Show Search Form

Search Results

registered interest	true false
date	exactly: or between: and
answering body
answering dept id
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name
hansard heading
house id
legislature	pref label
question text
tabling member constituency
tabling member printed
uin
answer	is ministerial correction true false date of answer exactly: or between: and answer text answering member constituency answering member printed grouped question UIN question first answered question first ministerially corrected answering member label previous answer version answering member constituency answering member printed answering member label
tabling member	label

Search

1129630

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2019
	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	Poultry Meat: USA
	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 assessment he has made of the potential effect on (a) the poultry meat sector and (b) consumers of the importation of poultry washed with (i) chlorine and (ii) other antimicrobial washes from the US.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	259965
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2019 answer text <p>We are committed to maintaining our rigorous standards on animal welfare and food safety after Brexit - high standards and high quality are what our domestic and global customers demand, and that is what we will provide.</p><p> </p><p>The existing food safety provisions regarding chlorine and other pathogen reduction treatments for poultry will be transferred into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Scarborough and Whitby answering member printed Mr Robert Goodwill question first answered 10/06/2019 14:40:41 answering member 1562 label Biography information for Sir Robert Goodwill
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1172101

	registered interest
	date	20/01/2020
	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	Chemicals: Regulation
	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 she has made of the potential economic effect on the chemicals industry of regulatory divergence from the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	5410
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/01/2020 answer text <p>When we leave the EU we will bring Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) into UK law. This will mean that any decision we take as an independent regime will be consistent with the fundamental aims and principles of REACH and based on rigorous assessment of the scientific evidence. We will not change what REACH sets out to achieve, including a high level of protection of human health and the environment.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published “EU Exit: Long-term economic impacts” in November 2018. This paper provides estimates of the economic impact of a range of future trading relationships with the EU. One of the drivers of this estimate of impact is the cost of potential regulatory divergence.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 23/01/2020 15:22:44 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1189948

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2020
	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	Furs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will make it is policy to ban all animal fur products.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	39529
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2020 answer text <p>The Government shares the British public's high regard for animal welfare. There are restrictions on some skin and fur products, making it illegal to import them into the UK. These include fur from cats and dogs and seal skins and products from commercial hunts. Fur farming has been banned in the UK since 2000.</p><p>In addition, we do not allow imports of fur from wild animals caught using methods which are non-compliant with international humane trapping standards. Where fur is from an endangered species protected through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), its import or trade will be subject to CITES controls.</p><p>During the transition period it is not possible to introduce restrictions relating to the fur trade. Once our future relationship with the EU has been established there will be an opportunity for the Government to consider further steps it could take in relation to fur sales.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/04/2020 16:42:48 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1189949

	registered interest
	date	20/03/2020
	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	Food Supply: Delivery Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to remove restrictions on delivery times throughout the food supply chain to mitigate the effects of the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	39530
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/05/2020 answer text <p>On 13 March, the Government issued a statement encouraging retailers to increase the frequency of deliveries. It also strongly encouraged local authorities not to enforce planning action unnecessarily that would restrict deliveries of food and other essentials during this time, given the exceptional circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has granted a temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules for all road haulage until 31 May 2020 (which is being kept under review), to help alleviate some of the unprecedented pressures on local and national supply chains. This is on the understanding that driver welfare and road safety must not be compromised and the relaxations only used if absolutely necessary.</p><p><br> The Government has well-established ways of working with the food industry during disruption to supply situations. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, we have intensified our discussions with the industry and together we continue to monitor the situation closely, taking the necessary steps to address issues wherever they arise. We welcome the actions that the industry is taking and we will continue this engagement with industry to keep food supply chains flowing and make sure people have the food and products they need.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 04/05/2020 16:03:06 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1235632

	registered interest
	date	17/09/2020
	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	Organic Food
	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 secure equivalence agreements for organic products with her international counterparts.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	91629
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/09/2020 answer text <p>Defra is engaging with the 13 third countries with which we have organic equivalency arrangements and we expect to have arrangements in place for the end of the transition period. For countries with non-reciprocal arrangements, we will send them a letter confirming that we will continue to recognise their organic goods as we do now. For those countries with which we have reciprocal arrangements, we are updating the specific arrangements to reflect the end of the Transition Period.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the UK has proposed a technical annex which would include mutual recognition for organics as part of the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 22/09/2020 12:11:56 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1245593

	registered interest
	date	21/10/2020
	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	Export Health Certificates
	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 he has made of the number of additional veterinary professionals required to process animal health export certificates prior to consignment after the end of the transition period in the event that a deal is not reached with the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	106987
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/11/2020 answer text <p>I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr on 5 October 2020, PQ 96843.</p><p> </p><p>[https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-09-29/96843]</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 02/11/2020 16:23:08 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1248958

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2020
	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	Chemicals: Regulation
	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 carry out an economic impact assessment on the UK not being subject to EU REACH chemical regulations after the end of the transition period.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	111494
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/11/2020 answer text <p>At the end of the Transition Period the UK will have in place its own independent chemicals regulatory framework, UK REACH. UK REACH will retain the principles and fundamental approach of the EU REACH system, with its aims of ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as enhancing innovation and competitiveness.</p><p> </p><p>Businesses will incur costs as a result of the transition to an independent UK regime, and to maintain their access to EU markets. However, it is impossible for a single model, number or scenario to capture the complexity or represent the varying impacts that will be felt across different parts of the economy as a result</p><p><br> We will continue to support businesses through the transition through our range of transitional measures, and seek to minimise cost and burden on industry as far as possible.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 09/11/2020 17:44:57 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1248959

