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1137420

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Squirrels: Pest Control
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to control the grey squirrel population.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	274544
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>In March this year the Government put in place the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Under the Order, listed invasive species including the grey squirrel cannot be imported, kept, bred, transported, sold, used or exchanged, allowed to reproduce, or released into the environment. To support implementation of the Order we will shortly be consulting on management measures for widely spread invasive non-native species in England and Wales, including the grey squirrel.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to work with stakeholders under the UK Squirrel Accord, which aims to promote partnership working to protect our red squirrels and woodlands from the damage caused by grey squirrels. Under the joint grey squirrel action plan for England, Defra and the Forestry Commission remain committed to working with land owners and others on measures to support targeted grey squirrel control, for example, through additional measures in forestry options of Countryside Stewardship, as well as through research and taking action on the Forestry Commission’s own land holding (the public forest estate).</p><p> </p><p>Defra continues to support research by the Animal Plant and Health Agency to test the potential of fertility control to reduce local grey squirrel populations.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 16/07/2019 13:00:48 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1127657

	registered interest
	date	20/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Birds and Eggs: Theft
	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 tackle the theft of (a) wild birds and (b) wild bird eggs in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	256402
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2019 answer text <p>The Government takes wildlife crime, including the illegal taking of wild birds and their eggs, seriously. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which provides a powerful framework for the conservation of wild birds, their eggs, nests and habitats. There are strong penalties for offenders, including imprisonment.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 23/05/2019 09:18:09 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1127677

	registered interest
	date	20/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Pigeons: Pest Control
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help farmers control wood pigeon.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	256418
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/05/2019 answer text <p>This is a devolved matter and the following answer applies to England only.</p><p>Farmers may operate under the new general licence issued by Natural England on 3 May to control wood pigeons to prevent serious damage to crops. If the circumstances in which they wish to act are not covered by the new licence they may apply to Natural England for an individual licence using the online application system.</p><p> </p><p>The government issued a call for evidence on 4 May to help inform its future decisions on general licences relating to the purposes covered by the three revoked general licences and will set out its next steps shortly.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 29/05/2019 12:50:59 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1125711

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Moorland: 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 recent wildfires, what discussions he has had with representatives of conservation groups on the protection and enhancement of moorlands throughout the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	252636
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2019 answer text <p>Defra’s Wildfire Review will ensure our future land management policies protect our moorland and minimise the risks from wildfire. The review has encompassed discussions by Defra officials with stakeholders, both through a workshop held in February, and through continuing discussions with key stakeholders including the Moorland Association and the RSPB.</p><p> </p><p>Restoring peatlands so they are wet, and contain less combustible woody vegetation, is a key component in protecting our moorlands from the risk of wildfire. On 30 April I addressed a reception on ‘Managing the uplands for public benefit’, hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Attendees included representatives from the RSPB, Moors for the Future, and Ulster and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts. Defra will be publishing the England Peatland Strategy which sets out our approach to long term peatland restoration and protection.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 16/05/2019 12:21:18 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1123933

	registered interest
	date	30/04/2019
	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	Packaging
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage online businesses to use environmentally friendly packaging.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	249304
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/05/2019 answer text <p>The Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy for England published in December last year sets out our plans to reduce plastic pollution and move towards a more circular economy. This builds on the commitment in the 25 Year Environment Plan to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste.</p><p> </p><p>Our priority is to prevent or reduce waste in the first place. The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations already require businesses, including online retailers, to ensure that all their packaging does not exceed what is needed to make sure that the products are safe, hygienic and acceptable for both the packed product and for the consumer. As part of the Resources and Waste Strategy, we have committed to review the effectiveness of these regulations by the end of next year. These regulations apply to those responsible for the packing or filling of products into packaging and those importing packed or filled packaging into the UK from elsewhere.</p><p> </p><p>We are also consulting on reforms to the way we manage packaging waste. The reforms to the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations will require producers to fund the full net cost of managing the packaging they place on the market, once it becomes waste. This creates an incentive for companies, including obligated online businesses, to use less packaging and to ensure that their packaging can be recycled at end of life as it will reduce their costs in complying with the regulations.</p><p> </p><p>We have set out in our consultation options for how we want to enhance the incentive for producers to make better packaging design choices. The options are for a modulated fee system or a deposit fee system. These options provide a financial incentive for producers, in addition to the full net cost fees, to move towards using more easily recycled packaging materials and formats.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to this, the consultation also sets out a proposal to require online marketplace businesses to ensure that the packaging that is sold through their websites from outside the UK is compliant with the regulations.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 07/05/2019 10:26:10 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1121338

