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65937

	registered interest
	date	07/07/2014
	answering body	Department for Culture Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Broadband
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to ensure that consumers receive the broadband speeds for which they pay.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL864
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/07/2014 answer text <p>Ofcom, the independent national regulatory authority for communications has agreed a voluntary industry code of practice on broadband speeds. It was introduced in 2008 and subsequently updated in 2010, and requires internet service providers to provide consumers with information on the maximum speed they can achieve, including an estimated speed range, to help ensure that consumers choose the package that is the most appropriate for them in light of their individual circumstances and needs. All the largest internet service providers representing 98% of the broadband consumer market are signed up to the Code and have agreed to abide by its principles and spirit. Headline broadband speeds advertised are unlikely to be achievable all the time. There are a variety of reasons for broadband speed variations, not all of which are within the broadband service provider�s control. The important thing is that consumers receive accurate information on broadband speeds at the point of sale to allow them to make informed purchasing decisions, and ensure that there is not a mismatch between the speeds they expect to receive and what they actually get.</p><p> </p><p>Ofcom has undertaken successive mystery shopping exercises to check compliance with the Code. Results have shown that the level of compliance has continued to improve. The latest results published in May 2013 found that overall 96% of mystery shopping callers were provided with a speed estimate (93% in 2011/12). There was also an improvement overall in the provision of speeds information provided to mystery shoppers via the web. All signatories to the Code, with the exception of two small providers, offered a speed checker which provide estimated access line speeds. The percentage of assessments where any speed estimate was given via the website rose from 87% in 2011/12 to 92% in 2013.</p><p> </p><p>Ofcom is currently discussing with industry and consumer groups, its proposals to revise the Code to reflect significant changes in the broadband market since the Code�s introduction, with the increased take up of superfast packages. The proposals include improving the information on speeds for consumers buying superfast packages to equal that received by consumers buying current generation services.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 14/07/2014 13:25:11 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

1240222

	registered interest
	date	05/10/2020
	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	Cattle: Accidents
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to prevent walkers on public footpaths being killed by cattle.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL8706
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/10/2020 answer text <p>Promoting safety in the countryside and ensuring the public feel safe and confident while using the rights of way network is very important.</p><p> </p><p>The Health and Safety Executive provides advice on keeping cattle in areas where there are public rights of way and in open access areas, which can be accessed here: <a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais17ew.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais17ew.pdf</a>. It provides a list of actions which farmers can take to avoid or mitigate risk; for example, keeping stock elsewhere, avoiding fields with public access, putting up temporary fencing and clear signposting.</p><p> </p><p>Cattle, particularly if with calves, can occasionally become aggressive towards dogs. The current Countryside Code pages on GOV.UK give advice for the public on dogs and farm animals, as well as advice for land managers regarding identifying threats to visitor safety. These pages can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/countryside-code-full-online-version" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/countryside-code-full-online-version</a>. Natural England is refreshing the code for a planned relaunch next year which will provide an opportunity to reinforce messaging around cattle and public access.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble attachment 1 file name HSE information sheet - Cattle and public access.pdf title HSE information sheet 2 file name Countryside code - full online version - GOV.UK.pdf title GOV.UK Countryside Code web page question first answered 19/10/2020 13:33:18 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

61921

	registered interest
	date	16/06/2014
	answering body	Department for Culture Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Copyright: Internet
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the Digital Economy Act 2010 in reducing copyright theft via the internet.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL339
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2014 answer text <p>The online infringement of copyright provisions within the Digital Economy Act 2010 have not yet been implemented, and so no such assessment has been carried out. The delay is due to a number of factors, including legal challenge and ensuring compliance with Government “Managing Public Money” principles. In the meantime the Government has encouraged the industry to investigate a voluntary copyright alert programme, which should produce similar results in a significantly shorter timescale. I am grateful to the industry for the energy with which they have picked up this challenge. Nevertheless, unless an effective alternative is put in place, Government continues to be committed to implementation of the provisions with the Digital Economy Act.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 24/06/2014 13:24:55 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

470610

	registered interest
	date	14/03/2016
	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	Flour: Additives
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will consider exempting traditional windmills producing high-quality artisan flours from any obligations to introduce additives.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL6957
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/03/2016 answer text <p>In the UK iron, niacin and thiamin are added back by law to all UK milled flour (except wholemeal) to restore nutrients lost in milling. Flour milled in the UK is also fortified with calcium to reduce the risk of calcium deficiency, a condition associated with poor bone health and osteoporosis. The Government is currently considering requests to exempt certain minor flour uses from these mandatory fortification requirements. This exercise could be extended to consider exempting traditional stoneground mills producing low volumes of flour should a case be made.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 23/03/2016 13:59:15 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

1168555

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2019
	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	Game: Birds
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to commission an independent review into the economic, environmental and wildlife impacts of driven grouse shooting.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL13
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>The Government will consider the findings of the recently released Werritty Review which addresses these issues in Scotland. We will continue to work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 07/01/2020 12:36:31 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

1036895

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2019
	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	Hares: Conservation
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ban the shooting of hares in the breeding season.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL12537
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/01/2019 answer text <p>I refer the Noble Lord to the written response I gave to question HL12295 on 28 December 2018.</p><p> </p><p>Please find the response below:</p><p> </p><p>Wildlife conservation is a devolved matter so this answer is for England only.</p><p> </p><p>The population of brown hares in England is believed to be stable. The majority of hare shooting occurs in regions where brown hares are locally abundant and leads to no long-term impact on hare populations. There is no evidence to suggest that a closed season would significantly benefit the conservation status of brown hares.</p><p> </p><p>An industry-led initiative resulted in the publication of a code of practice to protect hares in England. This provides for a voluntary close season covering the main breeding season, while allowing farmers to protect their crops from serious damage by hares.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 16/01/2019 12:40:33 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

1036894

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2019
	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	Hen Harriers: Conservation
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to counter the unlawful killing of hen harriers.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL12536
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/01/2019 answer text <p>The Government is very concerned about hen harrier populations, which is why we took the lead on the Hen Harrier Action Plan. This sets out what will be done to increase hen harrier populations in England and includes measures to stop illegal persecution. A copy of the plan is available on GOV.UK.</p><p> </p><p>All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with strong penalties for committing offences against birds of prey and other wildlife. The Government takes wildlife crime very seriously and has identified raptor persecution as a national wildlife crime priority, focusing on hen harrier, golden eagle, goshawk, peregrine, red kite and white tailed eagle.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 16/01/2019 12:42:13 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

1127415

	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	Hen Harriers: Conservation
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 16 January (HL12536), what steps they will take in response to the report Patterns of satellite tagged hen harrier disappearances suggest widespread illegal killing on British grouse moors, published in Nature Communications on 19 May, which found that hen harriers are ten times as likely to disappear over grouse moors than elsewhere and that this is the primary cause of their decline; and whether this finding will be reflected in an update to the 2016 Hen Harrier Action Plan.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL15826
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2019 answer text <p>Defra and Natural England will continue working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including moorland communities, conservation organisations, police and landowners to implement the Hen Harrier Action Plan, which is kept under regular review.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is also working with the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group on a new action plan to tackle raptor persecution, led by a senior police officer and drawing together representatives from a range of stakeholders.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 04/06/2019 11:01:46 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

795200

	registered interest
	date	27/11/2017
	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	Hunting
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that the activities of (1) those taking part in organised hunts, and (2) those opposed to such hunting, remain within the law.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL3602
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/12/2017 answer text <p>The Hunting Act 2004 bans all hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions set out in Schedule 1 to the Act.</p><p> </p><p>The enforcement of the Hunting Act 2004 is an operational matter for the police. The police have issued guidance to forces dealing with hunting issues in the ‘Hunting Act 2004 Investigators Manual’. Enforcement of the legislation will follow this guidance.</p><p> </p><p>Anyone who believes an offence is taking place or has taken place during a hunt, whether it lies with the hunters or protestors, should report the matter to the police.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 08/12/2017 12:50:07 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt

749873

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2017
	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	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to legislate to prohibit farmers from placing (1) bulls, and (2) cows with calves, in fields traversed by a public footpath.
	tabling member printed	Lord Birt
	uin	HL593
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/07/2017 answer text <p>Section 59 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 bans bulls of seven recognised dairy breeds (Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry) that are over the age of ten months, in all circumstances, from being at large in fields crossed by public rights of way.</p><p>Bulls of all other breeds (again over the age of ten months) are also banned from fields crossed by public rights of way unless accompanied by cows or heifers. There are no specific prohibitions on the keeping of cattle other than bulls aged over ten months.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 24/07/2017 10:45:30 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
	tabling member	2533 label Biography information for Lord Birt