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2020
	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	Chemicals: Regulation
	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 adequacy of chemical regulation data from EU REACH after the end of the transition period.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	111495
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/11/2020 answer text <p>UK REACH will adopt the same information requirements as are currently in place under EU REACH meaning there will be no difference in the nature of the available data under the respective regimes.</p><p> </p><p>To support businesses to meet the separate regulatory requirements of the UK and EU markets, we aim to agree data and information sharing mechanisms with the EU, in line with the relevant provisions set out in UK and EU regulation and existing third-country mechanisms. We continue to push for this, but the EU has so far rejected sectoral annexes.</p><p> </p><p>We have introduced a phased timescale for the submission of this data that should facilitate more complete and better-quality registration dossiers. This approach also mitigates against further risk to human health and the environment because information on the higher tonnage and higher risk chemicals is provided first, with lesser tonnage and lower risk chemicals following.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 09/11/2020 17:43:17 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1252609

	registered interest
	date	17/11/2020
	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	Pets: Fireworks
	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 comparative assessment he has made of the effect on animals of the discharge of fireworks in (a) Sefton, (b) the North West and (c) the UK in (i) 2020 and (ii) previous years.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	116464
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/11/2020 answer text <p>Defra understands concerns about the distress noisy fireworks can cause to pets, livestock and wildlife. This is one of the reasons that there is a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks for home use. It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause an animal any unnecessary suffering and this includes through the misuse of fireworks. The Government is supporting the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, currently before Parliament, which will increase the maximum custodial penalty for this offence from six months to five years.</p><p> </p><p>Defra has shared advice on our social media channels on how owners can keep their pets safe. The statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, encourages dog owners/keepers to act responsibly, including avoid exercising dogs during events which they may find frightening such as firework displays. We would encourage livestock owners who are concerned about planned firework displays to contact the organisers to see if any compromises can be made, such as using less noisy fireworks.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 23/11/2020 14:51:45 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1279299

	registered interest
	date	21/01/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood Control: Sefton
	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 flooding in the Sefton Central constituency on 20 and 21 January 2021, if he will support previously submitted bids under the National Resilience Fund from the Environment Agency for full funding of flood defence schemes in Maghull; and what plans he has to announce a new flood recovery fund.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	141433
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/01/2021 answer text <p>Starting in 2021, the Government will invest £5.2 billion in a six-year capital investment programme for flood defences, better protecting 336,000 properties from flooding and coastal erosion. The capital programme is allocated in accordance with the Partnership Funding Policy. The Partnership Funding policy clarifies the level of investment communities can expect from Defra so it is clear what level of funding they need to source from other sources to allow projects to go ahead.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency will continue to manage flood risk in Maghull, providing flood warning and maintaining existing assets and will continue to work with the local authorities to find alternative options to reduce the multiple sources of flood risk in Maghull.</p><p> </p><p>With localised flooding incidents local authorities are expected to have well established contingency arrangements in place and to be able to respond and support their local communities from within existing budgets. Following severe weather with significant impacts across multiple local authorities, the Government is able to deploy the Flood Recovery Framework. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess whether further support is needed in the event that flooding impacts increase.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 26/01/2021 10:40:51 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1280232

	registered interest
	date	25/01/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Animal Grooming: 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, for what reason dog grooming businesses are not required to close during the covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021, but are prohibited from offering their services, and do not qualify for Government covid-19 support.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	142910
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/01/2021 answer text <p>Dog grooming businesses are not on the list of businesses required to close. The latest coronavirus regulations permit dog groomers to continue working, subject to distancing, hygiene and other safety requirements being met. This may include dog groomers collecting pets from their owners' homes and then returning them once they have been groomed. The Canine and Feline Sector Group has already issued advice for pet businesses, including dog groomers, on how to operate safely within the new restrictions. This includes a protocol for the handover of pets and may be found online: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cfsg.org.uk%2Frepository%2F360%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cemma.pryor%40defra.gov.uk%7C1a9b3ef1a46c42052e4c08d8c38f255f%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C1%7C0%7C637474366864278230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=kGKVMyuX9nf%2BYvPYK8Q5e1zOKdPO%2Fmrw8eMvkp3wisY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cfsg.org.uk/repository/360/</a></p><p>The Government has issued advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Fcoronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cemma.pryor%40defra.gov.uk%7C1a9b3ef1a46c42052e4c08d8c38f255f%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C1%7C0%7C637474366864288223%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=F7Mx2Z0Ry2HajhcS6AD2VdLdXOpqS5Gx4lkM%2BA4xePA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals</a> This advice makes clear that you may leave your home to take your pet to be groomed. You should do this only if necessary for your animal's welfare and not simply for aesthetic purposes. You should contact the groomer in advance to make an appointment. Ask the groomer if they operate a mobile collection and drop-off service.</p><p>The Government has put in place a range of business support measures since March 2020. These include loans, small business grants through local authorities, mortgage holidays and VAT deferral. These measures have been updated in line with local and national restrictions. In November, at the beginning of the second national lockdown, Government made available £1.1 billion in discretionary funding allocated to each local authority to support businesses via the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). This was topped up with a further £500 million in January 2021.</p><p>Local authorities have significant discretion in the businesses they support and the amount of grant funding per business based on local priorities.</p><p>Given the new national restrictions, other amendments now include:</p><ul><li>Extending the coronavirus job retention scheme to support the wage costs of employers until end of April 2021.</li><li>Increasing the overall level of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme grant to 80% of trading profits covering November to January for all parts of the UK.</li><li>Extending the Bounce Back Loan Scheme application deadline to the end of March 2021, to further support eligible firms who need it during this ongoing period of difficulty.</li></ul><p>We encourage businesses that have been unable to access support, or who are unsure about what support is available, to contact their Government-backed Local Growth Hub for free tailored guidance and support.</p><p>Furthermore, the Business Support Helpline (FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098) provides free, impartial business support and advice to businesses.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 28/01/2021 17:15:43 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1288250

	registered interest
	date	22/02/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood Control: Maghull
	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 meet with the hon. Member for Sefton Central to discuss the shortfall in grant-in-aid funding for flood defences at Dover’s Brook in Maghull.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	156364
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/02/2021 answer text <p>As the Minister responsible for flooding, I would welcome the opportunity to meet the hon. Member and discuss flood risk in Maghull.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 25/02/2021 13:01:33 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1288265

	registered interest
	date	22/02/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	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 assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the financial sustainability of animal rescue organisations.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	156365
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/02/2021 answer text <p>Animal rescue organisations do excellent work, often on a voluntary basis, protecting animals against cruelty and ensuring that unwanted and abandoned animals in the UK are offered the opportunity of a forever home. I am acutely aware that the coronavirus pandemic, and specifically the measures put in place to control the spread of the virus, continue to affect individuals, businesses and charities caring for animals.</p><p> </p><p>The sector has kept us regularly updated of the developing situation, sharing their surveys particularly with respect to the rescue and rehoming of companion animals, and sharing information on cruelty investigations.</p><p> </p><p>The latest figures from a survey by the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) show that although the animal rescue sector has seen a drop in income during the pandemic the financial sustainability in the sector appears to be improving. This suggests that rescues have adapted to the new situation either through fundraising in different ways or taking advantage of grants made available by the ADCH and other sources. More rescues are now taking in dogs and cats and more are rehoming. In Quarter 4 of 2020 there was a 24% year on year reduction of cat intake and a 32% reduction in dogs entering rescues. 68% of rescues have reported more people wish to foster dogs or cats and 58% wish to rehome a dog or cat.</p><p> </p><p>National equine welfare charities have also kept us closely informed of the status of the Covid-19 Equine Rescues Emergency Fund established by the Pet Plan Charitable Trust together with World Horse Welfare and the National Equine Welfare Council. The current picture of equine welfare is better than feared, but we continue to keep things under review.</p><p> </p><p>Defra remains committed to continued engagement with the sector to understand the longer-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, monitor the animal welfare implications of this and offer appropriate advice.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 25/02/2021 13:25:19 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1289721

	registered interest
	date	24/02/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Iron and Steel
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote the use of UK-made steel in projects funded by his Department.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	158026
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2021 answer text <p>The Departmental main user of steel products is the Environment Agency. Regular reports are submitted to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who publish the six-year FCRM Capital programme of construction projects each year which may include steel content.</p><p> </p><p>There is an expectation that supplier partners will use the Contracts Finder website to advertise any sub-contracting opportunities outside their established supply chain.</p><p> </p><p>All Government departments and arms-length bodies are required to consider socio-economic and environmental factors when procuring steel, not just cost alone.</p><p> </p><p>Sustainability, quality and price criteria are used when selecting suitable suppliers. Our new Social Value Model (published in September last year) requires central Government departments to expressly evaluate environmental, social and economic benefits as part of the procurement process (for qualifying procurements).</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Government is currently consulting on an ambitious package of major procurement reform. The Government’s aim is to create a simpler and more flexible regime that works much better for British businesses, including steel business, while still complying with our international obligations. The proposals made will help ensure that public procurement at all levels actively helps achieve national strategic priorities, generating economic growth, helping our communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling climate change. The consultation closes on 10 March.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 01/03/2021 16:46:35 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1289723

	registered interest
	date	24/02/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Iron and Steel: Government Assistance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the environmental benefits of using UK-made steel in projects funded by his Department.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	158027
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2021 answer text <p>Within the Environment Agency’s Collaborative Delivery Framework, the following is specified:</p><p> </p><ul><li>All suppliers must have Environmental Management Systems and hold ISO 14001.</li><li>Steel piles will be specified and sourced in line with Minimum Technical Requirements.</li><li>Steel used shall have a high recycled content. As a minimum this should be 70%, but higher recycled content rates are expected.</li><li>Contractors must demonstrate that life cycle sustainability impacts have been considered and minimised in the purchase of steel. Credible evidence must be obtained which demonstrates sustainability and traceability through the supply chain.</li></ul><p>All Government departments and arms-length bodies are required to consider socio-economic and environmental factors when procuring steel, not just cost alone.</p><p> </p><p>Our new Social Value Model (published in September last year) requires central government departments to expressly evaluate environmental, social and economic benefits as part of the procurement process (for qualifying procurements).</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Government is currently consulting on an ambitious package of major procurement reform. The Government’s aim is to create a simpler and more flexible regime that works much better for British businesses, including steel business, while still complying with our international obligations.  The proposals made will help ensure that public procurement at all levels actively helps achieve national strategic priorities, generating economic growth, helping our communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling climate change. The consultation closes on 10 March.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 01/03/2021 16:37:25 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1289724

	registered interest
	date	24/02/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Iron and Steel: Procurement
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the environmental benefits of utilising more of the scrap steel produced in the UK each year.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	158028
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2021 answer text <p>Some ten million tonnes of scrap metal is processed into secondary raw material in the UK each year. A proportion of this is collected through the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Regulations and End of Life Vehicles Regulations schemes. As scrap metals have a commercial value, the market determines where this material will go.</p><p>The Government has commissioned research to understand the economic, environmental and social opportunities of scrap metal, particularly steel. The results of this research will be published shortly.</p><p>Additionally, in August 2019, the Government announced a £250 million Clean Steel Fund to support the UK steel sector to transition to lower carbon iron and steel production, through investment in new technologies and processes. The Fund will help the sector towards achieving our target of net zero emissions by 2050, by maximising longevity and resilience while harnessing clean growth opportunities. Dependent on company business plans, this could include supporting the sector to replace carbon intensive blast furnace production with electric arc furnaces that would utilise UK scrap.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 01/03/2021 16:11:15 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1290132

	registered interest
	date	25/02/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood Control: Maghull
	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 Answer of 25 February to Question 156364, when the Minister for flooding will meet the hon. Member for Sefton Central.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	158922
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/03/2021 answer text <p>A meeting has been scheduled for 25 March.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 02/03/2021 14:41:17 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1303016

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Food: Transport
	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 he has received from food producers and food industry bodies in Great Britain on the grouped transport of food and food products from multiple producers to Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	169845
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>Defra receives regular representations from industry and meets regularly with the food industry and other stakeholders to discuss transporting food into Northern Ireland and will continue to do.</p><p>Defra Ministers meet weekly with representative bodies within the food industry in addition to major producers and retailers. In addition, there are weekly official level meetings with the major supermarkets and distributors covering food supply into Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Directorate within Defra is focusing its work on removing any real or perceived barriers to food supply.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 22/03/2021 16:09:14 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1303017

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Food: Transport
	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 he has received from food producers and food industry bodies in Great Britain on the grouped transport of food and food products from multiple producers to the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	169846
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>Prior to the end of transition period we took steps to ensure that groupage exports could continue post January 1<sup>st</sup>. This included supporting the development of logistics hubs and the introduction of the Groupage Export Facilitation Scheme for exporters of certain products of animal origin from stable supply chains, packaged for the final consumer. These are generally working well.</p><p> </p><p>We are aware of challenges experienced by exporters of mixed loads of products of animal origin and other commodities from different exporting premises. We have already published guidance on groupage models that can support movements of these loads to Northern Ireland and are working with the European Commission and EU Member States to make similar guidance available for GB-EU Exports. As part of this we are in regular contact with both the haulage industry and trade associations.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 22/03/2021 16:30:13 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1316420

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood Control: Sefton
	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 recent bids for Flood Resilience funding for projects in the Borough of Sefton.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	3842
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2021 answer text <p>25 projects across England were selected to receive a share of £150 million to demonstrate how practical innovative actions can work to improve communities' resilience to flooding and coastal change.</p><p> </p><p>79 eligible expressions of interest (EOIs) were received, and independently assessed by a panel of experts. Two EOI proposals were received from project teams in Sefton, one of which will receive funding from this programme.</p><p> </p><p>The project approved for funding in Sefton ( <em>Ecological Community Owned Coastal Buffer Strips</em>) is being led by Wyre Council. Sefton Council is a key partner. This project will deliver actions across the North West coast, including Formby, to improve resilience to flooding in the area.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency provided feedback to the lead officer at Sefton Council on 26 April 2021 to help the team identify the strengths of the unsuccessful proposal (<em>Increasing Community Flood Resilience in Merseyside: Novel Applications of Smart Technology and Data Analysis</em>). The feedback also notes areas they might want to consider improving if they choose to continue to develop the ideas further.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency is working with all projects that did not secure funding via this programme to take their good ideas forward through other routes. Sefton Council has provided summary information about its proposal for the Environment Agency to share with partners and stakeholders who may be interested in supporting the proposal.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 24/05/2021 13:51:08 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1316796

	registered interest
	date	20/05/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood Control: Sefton
	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 he plans to meet the hon. Member for Sefton Central to discuss flood protection measures for the town of Maghull in the borough of Sefton; and for what reason previous meetings on that topic that were scheduled to take place between the hon. Member for Taunton Deane and the hon. Member for Sefton Central on (a) 25 March 2021, (b) 26 April 2021 and (c) 20 May 2021 were cancelled.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	4582
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2021 answer text <p>The meetings scheduled with me in March and April were rearranged due to Parliamentary business. The meeting on the 20 May was cancelled due to an unforeseen circumstance.</p><p> </p><p>My office will be in touch soon to re-schedule this meeting as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 25/05/2021 16:28:16 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1316830

	registered interest
	date	20/05/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood 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, if he will publish the feedback given to each organisation that submitted an expressions of interest to the flood and coastal resilience innovation programme.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	4583
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2021 answer text <p>All organisations who submitted expressions of interest to the flood and coastal resilience innovation programme have been offered feedback. Where requested, the Environment Agency has, or will, provide detailed feedback from the assessment process, providing learning opportunities for the lead applicant and their partners. The Environment Agency is continuing to work with all projects that did not secure funding via this programme to help them identify potential alternative opportunities to take their good ideas forward.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 25/05/2021 16:15:22 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1328117

	registered interest
	date	26/05/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Flood 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, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2021 to Question 4583 on Flood control, if he will publish the content of that feedback.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	7799
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/06/2021 answer text <p>All organisations who submitted expressions of interest to the flood and coastal resilience innovation programme have been offered detailed feedback. The significant details included in the expressions of interest and the subsequent feedback are commercially confidential, meaning that it is only appropriate for this to be handled between the applicant organisations and the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency is continuing to work with all projects that did not secure funding via this programme to take their <del class="ministerial">good</del> <ins class="ministerial">proposed</ins> ideas forward.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 07/06/2021 13:20:31 question first ministerially corrected 07/06/2021 13:38:48 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow previous answer version 4370 answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1340023

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Plastics: Waste Disposal
	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 implications for his policies on the treatment of plastic waste of the Greenpeace Plastic Pledge; and whether he has plans to implement the recommendations set out in that pledge.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	21848
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/06/2021 answer text <p>The Government's 25 Year Environment Plan sets out our ambition to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042. We are making great strides to tackle plastic pollution. In December 2018 we published the Resources and Waste Strategy, which sets out how we want to achieve this and move towards a circular economy. Our approach is focused on increasing supply and demand for secondary materials to be recycled in the UK. We know more needs to be done, and for the most problematic plastics we are going faster - which is why we have committed to work towards all plastic packaging on the market being recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Government has a manifesto commitment to ban exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries. The Government has committed to consult on this measure and work to deliver this is underway. Defra has commissioned research to have a better understanding of plastic waste recycling capacity in the UK and OECD member countries, and this research will be key to the development of policy options to implement the manifesto commitment. We currently plan to consult before the end of 2022 on options to deliver the proposed ban.</p><p> </p><p>Legitimate imports of plastic waste into the UK will be destined for recovery operations. The UK Government does not permit the import of plastic waste for disposal. The UK Government has not assessed the benefits of a ban on plastic waste imports and has no plans to do so.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Bill includes a requirement for the Government to set at least one long-term target on resource efficiency and waste reduction. This target will take a holistic approach to reduce consumption of all materials, including plastics, increasing resource productivity and reducing the volume of waste we generate. Work is already underway to develop these targets. In order to help guide the Government, the Resources and Waste Targets Expert Group has been formed. More information can be found at: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fgroups%2Fresources-and-waste-targets-expert-group&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cpqteam%40defra.gov.uk%7C582f05e2cb6942481d9b08d93aef50a0%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C1%7C0%7C637605621801428431%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=HdWvPclYnSm%2Bd%2Bf3n27sr6yi7PPTfxBUNtfIJVLvYxk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/resources-and-waste-targets-expert-group</a>. Moreover, the Government is exploring packaging recycling targets under our proposals for extended producer responsibility for packaging. The consultation on our more detailed proposals closed on the 4 June.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow grouped question UIN 22033 22044 question first answered 29/06/2021 15:14:15 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1382248

	registered interest
	date	25/11/2021
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Alcoholic Drinks: Supply Chains
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the supply of wine and spirits over the festive period 2021-22.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	81938
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/11/2021 answer text <p>The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain, as demonstrated throughout the Covid-19 response, and it is well equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Defra has well established ways of working with the industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. We do not anticipate disruption to the supply of alcohol this Christmas.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has acted quickly to tackle the challenges to our supply chains, which were brought on by global pressures including the pandemic and the international shortage of HGV drivers.</p><p> </p><p>Some of these Government-led key measures include the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency’s action to increase HGV tests to 3,000 per week, the introduction of 16-week skills bootcamps to train new and returning drivers and the Department for Transport’s action to streamline HGV testing with a minimised regulatory framework adding around 50,000 more tests to be conducted.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to this, the Transport Secretary relaxed driver hours regulation, allowing more deliveries to be made during unprecedented times of national driver shortage to manage food supply chain bottlenecks. This relaxation will last up to 9 January 2022 in England, Scotland and Wales covering the Christmas peak demand period for food across the supply chain.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 30/11/2021 11:42:49 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1420700

	registered interest
	date	08/02/2022
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Veterinary Services: Drugs
	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 potential merits of amending the Veterinary Medicines Regulations for the purposes of (a) encouraging innovation and (b) reducing bureaucracy in the production of animal medicines in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	120747
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/02/2022 answer text <p>The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is in the process of reviewing the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (VMR) to ensure that they are fit for purpose. The powers to amend and supplement the VMR are set out in the Medicines and Medical Devices Act.</p><p> </p><p>The Act mandates that, in considering changes to the VMR, we must have regard to the likelihood of the United Kingdom being seen as a favourable place in which to develop, manufacture or supply veterinary medicines. Using the powers in the Act we are able to take a proportionate, risk-based approach to regulation. We intend to, where possible, reduce administrative burdens on industry, whilst effectively ensuring safety for animals, humans and the environment, as well as supporting the availability of veterinary medicines and the UK as an attractive place for UK-based innovation.</p><p> </p><p>We will carry out a formal public consultation on the proposed changes to the VMR as they have effect in Great Britain. This consultation will include an assessment of the impact of those changes on UK businesses and provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to express their views.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bury St Edmunds answering member printed Jo Churchill question first answered 21/02/2022 17:46:55 answering member 4380 label Biography information for Jo Churchill
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1507797

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	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	Horticulture: Peat
	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 ban on the use of peat in horticulture announced by the Government in September 2022, which plants he plans to exempt from that ban.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	54507
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/10/2022 answer text <p>The proposed ban will be framed in such a way as to provide time limited exemptions for the professional horticulture sector, in order to allow time to overcome technical barriers to ending the use of peat. Officials are currently consulting with horticulture industry representatives to inform our detailed proposals.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 12/10/2022 07:51:37 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1507798

	registered interest
	date	22/09/2022
	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	Horticulture: Peat
	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 make an assessment of the implications for his Department's policies of the Horticultural Trade Association's press release entitled HTA response to Defra announcement on horticultural peat, dated 27 August 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	54508
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/10/2022 answer text <p>I welcome the good progress made in terms of reducing the quantity of peat used in growing media. However, there is significant support for ending the use of peat in horticulture which will contribute to our net zero carbon targets and prevent biodiversity loss. Officials are currently engaging with stakeholders, including the Horticultural Trade Association, in order to identify and overcome the remaining technical barriers to ending the use of peat in horticulture.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 11/10/2022 08:20:24 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1539461

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2022
	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	Flood Control: Capital Investment
	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 policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, how much his Department has spent on the six-year capital investment programme for flood and coastal defences through point nine on protecting our natural environment since the publication of that plan.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	79289
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/11/2022 answer text <p>Investment in flooding and coastal erosion in England is provided by the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra).</p><p> </p><p>HM Government has invested £761 million in 2021/22, the first year of the capital Flood and Coastal Risk Investment Programme.</p><p> </p><p>Information on government spending on flood and coastal erosion risk management is available on GOV.UK within the document <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fuploads%2Fsystem%2Fuploads%2Fattachment_data%2Ffile%2F1070943%2FFunding_for_FCERM_March_2021_Final_v1_accessible.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMarcus.Fry%40defra.gov.uk%7Cfa258a8748e44438128d08dac1936a1b%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638035136140114326%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=9bPZWgRNxmvDPXbJQp0lvDcXGyDYUURN%2FYClQUpNRGk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Central Government Funding for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in England</a>, March 2022.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 14/11/2022 17:00:08 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1539462

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2022
	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 Conservation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, how many nature projects have been delivered through point 9, protecting our natural environment, since the publication of that plan.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	79290
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/11/2022 answer text <p>Point 9 of The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution announced a number of actions government is putting in place to protect our natural environment. Since the publication of the Plan in November 2020, these measures have kick-started a number of nature projects:</p><p> </p><p>159 nature projects have been enabled by our £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, a short-term competitive fund that has created and supported jobs in the nature sector across England. These projects have helped to restore nature, used nature-based solutions to tackle climate change and connected people with the natural environment.</p><p> </p><p>22 projects have been selected for the first round of Landscape Recovery, all of which have pioneering ideas that will improve the rural landscape and reverse the decline in nature. The successful projects will be awarded a share of around £12 million in development grants over the next two years, to help them finalise their delivery plans before starting implementation on the ground.</p><p> </p><p>25 schemes that include natural flood management (NFM) measures have secured approval to enter construction as part of the current Flood and Coastal Risk Investment Programme, with a further 27 forecast due to achieve the same stage by the end of this financial year (31 March 2023). These contribute towards an ambition of 260 schemes that include NFM measures by the end of the programme (March 2027).</p><p> </p><p>Two new Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) (the Yorkshire Wolds and Cheshire Sandstone Ridge) and two extensions to AONBs (the Surrey Hills and Chilterns) are under consideration by Natural England (NE) under our landmark designation programme. This programme is expected to be completed by 2025 and will play a key role in meeting HM Government’s commitment to protect and improve 30% of UK land for nature by 2030.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 15/11/2022 16:24:32 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1587689

	registered interest
	date	21/02/2023
	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	Iron and Steel: Waste
	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 she plans to take steps to prevent steel scrap waste from being exported to economies with lower environmental standards.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	149458
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2023 answer text <p>Steel scrap waste is a commodity which is traded on a legitimate global market. Where the UK cannot currently recycle materials economically, exports can help ensure those materials are recycled. The UK Government therefore has no plans to restrict the exports of steel scrap for recycling.</p><p> </p><p>While there is a legitimate global market for secondary materials, it must be and is subject to strict regulatory requirements. Under the UK legislation on waste shipments, businesses involved in the export of wastes are required to take all necessary steps to ensure that the waste they ship is managed in an environmentally sound manner throughout its shipment and during its recycling.</p><p> </p><p>All waste exports need to be made in accordance with the relevant legislation and we have a system of inspections in place to verify compliance. The UK regulators mount targeted inspections at UK ports working with the shipping sector to help detect and prevent illegal waste shipments. Individuals and businesses found to be exporting waste in contravention of the requirements in the legislation waste can face a two-year jail term and an unlimited fine.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 24/02/2023 11:45:46 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1611422

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2023
	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	Horticulture: Peat
	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 her Department plans to respond to the letter from the Klondyke Group, dated 7 April 2023, on banning the use of peat for professional growers.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	181050
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/04/2023 answer text <p>A reply is being prepared and will be sent to the correspondent directly.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 20/04/2023 16:17:58 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1613166

	registered interest
	date	21/04/2023
	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	Metals: Waste Disposal
	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 and what proportion of Environment Agency’s time is dedicated to (a) tackling permitted scrap metal operators acting illegally and (b) tackling unpermitted operators in the scrap metal sector accessing Grant-in-Aid funding.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	182151
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2023 answer text <p>The Environment Agency spent a total of 32,446 hours on compliance activities at 7,070 permitted sites across all waste treatment sectors (Hazardous Waste Treatment, Non-Hazardous &amp; Inert Waste Treatment and Metal Recycling) in 2022.</p><p> </p><p>For the metal recycling sector specifically, the Environment Agency undertook 1,762 compliance related activities across 2,152 permitted sites. These compliance activities include site inspections, site audits, check monitoring, procedure reviews and report/data reviews. As part of these compliance checks we recorded 1,396 separate permit breaches. The Environment Agency spent a total 8,811 hours on compliance work in the Metal Recycling Sector. 7,878 of those hours were spent undertaking site inspections.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency does not have data available on the proportion of time spent tackling unpermitted operators in a specific sector. However, we can state that in the financial year 2021/2022 the Environment Agency spent approximately 130,000 hours or 108 FTE tackling illegal waste sites, including illegal scrap metal sites. During that same financial year, a total of 561 illegal waste sites were stopped by the Environment Agency. As an indicator, 94 of these sites were in the scrap metal sector, which represents 17% of all sites stopped. Activities to tackle illegal waste sites are currently funded through government grant-in-aid.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 26/04/2023 12:23:48 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1624051

	registered interest
	date	26/04/2023
	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	Horticulture: Peat
	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 assessment of the potential impact of the ban on the use of peat and peat-containing products in the horticultural sector on carbon emissions.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	182849
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/05/2023 answer text <p>An impact assessment was included in our consultation on the sale of peat and peat-containing products issued on 18 December 2021 and updated on 14 February 2022. This states that our policy saves an estimated 0.455 MtCO2e. The Impact Assessment will be further updated prior to introduction of legislation to Parliament. A link to the Impact Assessment can be found <a href="https://consult.defra.gov.uk/soils-and-peatlands/endingtheretailsaleofpeatinhorticulture/supporting_documents/Consultation%20Impact%20Assessment%20%20Ending%20the%20Retail%20Sale%20of%20Peat%20in%20Horticulture%20in%20England%20and%20Wales.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 02/05/2023 13:53:29 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1624734

	registered interest
	date	28/04/2023
	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	Horticulture: Peat
	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 her Department is taking steps to help support the professional horticulture sector to develop responsibly-sourced alternatives to peat that can be produced at volume and which maintain the quality of the produce.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	183246
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/05/2023 answer text <p>We have supported, and continue to support, a number of research projects looking at alternatives to peat in growing media. Following our recent announcement on the detail of our proposed time-limited exemptions for professional use, we will be taking further soundings from the horticulture sector regarding technical barriers to transitioning away from the use of peat and the type of research and development projects which could benefit from Government support.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 09/05/2023 08:55:18 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1624735

	registered interest
	date	28/04/2023
	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	Horticulture: Peat
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on what evidential basis she has reduced the timeframe for tree and plant growers to test peat-free growing media before a ban becomes law.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	183247
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/05/2023 answer text <p>We formally consulted in December 2021 on ending the retail sale of peat in horticulture in England, proposing an end date of 2028 for professional use. This consultation built on a voluntary target to end professional peat use by 2030 that was set in 2011. From the consultation process it is evident that many businesses have switched to peat free or have made commitments to be peat free well in advance of 2030. Having considered written responses and wider stakeholder engagement we have confirmed a proposed end date of 2030 alongside limited restrictions after the end of 2026.</p><p>The restrictions will be designed to continue to allow continued peat use in those parts of the sector where the switch to peat free is particularly difficult and we will work to ensure that they strike the right balance between protecting our natural environment whilst ensuring that we continue to be able to grow the food we eat and the plants we enjoy.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 09/05/2023 09:03:47 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1626351