	registered interest
	date	11/04/2019
	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	Deer: Conservation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he had had with his counterparts in devolved Administrations on a UK-wide deer cull to tackle damage to countryside and crops.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	244091
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>I have not had any discussions with the devolved administrations on this.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 29/04/2019 12:36:37 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1077127

	registered interest
	date	25/02/2019
	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	Livestock: Conservation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect rare breeds of UK (a) cattle, (b) sheep and (c) pigs.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	225511
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2019 answer text <p>The UK has one of the richest native rare breed populations in the world and their importance is recognised at both international and UK levels. We have identified 104 UK native breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>To protect our native rare breeds Defra works with the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee and the evolved administrations on all rare breed issues, particularly their conservation and sustainable use.</p><p> </p><p>We have:</p><ol><li><p>Established an <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-farm-animal-genetic-resources-fangr-breed-inventory-results" target="_blank">Annual Inventory</a> to provide data on populations of breeds.</p></li><li><p>Published the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-country-report-on-farm-animal-genetic-resources-2012" target="_blank">UK Country Report on Farm Animal Genetic Resources</a> which, in part, outlines conservation plans and priorities for specialist and native breeds.</p></li><li><p>Carried out annual reviews of the lists of Breeds at Risk present in the UK using statistics taken from the Annual Inventory.</p></li><li><p>Created contingency plan guidance for Breeds at Risk in the event of an exotic disease.</p></li></ol><p> </p><p>Some rare native breeds are also supported through agri-environment schemes. Details on total agreements and value of funding under Defra run schemes, including Environmental Stewardship (HR2) and Countryside Stewardship (SP8) (grazing supplement for rare native breeds), for the years 2015–2018 are:</p><p> </p><p>2015 – 1,454 agreements totalling £2,958,854</p><p>2016 – 1,404 agreements totalling £2,832,800</p><p>2017 – 1,340 agreements totalling £2,707,668</p><p>2018 – 1,310 agreements totalling £2,719,028</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 04/03/2019 11:48:27 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058688

	registered interest
	date	11/02/2019
	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	Stoats: Pest Control
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to control stoat numbers.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	219436
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/02/2019 answer text <p>While the Government regulates the management of wildlife it is not directly involved in the control of stoats. Responsibility for management lies with the landowner or occupier.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 15/02/2019 12:05:30 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058690

	registered interest
	date	11/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Water: Pollution Control
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce water pollution from industry.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	219438
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/02/2019 answer text <p>This is a devolved matter and the below relates to England only.</p><p> </p><p>Water pollution from industry is controlled by permits issued under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2015. In England, these permits are issued by the Environment Agency (EA) and control the levels of pollution in effluent discharges by setting limits on the chemical concentration and volume of the effluent. The limits are set to protect waters from the adverse impacts of pollution and to meet the appropriate environmental standards for river, ground water and bathing water quality. Operators must comply with the permit and it is an offence to breach a permit condition. Enforcement action may be taken dependant on the nature and severity of the offence.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to controlling pollution from discharges using permits, the EA receives around 40,000 water pollution incident reports per year. Most have little or minor impact but there are around 250 incidents per year which are classified as significant or serious. Very few of these are deliberate acts and are caused accidentally after spillage or system failure. Most significant or serious pollution incidents come from the water industry and agriculture. The remainder are spread across other sectors such as transport, retail, manufacturing, domestic and residential or are a result of natural causes.</p><p> </p><p>The EA responds to all serious incidents and follows them up with appropriate action including warning letters, formal caution, civil sanctions and prosecution. In 2014 the sentencing guidelines were revised so that fines are now related to the level of culpability and the company’s turnover. This has seen a steep rise in the value of fines which is now a much greater deterrent to causing pollution.</p><p> </p><p>Working to control discharges through environmental permits and by taking decisive action in response to pollution offences has led to significant reductions in pollution and improvements in water quality over recent years. Plans for continued improvement in this area are included in the Government's 25 Year Environmental Plan.</p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 18/02/2019 11:06:26 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1058692

	registered interest
	date	11/02/2019
	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	Birds of Prey: Theft
	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 prevent birds of prey being stolen to order.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	219440
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/02/2019 answer text <p>The Government takes wildlife crime, including the illegal taking of birds of prey, seriously. All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with strong penalties for those committing offences against birds of prey including up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.</p><p> </p><p>Birds of prey are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which controls trade in endangered species through a permitting system. This protects species from the risk of extinction due to unsustainable trade. The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018 means that anyone committing CITES offences, including trying to trade in birds of prey taken from the wild, could face up to five years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.</p><p> </p><p>Raptor persecution and CITES issues are two of six UK wildlife crime priorities. Local police and Border Force are responsible for wildlife crime enforcement. The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is co-funded by Defra and the Home Office, provides intelligence to support police and Border Force enforcement activities.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 15/02/2019 12:40:50 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon