28
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">We are closely monitoring the economic situation in Sri Lanka, including foreign exchange data reported by Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan authorities. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism was a key export sector for Sri Lanka, making up almost 30% of total export revenues. However, Sri Lanka's tourism receipts declined by almost 80% in 2020 and fell by a further 60% in 2021. The UK is a key contributor to Sri Lanka's tourism sector. It has been among the top three source markets in the past three years, placed as the second major country of origin for tourists in Sri Lanka in 2019 and 2020, and third in 2021. Remittances from overseas workers have also been an important contributor to Sri Lanka's economy in the past three years, worth around 8% and 9% of Sri Lanka's total GDP in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Despite initially remaining constant in 2020, remittances fell by over 20% in 2021, down to their lowest levels since 2011.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">The UK recognises the difficult economic situation and welcomes the start in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on reforms needed to bring the economy back to a sustainable path. The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on 30 May, and underlined the UK's continued support for the people of Sri Lanka during their current economic difficulties.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">We are closely monitoring the economic situation in Sri Lanka, including foreign exchange data reported by Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan authorities. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism was a key export sector for Sri Lanka, making up almost 30% of total export revenues. However, Sri Lanka's tourism receipts declined by almost 80% in 2020 and fell by a further 60% in 2021. The UK is a key contributor to Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Remittances from overseas workers have also been an important contributor to Sri Lanka's economy in the past three years, worth around 8% and 9% of Sri Lanka's total GDP in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Despite initially remaining constant in 2020, remittances fell by over 20% in 2021, down to their lowest levels since 2011.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The UK recognises the difficult economic situation and welcomes the start in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on reforms needed to bring the economy back to a sustainable path. The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on 30 May, and underlined the UK's continued support for the people of Sri Lanka during their current economic difficulties.</ins></p>
answering member constituency Chelmsford more like this
answering member printed Vicky Ford more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-06-28T13:49:21.98Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-28T13:49:21.98Z
question first ministerially corrected
remove maximum value filtermore like thismore than 2022-06-29T08:37:13.6Z
answering member
4674
label Biography information for Vicky Ford more like this
previous answer version
9471
answering member constituency Chelmsford more like this
answering member printed Vicky Ford more like this
answering member
4674
label Biography information for Vicky Ford more like this
tabling member
4006
label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1470187
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-06-14more like thismore than 2022-06-14
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Dom Phillips more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Brazilian counterpart on the disappearance of Dom Phillips. more like this
tabling member constituency Leeds North East more like this
tabling member printed
Fabian Hamilton more like this
uin 17874 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-06-20more like thismore than 2022-06-20
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">My thoughts are with the family of Mr Phillips during this difficult time. I [Minister Ford] am engaged and closely following this case. I [Minister Ford] discussed the search and rescue effort with Brazil's Justice and Public Security Minister on 9 June, who provided reassurances that that the Brazilian authorities are doing all they can via land, air and river support to find Mr Phillips. We have confirmed to the Brazilian authorities that the UK stands ready to provide support if it is requested. My officials at the British Embassy in Brazil remain in regular and close contact with the Brazilian authorities for updates on the Brazilian search operation to locate Mr Phillips. I [Minister Ford] am extremely thankful and appreciative of their search and rescue effort.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Consular officials in Sao Paulo and London are providing support to Mr Phillips' family in Brazil and the UK.</del></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">I was sorry to hear that Dom Phillips's body has now been identified. My thoughts are with his family. I [Minister Ford] discussed the search and rescue effort with Brazil's Justice and Public Security Minister on 9 June. I [Minister Ford] am grateful to everyone who was involved in the searches. Consular officials in Sao Paulo and London continue to provide support to Mr Phillips' family in Brazil and the UK. My officials at the British Embassy in Brazil remain in regular and close contact with the Brazilian authorities as the investigation into this case proceeds.</ins></p>
answering member constituency Chelmsford more like this
answering member printed Vicky Ford more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-06-20T16:45:30.497Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-20T16:45:30.497Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-06-20T18:00:50.17Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-20T18:00:50.17Z
answering member
4674
label Biography information for Vicky Ford more like this
previous answer version
7467
answering member constituency Chelmsford more like this
answering member printed Vicky Ford more like this
answering member
4674
label Biography information for Vicky Ford more like this
tabling member
415
label Biography information for Fabian Hamilton more like this
1470253
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-06-14more like thismore than 2022-06-14
answering body
Home Office more like this
answering dept id 1 more like this
answering dept short name Home Office more like this
answering dept sort name Home Office more like this
hansard heading Anti-social Behaviour: Newport West more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of police responses to reported antisocial behaviour incidents in Newport West constituency. more like this
tabling member constituency Newport West more like this
tabling member printed
Ruth Jones more like this
uin 18039 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-06-22more like thismore than 2022-06-22
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">There are various offences relating to illegal e-scooter use that the police can enforce with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN): uninsured driving can result in a FPN of £300 and 6 penalty points on a driving licence; riding without a driving licence can result in a FPN of £100 and 3-6 penalty points on a driving licence; while riding on the pavement can result in a FPN of £50.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 provides the power to seize privately owned e-scooters for driving without insurance or a driving licence.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Enforcement of road traffic law and deployment of available resources to tackle illegal riding of e-scooters is an operational matter for Chief Officers according to local policing plans.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">I refer the Hon Lady to the answer to her question that I gave on 27 April (UIN 156588)</ins></p><p> </p> more like this
answering member constituency North West Hampshire more like this
answering member printed Kit Malthouse more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-06-22T15:54:42.47Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-22T15:54:42.47Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-06-23T07:47:00.94Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-23T07:47:00.94Z
answering member
4495
label Biography information for Kit Malthouse more like this
previous answer version
8230
answering member constituency North West Hampshire more like this
answering member printed Kit Malthouse more like this
answering member
4495
label Biography information for Kit Malthouse more like this
tabling member
4716
label Biography information for Ruth Jones more like this
1469101
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-06-09more like thismore than 2022-06-09
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Wales: UK Trade with EU more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has conducted an impact assessment of the cost of increased UK-EU trade barriers to the Welsh economy. more like this
tabling member constituency Arfon more like this
tabling member printed
Hywel Williams more like this
uin 15194 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-06-14more like thismore than 2022-06-14
answer text <p>The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is a comprehensive free trade deal which maintains zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade in goods between the UK and the EU. It also secures market access across a broad range of key service sectors and establishes close cooperation in areas like transport, digital, and fighting crime.</p><p><del class="ministerial">The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has not prepared an economic Impact Assessment on the TCA. The Government is taking action to support businesses across the UK to trade effectively with Europe, including through the free-to-use Export Support Service. The Government is committed to working with the Welsh Government where it has an interest in TCA implementation.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Given the tight Parliamentary timetable the Government faced in December 2020, we were unable to produce and publish an impact assessment of the TCA before passing the EU (Future Relationship) Act 2020.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Government is taking action to support businesses across the UK to trade effectively with Europe, including through the free-to-use Export Support Service. We are also making use of the freedoms we now enjoy as a result of leaving the EU, including amending our subsidy control regime to help all public authorities, including the Welsh Government, attract investment into the United Kingdom.</ins></p>
answering member constituency Braintree more like this
answering member printed James Cleverly more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-06-14T16:42:11.727Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-14T16:42:11.727Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-06-17T14:05:07.637Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-17T14:05:07.637Z
answering member
4366
label Biography information for James Cleverly more like this
previous answer version
6251
answering member constituency Braintree more like this
answering member printed James Cleverly more like this
answering member
4366
label Biography information for James Cleverly more like this
tabling member
1397
label Biography information for Hywel Williams more like this
1468622
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-06-08more like thismore than 2022-06-08
answering body
Department of Health and Social Care more like this
answering dept id 17 more like this
answering dept short name Health and Social Care more like this
answering dept sort name Health and Social Care more like this
hansard heading Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many claims for payments under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme were assessed by the Government's contractor, Crawford and Company, in the weeks beginning (a) 16 May, (b) 23 May and (c) 30 May 2022; and what was the outcome of those assessments. more like this
tabling member constituency Christchurch more like this
tabling member printed
Sir Christopher Chope more like this
uin 14411 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-06-13more like thismore than 2022-06-13