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2023
	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	Urban Areas: 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 discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting the regreening of urban areas.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	184072
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2023 answer text <p>Our Environmental Improvement Plan sets out our commitment for every household to be within a 15-minute walk of a green space or water – and this commitment reflects the ongoing work across government to deliver better access to nature across all sections of society. Cabinet colleagues’ departments helped develop the Green Infrastructure Framework, launched by Natural England in 2023. This will help local planning authorities and developers to create or improve green and blue infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. The Government will support local authorities to improve access to green infrastructure.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 15/05/2023 12:08:01 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1626352

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2023
	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 Protection: Business and Consumers
	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 support (a) businesses and (b) consumers who support environmental-based initiatives.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	184073
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2023 answer text <p>Five years ago, the 25 Year Environment Plan set out our vision for a quarter-of-a-century of action as part of the commitment to leaving the environment in a better state than we found it.  Now, we are building on that plan.</p><p> </p><p>In January, the Government published the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP23), detailing a delivery plan for each of our goals, matched with stretching interim targets to measure progress. This Plan sets out clear delivery plans for working across government, and with business, local government sectors and the public to achieve our commitments, including long term targets, for environmental improvement.</p><p> </p><p>Our plan will support green jobs and green growth across the country. We can drive UK inward and outward investment, create new jobs, generate export opportunities in fast growing global markets and place UK scientific and technology expertise, green finance opportunities and businesses at the forefront of a global sustainability transition.</p><p> </p><p>The Government also provides extensive support to all types of businesses, including those with activities focused on environmental-based initiatives.</p><p> </p><p>Support is available through the free Business Support Helpline, 38 Growth Hubs across England and newly launched Help to Grow website.</p><p> </p><p>The Government’s goal is to create a society that is greener by design, enabling green action at all levels. We will make green choices easier and more affordable, so that they become the default option.</p><p> </p><p>We will do this in a way that maintains choice and supports fairness, including by ensuring businesses and consumers are supported to take green action. We will empower people and businesses to make informed choices, by providing clear information about the environmental impact of different products, services, and actions.</p><p> </p><p>We must all take action - central Government, local authorities, businesses, communities, families and individual citizens.</p><p> </p><p>Businesses of all sizes can also access Government-backed finance from the British Business Bank, such as via the Start Up Loans programme and Recovery Loan Scheme.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 15/05/2023 09:39:36 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1626363

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2023
	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	Rural Areas: Business
	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 her Department is taking steps to help improve the productivity of rural businesses.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	184076
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2023 answer text <p>The Government is committed to helping rural businesses prosper.</p><p> </p><p>Among other measures, Defra has launched the £110 million Rural England Prosperity Fund to help new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy as well supporting new and improved community infrastructure. The fund is being delivered by local authorities in eligible areas and we confirmed their allocations in April 2023 so that they can begin implementation.</p><p> </p><p>We also believe there is a huge opportunity for the agriculture and horticulture sectors to improve their competitiveness – developing the next generation of food and farming technology, adopting the latest techniques and investing in skills and equipment.</p><p> </p><p>In November 2021 we opened the Farming Investment Fund which is providing grants to farmers, foresters and growers (including contractors to these sectors) so that they can invest in the equipment, technology and infrastructure that will help their businesses to prosper, while improving their productivity and enhancing the environment. Following Round 1 of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund we have already provided funding of more than £33 million to 3,200 farmers.</p><p> </p><p>The Farming Innovation Programme is helping to drive innovations by providing £270 million of funding to support farmers, growers, foresters, and other businesses in England to develop innovative ways to increase productivity and environmental sustainability, as well as helping them to decarbonise by researching and developing new technologies, processes and practices.</p><p> </p><p>Through the Resilience Fund farmers and land managers in England can access free business support and advice. To date over 13,000 farmers have accessed this service.</p><p> </p><p>More widely the Government is taking steps to improve digital connectivity, a vital step to boost rural productivity. The Government is investing £5 billion through the Project Gigabit programme to deliver gigabit-capable connectivity to hard-to-reach premises, in line with our commitment to reach 85% of UK premises with gigabit connectivity no later than the end of 2025 and as close as possible to 100% as soon as possible after that. The £1 billion Shared Rural Network programme is on track to deliver its target to reach 95% of UK landmass by the end of 2025, and further coverage improvements in the more hard-to-reach areas will continue to be delivered until the start of 2027.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 15/05/2023 09:32:47 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1642193

	registered interest
	date	06/06/2023
	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 and 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 steps she is taking with her Cabinet colleagues to ensure the service provided by (a) the Environment Agency and (b) Natural England meets the requirements of UK businesses in the context of applications by those businesses for (i) planning permission and (ii) permits.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	187946
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2023 answer text <p>Defra works regularly with other Departments (such as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities), alongside our own arm's-length bodies, to keep permitting services and their regulations under review to ensure that the service provided best meets the requirements of UK businesses whilst upholding environmental protections. We also work closely with them on the role of our arm's-length bodies in the planning system, including as part of the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fnationally-significant-infrastructure-projects-nsip-reforms-action-plan&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cpqtransfers%40defra.gov.uk%7Ce600558b19fd414f014808db6824061a%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638218276145143191%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=24%2F%2BT2iMyNS8gSTHhVsCIJ9rpIxeDNYfQz%2FAjv%2B4RcM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NSIP Reform Action Plan</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Defra regularly monitors Environment Agency and Natural England performance to ensure there is a high-quality service provided to all applicants of planning and permitting services. The Environment Agency and Natural England both have customer service commitments which are available on gov.uk.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 12/06/2023 08:09:25 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1651627

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2023
	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 (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023
	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 her Department plans to proceed with the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) Regulations.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	193127
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/07/2023 answer text <p>We remain committed to introducing a ban on e-collars controlled by hand-held devices that deliver an electric shock to cats or dogs. Parliamentary business will be announced in the usual way.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 13/07/2023 10:51:13 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1653373

	registered interest
	date	17/07/2023
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Dogs: Electronic Training Aids
	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 13 July 2023 to Question 193127 on Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023, whether her Department has discussed the potential merits of positive-only training of dogs with the British Veterinary Association; and if she will make a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of the use of (a) e-collars and (b) positive-only training of dogs on the prevalence of dog attacks on sheep.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	194373
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2023 answer text <p>The British Veterinary Association submitted a response to my Department’s 2018 consultation on ‘Electronic training collars for cats and dogs in England’ The response supported the use of reward-based training methods. Defra carefully considered this response alongside the other responses received.</p><p> </p><p>We maintain that keeping dogs on leads around livestock and securing dog enclosures offer effective means of preventing dog attacks on livestock, keeping both livestock and dogs safe without the need to use e-collars.</p> answering member constituency Copeland answering member printed Trudy Harrison question first answered 21/07/2023 12:11:47 answering member 4593 label Biography information for Trudy Harrison
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1658380

	registered interest
	date	05/09/2023
	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	Members: Correspondence
	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 she plans to respond to the email from the hon. Member for Sefton Central of 23 May 2023 on the regulator OFWAT.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	197772
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/09/2023 answer text <p>A response was sent to the Rt. Hon Member on 11 September 2023.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 12/09/2023 16:22:48 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1694244

	registered interest
	date	06/03/2024
	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	Members: Correspondence
	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 he plans to respond to the correspondence of 8 September 2023 from the constituent of the hon. Member for Sefton Central on animal testing.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	17352
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/03/2024 answer text <p>A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 8 March 2024 advising that the issues raised in his correspondence are a matter for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. I apologise for the delay in responding.</p> answering member constituency Sherwood answering member printed Mark Spencer question first answered 21/03/2024 18:10:03 answering member 4055 label Biography information for Sir Mark Spencer
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

1694246

	registered interest
	date	06/03/2024
	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	Members: Correspondence
	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 he plans to respond to the email from the hon. Member for Sefton Central of 3 October 2023 on animal welfare.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	17354
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2024 answer text <p>A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 6 March 2024. I apologise for the delay in responding.</p> answering member constituency Sherwood answering member printed Mark Spencer question first answered 11/03/2024 16:57:34 answering member 4055 label Biography information for Sir Mark Spencer
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

176086

	registered interest
	date	27/01/2015
	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	Employment Agencies
	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 staff in her Department were recruited through employment or recruitment agencies in each year since 2010-11.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	222251
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2015 answer text <p>For permanent and fixed term staff on the core Defra payroll the information is not held centrally and could only be provided by incurring disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Department also uses workers for a time-limited period, who are not on the core Defra payroll, but are paid by a recruitment or employment agency. The number of such staff since 2010-11 is shown below:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Number</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010-11</p></td><td><p>119</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011-12</p></td><td><p>73</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012-13</p></td><td><p>73</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013-14</p></td><td><p>91</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014-15 (to Sept 2014)</p></td><td><p>80</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p> answering member constituency North Cornwall answering member printed Dan Rogerson question first answered 03/02/2015 10:17:51 answering member 1504 label Biography information for Dan Rogerson
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

438001

	registered interest
	date	14/12/2015
	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	Pets: Poisoning
	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 number of (a) cats and (b) dogs killed by accidental ingestion of poisonous antifreeze in each of the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	19839
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2015 answer text <p>We have no estimates of the numbers of cats or dogs killed by antifreeze.</p><br /><p>However there are periodically reported cases where antifreeze may have contributed to the death of pet animals. This issue was most recently debated in Parliament on the 2 December 2014.</p><p><a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141202/halltext/141202h0002.htm#14120263000003" target="_blank">www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141202/halltext/141202h0002.htm#14120263000003</a></p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 17/12/2015 13:25:20 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

632001

	registered interest
	date	08/11/2016
	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: Manufacturing Industries
	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 she has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the food manufacturing industry in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	52438
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/11/2016 answer text <p>Food and drink is hugely important to the UK. It is our biggest manufacturing sector and a key element of our £100 billion agri-food chain. In 2015, the UK exported over £18 billion worth of food, feed and drink to more than 200 countries and territories. The joint Defra and Department for International Trade Food and Drink International Action Plan, published last month, sets out how the Government will work with the sector to champion UK food and drink overseas, break down trade barriers and open up new international markets.</p><p> </p><p>Since the EU Referendum, Defra has continued to meet regularly with the food manufacturing sector to listen to their views and better understand key issues for the sector about leaving the EU. We will continue to engage constructively with the sector to ensure we get the best deal for the industry that we possibly can.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 14/11/2016 12:08:37 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

753632

	registered interest
	date	18/07/2017
	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: Manufacturing Industries
	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 3 July 2017 to Question 1825, what financial support he plans to give to companies in the food manufacturing sector to secure jobs in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	5848
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2017 answer text <p>Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector employing 400 000 people. The success of the industry is crucial to driving growth across the country.</p><p> </p><p>We will continue to support the sector through raising the profile and reputation of British food and drink overseas through the Food is GREAT campaign. Defra and DIT are also opening new markets and supporting exports in priority markets such as China, USA and India. We are opening up public procurement to more SMEs and local producers and funding the Food Innovation Network to help the spread of innovation.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 21/07/2017 16:04:26 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson

753633

	registered interest
	date	18/07/2017
	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: Manufacturing Industries
	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 improve productivity in food manufacturing.
	tabling member constituency	Sefton Central
	tabling member printed	Bill Esterson
	uin	5849
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/07/2017 answer text <p>Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector employing 400,000 people. The success of the industry is crucial to driving growth across the country. <br></p><p>Through our International Action Plan, Defra and DIT are helping the sector to export more. This is through opening new markets, supporting new exporters and targeted export campaigns in priority markets such as China, USA and India. We are opening up public procurement to more SMEs and local producers and funding the Food Innovation Network to help the spread of innovation.</p><p>There is extensive interest in the Industrial Strategy across the sector as evidenced by their response to the Industrial Strategy green paper. The sector is also keen on a sector deal and we look forward to seeing detailed proposals.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 26/07/2017 13:20:20 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	4061 label Biography information for Bill Esterson