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 printed
uin
answer	is ministerial correction true false date of answer exactly: or between: and answer text answering member printed question first answered answering member label
tabling member	label

Search

1699253

	registered interest
	date	26/03/2024
	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	Agriculture: UK Trade with EU
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, following concerns raised by farmers regarding changes to the standard of food imports, what steps they are taking to address the impact of post-Brexit trade deals on British farmers.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL3643
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/04/2024 answer text <p>All food and drink products imported into the UK, including those from countries we have trade agreements with, must comply with the UK’s import requirements and standards. The independent Trade and Agriculture Commission concluded that our Free Trade Agreements with Australia, New Zealand and CPTPP are consistent with the maintenance of UK statutory protections in relation to animal and plant health, animal welfare and the environment.</p><p>Supporting UK food and agriculture is an integral part of the UK’s trade strategy. The Prime Minister made this clear at the Farm to Fork Summit in May 2023 and in his open letter to farmers. This letter, alongside the 2022 National Food Strategy, sets out the principles that guide our approach to agriculture and trade. We are putting farmers at the heart of British trade by delivering new export opportunities, protecting our sensitive sectors and our high food safety standards, upholding UK production standards and removing market access barriers.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 12/04/2024 10:02:43 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1696359

	registered interest
	date	14/03/2024
	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	Water Companies: Billing
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports that water companies plan to raise customer bills by up to 70 per cent over the next five years, what assessment they have made of the impact of those rises on (1) household budgets, (2) consumer spending, and (3) overall economic stability; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any such challenges.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL3305
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/04/2024 answer text <p>The public have made it clear clean and plentiful water supply and environmental protection is a priority. New infrastructure will need to be paid for, and while water companies can attract private investment, this will also need to come from customer bills. There is a balance to be struck in terms of priorities – ensuring there is prioritised spending on infrastructure to reduce environmental harm and secure supplies for the future without unduly hitting billpayers with a big rise.</p><p> </p><p>All water companies submitted their proposed business plans for Price Review 2024 to Ofwat in October 2023, which set out planned investment and proposed bill increases for 2025-2030. These are now undergoing scrutiny by the independent regulator Ofwat to ensure they meet the targets for environmental improvements and other obligations, whilst also offering value for money for consumers. As such, current reports of increases to bills over the next five years are not yet confirmed. Increases will be confirmed after Ofwat’s final determinations are published later this year, and new price controls will then come into force from 1st April 2025.</p><p> </p><p>We are committed to a water sector that delivers for customers, the environment and wider society, and recognise that some households may struggle to pay their water bill in full. All water companies offer reduced bills for eligible customers via the WaterSure scheme and social tariffs as well as a range of other financial support measures. We are continuing to work with industry to explore options to improve existing social tariff arrangements.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 02/04/2024 14:49:47 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1695571

	registered interest
	date	12/03/2024
	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	Import Controls: Small Businesses
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address challenges faced by small businesses and importers due to the introduction of new border checks and paperwork requirements post-Brexit.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL3221
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2024 answer text <p>The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) sets out our new global regime of border controls that makes better use of technology and data to reduce friction and the cost of border controls for businesses and consumers when compared to the proposed July 2022 regime. It will create a radically simpler yet secure experience for traders moving goods across the UK border.</p><p> </p><p>After engaging with stakeholders and considering the implementation challenges they raised, alongside the need to manage biosecurity risks, we have adapted the timeline we originally published in the draft version of the BTOM to give businesses and their supply-chains more time to prepare. Many goods, including more than 60% of animal product consignments, are now deemed low risk and either not controlled at all or only subject to pre-notification, and medium risk goods are subject to fewer physical checks than the EU’s regime.</p><p> </p><p>Defra has also introduced several facilitations for groupage movements, as well as developing our Certification Logistics Pilot. Those facilitations include: relaxed official sealing requirements for animal products; greater flexibility in transporting groupage loads; elimination of 'Either/Or' sections in health certificates; the use of schedules allowing greater number of similar animal products under a single export health certificate, and greater flexibilities in the pre-notification and import declaration processes.</p><p> </p><p>All businesses will also benefit from the Single Trade Window, a simple service gateway that serves as a single point of interaction between businesses and UK border processes, submitting information to the Government only once and in only one place ensuring administration costs are kept to a minimum.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 26/03/2024 13:47:21 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1691877

	registered interest
	date	26/02/2024
	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	Dairy Products and Meat Products: UK Internal Trade
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of proposed 'Not for EU' labels on meat and dairy products on (1) food costs, and (2) exports.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL2767
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2024 answer text <p>The “not for EU” labelling requirement came into force for meat and some dairy products moving under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme in October 2023. Defra provided a transitional labelling fund of £50 million to support compliance with the scheme. There has been no evidence of impact on food costs or exports.</p><p> </p><p>In line with the commitments set out in the February 2023 and February 2024 Government Command Papers, the Government will bring forward legislation for this labelling requirement to be expanded GB wide for relevant products from October 2024. A six-week consultation on the implementation of this policy was launched on 2 February. We welcome responses from businesses that supply the UK market and export, which will inform our ongoing considerations of the final details of the policy, including any possible exemptions.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 11/03/2024 16:04:35 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1691297

	registered interest
	date	22/02/2024
	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	Fisheries: Nature Conservation
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that fishing rights and conservation efforts comply with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL2715
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/02/2024 answer text <p>The UK and EU are required under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) to cooperate with a view to ensuring that fishing activities for shared stocks are environmentally sustainable in the long term and contribute to achieving economic and social benefits. The UK complies with the requirements of the TCA and ensures that all of the actions taken are in accordance with those requirements. This includes meeting on an annual basis to set the total allowable catch for shared stocks, based on the best available scientific advice, including advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas on maximum sustainable yield. The UK derives its annual quota based on shares agreed within the TCA. Since 2021, four sets of these annual consultations have been held with the EU under the TCA.</p><p> </p><p>It is for the UK to decide which fisheries management measures are applicable in UK waters, and this is done in line with UK domestic obligations including those under the Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement, having regard to the objectives and principles outlined in the TCA Article 494. The Specialised Committee on Fisheries, established under the TCA, has met seven times, and provides a joint forum for cooperation between the UK and EU on fisheries issues, helping ensure that conservation efforts comply with, and support the shared objectives of, the TCA.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 29/02/2024 14:43:39 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1687688

	registered interest
	date	05/02/2024
	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	Water Charges: Disadvantaged
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports that water bills are due to rise by an average of six per cent from April, what steps they are taking to provide additional support to households facing financial pressures.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL2210
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2024 answer text <p>I am very mindful that consumers are concerned about their bills. For this reason, the Government expects all water companies to ensure customers are aware of the support schemes available – including bill discount schemes, payment holidays, adjusting payment plans and support for customers in managing their personal finances.</p><p> </p><p>I encourage customers to access the Consumer Council for Water’s Advice Hub, which has information and useful tools to help customers reduce their bills or access financial support.</p><p> </p><p>To support people with the cost of living, the Government has put in place a substantial package of support. Further information can be found at GOV.UK.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 14/02/2024 17:19:33 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1684651

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2024
	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	UK Trade with EU
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the implementation of new border controls being implemented from 31 January, what steps they are taking to mitigate any potential challenges faced by businesses within the EU exporting into the UK.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL1882
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/02/2024 answer text <p>Defra are engaging stakeholders across all SPS sectors within the United Kingdom, across the EU and with trading partners around the world, to raise awareness and aid preparedness for the Border Target Operating Model (TOM). Information is being shared through a series of live and virtual engagement events and communications detailing actions required. Online guidance is available on GOV.UK.</p><p> </p><p>The three-month period from 31 January 2024 will allow businesses time to familiarise themselves with the new requirements before full implementation on 30 April 2024. We will adopt a carefully calibrated approach to enforcement of the new controls that minimises the risk of disrupting trade flows, with an emphasis on educating and supporting businesses to comply.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 12/02/2024 11:53:44 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1683964