answer text <p>The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme medical assessments commenced from the week of 23 May<ins class="ministerial"> 2022</ins> <del class="ministerial">2020</del>, with none currently concluded. As these claims are the first related to COVID-19 to be assessed under the Scheme, the NHS Business Services Authority is unable to provide a timescale for the conclusion of these assessments. The NHS Business Services Authority is updating claimants on progress and working with the supplier to progress the cases</p><p><br /> As medical assessments have recently commenced, initially the number of cases is being limited to ensure effective and consistent training of medical assessors and therefore outcomes. The NHS Business Services Authority intends to increase the number of medical assessments to ensure claims are assessed as soon as possible.</p><p><br /> The following table shows the number of cases shared with Crawford and Company for medical assessment in the weeks commencing 23 May and 30 May 2022.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Week commencing</p></td><td><p>Number of claims sent for medical assessment</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>23 May 2022</p></td><td><p>10</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>30 May 2022</p></td><td><p>10</p></td></tr></tbody></table>
answering member constituency Erewash more like this
answering member printed Maggie Throup more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-06-13T16:01:09.543Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-13T16:01:09.543Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-06-16T15:46:14.417Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-16T15:46:14.417Z
answering member
4447
label Biography information for Maggie Throup more like this
previous answer version
5844
answering member constituency Erewash more like this
answering member printed Maggie Throup more like this
answering member
4447
label Biography information for Maggie Throup more like this
tabling member
242
label Biography information for Sir Christopher Chope more like this
1467394
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-06-01more like thismore than 2022-06-01
answering body
Department of Health and Social Care more like this
answering dept id 17 more like this
answering dept short name Health and Social Care more like this
answering dept sort name Health and Social Care more like this
hansard heading Care Homes: Coronavirus more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of the number of (a) respite care homes, (b) care homes and (c) nursing homes limiting their patient capacity due to covid-19 restrictions in the latest period for which information is available. more like this
tabling member constituency South Shields more like this
tabling member printed
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck more like this
uin 11681 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-06-14more like thismore than 2022-06-14
answer text <p>The information requested is not held centrally.<ins class="ministerial"> Updated guidance for the sector was published on 31 March 2022 to ensure there are sufficient protections for care recipients while safely removing restrictions as far as possible.</ins></p> more like this
answering member constituency Chichester more like this
answering member printed Gillian Keegan more like this
previous answer version
5091
answering member constituency Chichester more like this
answering member printed Gillian Keegan more like this
answering member
4680
label Biography information for Gillian Keegan more like this
6130
answering member constituency Chichester more like this
answering member printed Gillian Keegan more like this
answering member
4680
label Biography information for Gillian Keegan more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-06-14T13:46:52.637Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-14T13:46:52.637Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-06-14T14:58:20.06Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-14T14:58:20.06Z
answering member
4680
label Biography information for Gillian Keegan more like this
tabling member
4277
label Biography information for Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck more like this
1464657
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-05-20more like thismore than 2022-05-20
answering body
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept id 208 more like this
answering dept short name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
answering dept sort name Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more like this
hansard heading Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Private Education more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2022 to Question 123, for what reason a breakdown of spending on school places at the named institutions has not been provided as it was by her Department in the previous Answers of (a) 6 July 2021 to Question 23129 and (b) 3 December 2018 to Question 196152. more like this
tabling member constituency Islington South and Finsbury more like this
tabling member printed
Emily Thornberry more like this
uin 5628 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-05-26more like thismore than 2022-05-26
answer text <p><del class="ministerial">We are not at liberty to release a more detailed breakdown of financial data for external institutions.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The FCDO allocated £1,447,779.00 for children of FCDO staff on legacy FCO terms and conditions at these schools in FY 2021/2022. Given the numbers of children attending these schools, disclosing the breakdown of school places could potentially lead to the identification of individual children, and therefore the FCDO consider that this is not appropriate for safeguarding reasons.</ins></p> more like this
answering member constituency Chelmsford more like this
answering member printed Vicky Ford more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-05-26T16:59:22.523Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-26T16:59:22.523Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-06-08T15:47:17.557Zmore like thismore than 2022-06-08T15:47:17.557Z
answering member
4674
label Biography information for Vicky Ford more like this
previous answer version
3431
answering member constituency Chelmsford more like this
answering member printed Vicky Ford more like this
answering member
4674
label Biography information for Vicky Ford more like this
tabling member
1536
label Biography information for Emily Thornberry more like this
1464239
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-05-18more like thismore than 2022-05-18
answering body
Department for Transport more like this
answering dept id 27 more like this
answering dept short name Transport more like this
answering dept sort name Transport more like this
hansard heading Renewable Fuels more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is he taking to increase the use of HVO fuels. more like this
tabling member constituency Huddersfield more like this
tabling member printed
Mr Barry Sheerman more like this
uin 4481 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-05-24more like thismore than 2022-05-24
answer text <p>Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is one type of biofuel which can be used as a transport fuel. Biofuels are typically blended with petrol and diesel when sold on UK forecourts, as opposed to being offered for sale separately. HVO has been eligible for support under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme for more than a decade.</p><p> </p><p>The Department does not require data on the number of fuelling stations selling diesel containing HVO, or any other type of biofuel. Given the complexity of fuel supply chains placing such a requirement on fuel retailers would be burdensome. The Department regularly publishes renewable fuel statistics. These include the volumes of biofuel supplied UK-wide by type. In 2020, 38 million litres of biodiesel of HVO was supplied under the RTFO in the UK. The relatively low volumes of HVO supplied is explained in part by there being no HVO production in the UK currently, and HVO being relatively more expensive than other types of biodiesel. It is open to fuel retailers to advertise that the diesel they sell at the pump contains HVO. Whether suppliers and retailers choose to do so is a commercial matter.</p><p> </p><p>As we transition to net zero, renewable fuels such as biodiesel will remain important in our efforts to reduce carbon emissions. To this end the Government increased targets for the supply of renewable fuels under the RTFO in December. It is also understood that HVO has the benefit of potentially being able to be supplied in much higher <del class="ministerial">bends</del> <ins class="ministerial">blends</ins> than the <del class="ministerial">10%</del> <ins class="ministerial">7%</ins> biodiesel threshold currently referenced in the fuel standards for diesel. Using high blends of biofuels, or drop-in fuels, in captive fleets such as in the heavy vehicles sector, is an option to further maximise carbon savings. As part of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, we committed to work with stakeholders to review the role of these fuels in compatible vehicles and potential measures to remove barriers to their deployment.</p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Copeland more like this
answering member printed Trudy Harrison more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-05-24T13:18:23.473Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-24T13:18:23.473Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-05-31T10:12:05.12Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-31T10:12:05.12Z
answering member
4593
label Biography information for Trudy Harrison more like this
previous answer version
2486
answering member constituency Copeland more like this
answering member printed Trudy Harrison more like this
answering member
4593
label Biography information for Trudy Harrison more like this
tabling member
411
label Biography information for Mr Barry Sheerman more like this
1463519
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-05-17more like thismore than 2022-05-17
answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept id 13 more like this
answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
hansard heading Disease Control more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department requires local councils to take before those bodies (a) close council land and (b) ban certain activities on council land on the basis of public health. more like this
tabling member constituency Birmingham, Ladywood more like this
tabling member printed
Shabana Mahmood more like this
uin 3546 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-05-25more like thismore than 2022-05-25
answer text <p>Defra’s approach to avian influenza disease control is set out in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notifiable-avian-disease-control-strategy" target="_blank">Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain</a>. All avian influenza disease control and prevention measures are kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza, and all decisions regarding these measures are based on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-in-europe" target="_blank">risk assessments</a> containing the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice.</p><p> </p><p>Under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone that has been in force across Great Britain since 3 November 202<ins class="ministerial">1</ins><del class="ministerial">2</del>, access to areas where poultry and other captive birds are kept must be restricted to only essential personnel. In addition, access to premises where notifiable avian influenza has been confirmed is restricted. Access to infected premises would only be permitted following a veterinary risk assessment and under licence from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Outside of these restrictions, there is no legal requirement for local authorities to limit access to public areas or close rights of way, and the countryside remains open for business.</p><p> </p><p>However, where findings of avian influenza in wild birds have occurred in public areas, local authorities may take a precautionary approach to protect the health and welfare of birds and to limit the risk of infection being transferred on footwear etc to other bird keeping areas by restricting access to areas where wild birds frequently congregate. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. Local authorities will work closely with public health protection teams to take appropriate precautions to protect human health where required. Any decisions taken to restrict access to areas to protect public health are made on the basis of risk assessments undertaken by the UKHSA supported by evidence of the local and national animal health situation.</p><p> </p><p>No premises where notifiable avian influenza has been confirmed during the 2021-2022 outbreak have been located on local authority owned land. Defra does not collect data on the number of other areas where access has been restricted by local authorities.</p><p> </p><p>Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. Failure to report suspicion of avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds is an offence. Avian influenza controls are enforced by local authorities, normally within the Trading Standards or Environmental Health Service teams. Defra, the devolved administrations and APHA work closely and meet regularly with local authority representatives and the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers both at a national level and through the cross-agency local resilience forums to help ensure effective implementation of the avian influenza outbreak prevention and control measures.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds more like this
answering member printed Jo Churchill more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-05-25T16:48:02.38Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-25T16:48:02.38Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-05-26T09:51:54.85Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-26T09:51:54.85Z
answering member
4380
label Biography information for Jo Churchill more like this
previous answer version
3134
answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds more like this
answering member printed Jo Churchill more like this
answering member
4380
label Biography information for Jo Churchill more like this
tabling member
3914
label Biography information for Shabana Mahmood more like this
1463520
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2022-05-17more like thismore than 2022-05-17
answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept id 13 more like this
answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
hansard heading Avian Influenza: Disease Control more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what risk assessment process his Department requires local councils to follow before the closure of council land following an outbreak avian flu. more like this
tabling member constituency Birmingham, Ladywood more like this
tabling member printed
Shabana Mahmood more like this
uin 3547 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction true more like this
date of answer less than 2022-05-25more like thismore than 2022-05-25
answer text <p>Defra’s approach to avian influenza disease control is set out in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notifiable-avian-disease-control-strategy" target="_blank">Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain</a>. All avian influenza disease control and prevention measures are kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza, and all decisions regarding these measures are based on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-in-europe" target="_blank">risk assessments</a> containing the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice.</p><p> </p><p>Under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone that has been in force across Great Britain since 3 November 202<ins class="ministerial">1</ins><del class="ministerial">2</del>, access to areas where poultry and other captive birds are kept must be restricted to only essential personnel. In addition, access to premises where notifiable avian influenza has been confirmed is restricted. Access to infected premises would only be permitted following a veterinary risk assessment and under licence from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Outside of these restrictions, there is no legal requirement for local authorities to limit access to public areas or close rights of way, and the countryside remains open for business.</p><p> </p><p>However, where findings of avian influenza in wild birds have occurred in public areas, local authorities may take a precautionary approach to protect the health and welfare of birds and to limit the risk of infection being transferred on footwear etc to other bird keeping areas by restricting access to areas where wild birds frequently congregate. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. Local authorities will work closely with public health protection teams to take appropriate precautions to protect human health where required. Any decisions taken to restrict access to areas to protect public health are made on the basis of risk assessments undertaken by the UKHSA supported by evidence of the local and national animal health situation.</p><p> </p><p>No premises where notifiable avian influenza has been confirmed during the 2021-2022 outbreak have been located on local authority owned land. Defra does not collect data on the number of other areas where access has been restricted by local authorities.</p><p> </p><p>Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. Failure to report suspicion of avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds is an offence. Avian influenza controls are enforced by local authorities, normally within the Trading Standards or Environmental Health Service teams. Defra, the devolved administrations and APHA work closely and meet regularly with local authority representatives and the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers both at a national level and through the cross-agency local resilience forums to help ensure effective implementation of the avian influenza outbreak prevention and control measures.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds more like this
answering member printed Jo Churchill more like this
question first answered
less than 2022-05-25T16:48:02.44Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-25T16:48:02.44Z
question first ministerially corrected
less than 2022-05-26T09:51:38.963Zmore like thismore than 2022-05-26T09:51:38.963Z
answering member
4380
label Biography information for Jo Churchill more like this
previous answer version
3135
answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds more like this
answering member printed Jo Churchill more like this
answering member
4380
label Biography information for Jo Churchill more like this
tabling member
3914
label Biography information for Shabana Mahmood more like this