	registered interest
	date	22/01/2024
	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	Immigration Controls: Airports and Ports
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prepare ports and airports for the introduction of new border controls being implemented from 31 January.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL1825
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/02/2024 answer text <p>There are no new physical controls being introduced at ports or airports on 31 January. Under the Border Target Operating Model, from 30 April inspection of high-risk plant and plant products will move from destination to Border Control Posts (BCPs) and/or Control Points (CPs), and risk-based physical checks at BCPs/CPs will begin for medium-risk plant and plant products and products of animal origin, except at west coast ports, where such controls will not begin before 31 October. Defra is confident that existing and new BCP infrastructure will have sufficient capacity and capability to handle the volume of expected checks outlines in the Border Target Operating Model, with robust, dynamic and effective operational measures ready to call upon if needed. Defra will continue to work with BCP operators to ensure they are prepared, and the Government has built or funded new infrastructure where necessary.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 12/02/2024 11:52:59 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1682270

	registered interest
	date	15/01/2024
	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	Floods
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to mitigate the potential negative effects of adverse weather conditions impacting homes and businesses this week.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL1615
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/01/2024 answer text <p>The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has well established protocols to monitor and respond to the flooding and water supply impacts resulting from adverse weather events. DEFRA, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Met Office work closely with the Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) to identify potential flood risks for England. The FFC provides and communicates accurate advanced warning information to Government and local responders on Coastal, Fluvial (rivers) and Surface Water Flooding. In advance of forecast adverse weather conditions, the department contributes to cross-government discussions with resilience partners to assess and take action to minimise the risk to its sectors.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued Cold Weather Alerts for impacts on the health sector, with the Met Office issuing Yellow warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales, to warn and inform the public of the adverse weather and what appropriate steps they can take to protect their homes and businesses. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs is working closely with its affected sectors, which are implementing their winter preparedness plans.</p> answering member printed Lord Douglas-Miller question first answered 25/01/2024 13:20:07 answering member 5006 label Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1676134

	registered interest
	date	06/12/2023
	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	Flood Control
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to mitigate the potential financial impact of flooding in communities across the UK.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL953
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/12/2023 answer text <p>The joint Government and insurance industry Flood Re scheme aims to promote affordability and availability of insurance for UK households at high flood risk. In 2022/23, Flood Re provided cover for over 265,000 household policies. More than 500,000 properties have benefitted since the scheme’s launch.</p><p>In April 2022 the Government made regulations to allow Flood Re to pay claims from insurers which include an amount for resilient repair (Build Back Better) up to a value of £10,000 over and above the cost for like-for-like reinstatement. Build Back Better will further help eligible flooded households become more resilient to flooding, enable homeowners to return more quickly after any future flooding, and will help reduce the cost of damages after a flood.</p><p> </p><p>In October, the Government also announced a significant package of support that will be available to eligible areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding as a result of Storm Babet. Areas reporting over 50 flooded properties at Lead Local Flood Authority will be eligible. The Flood Recovery Framework includes:</p><ul><li>Community Recovery Grant: Eligible Local Authorities will receive funding equivalent to £500 per flooded household to support local recovery efforts. (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) (DLUHC).</li><li>Business Recovery Grant: The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) may provide eligible Local Authorities up to £2,500 per eligible small and medium-sized enterprise, which has suffered severe impacts from flooding that cannot be recovered from insurance. (DBT).</li><li>Council Tax Discount: The Government will reimburse eligible Local Authorities for the cost of a 100% council tax discount for a minimum of three months for both the flooded property and also for temporary accommodation for the household whilst families are unable to return home. (DLUHC).</li><li>Business Rate Relief: The Government will reimburse eligible authorities for the cost of providing businesses 100% relief from business rates for a minimum of three months if flood water entered the property, or the flooding seriously impacted upon the businesses’ ability to trade from the property (DLUHC).</li></ul><p> </p><p>The Government is also making payments of up to £5,000 available to help eligible flooded householders and businesses to install Property Flood Resilience measures to make their properties more resilient to future flooding (Defra).</p><p> </p><p>This is in addition to the Government’s commitment to double the funding from £2.6 billion (for 2015-21) to £5.2 billion (over a period of 6 years from 2021) to reduce the harm and damage caused by flooding and coastal erosion, protecting people’s lives and minimising the disruption to their livelihoods.</p> answering member printed Lord Benyon question first answered 21/12/2023 15:46:09 answering member 1547 label Biography information for Lord Benyon
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick