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1226189

registered interest
date	20/07/2020
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	River Wharfe: Swimming
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to be able to respond to the application by river users and residents to turn part of the River Wharfe in Ilkley into a bathing water area; and by what process they are considering that application.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL7019
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/08/2020 answer text <p>We received an application from the Ilkley Clean River Group in October 2019 for a stretch of the River Wharfe to be designated as a bathing water area. After reviewing further evidence, we are now preparing to proceed to a public consultation. Given the ongoing situation with Covid-19, we will schedule a date to begin the consultation as soon as it is appropriate to do so. This was confirmed by Minister Pow in a letter to the Ilkley Clean River Group on 13 May, following a meeting with Robbie Moore MP to discuss the application.</p><p> </p><p>We have considered the application in line with our usual process for applications for bathing water designation, the details of which are available on the GOV.UK website.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park question first answered 03/08/2020 11:41:55 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1222166

registered interest
date	08/07/2020
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	Starlings: Pest Control
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many licences have been issued by Natural England for the killing of starlings in each year since 2000; and how many starlings they estimate have been killed under such licences in each year since 2000.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL6603
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2020 answer text <p>Records show that Natural England (NE) has issued 122 licences for the control of starlings since 2007. Licence returns indicate that 2,918 birds have been killed during this period, although the actual number will be higher as not all licensees have submitted returns. We do not have earlier data since NE was vested in 2006.</p><p> </p><p>The following table presents the licensing information available for each year from 2007. To note, NE underwent a system change in 2013 meaning that return information for that year is not available.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Licences issued</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Numbers of starlings killed (Based on return data)</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2007</p></td><td><p>13</p></td><td><p>190</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2008</p></td><td><p>14</p></td><td><p>456</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2009</p></td><td><p>8</p></td><td><p>200</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>12</p></td><td><p>393</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>12</p></td><td><p>417</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>17</p></td><td><p>739</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>8</p></td><td><p>No returns received</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>123</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>57</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>152</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>11</p></td><td><p>142</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018</p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>49</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>Information not yet available</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2020</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>Information not yet available</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park question first answered 22/07/2020 13:39:47 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1221699

registered interest
date	07/07/2020
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	Rivers: Swimming
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce designated bathing waters in UK rivers.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL6553
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2020 answer text <p>Defra welcomes applications for designation as bathing waters for both coastal and inland waters such as rivers. Local authorities, groups and individuals can apply for sites to be designated. Defra encourages this by writing to the Chief Executive of every local authority in England, as well as by sending similar letters to other stakeholders like swimming associations. It is these local authorities and stakeholders who will best know which popular riverside bathing areas may be suitable for designation.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park question first answered 21/07/2020 13:22:29 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1221744

registered interest
date	07/07/2020
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	Recreation Spaces: Coronavirus
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to inform and educate the public about their rights of access to land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 in order to improve access to green spaces without overcrowding under COVID-19 distancing rules.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL6556
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2020 answer text <p>Providing information about access on public rights of way and open access land is a role usually performed by local highway authorities, as local access is their responsibility.</p><p> </p><p>We are clear that everyone should follow the Countryside Code. A key part of Government strategy involves clear and consistent messaging to key stakeholders and the media. Our messaging seeks to promote better behaviour in the countryside and encourage a partnership response. Defra is working with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Park Authorities and other Government departments to promote a series of guidance videos to educate users about travelling to and spending time outdoors safely in the wider countryside. This includes an updated Countryside Code. This guidance is available at the following links:</p><p> </p><p>Green space access:</p><p><a href="http://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-on-accessing-green-spaces-safely" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-on-accessing-green-spaces-safely</a></p><p> </p><p>The Countryside Code:</p><p><a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code</a></p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 21/07/2020 10:56:58 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1217769

registered interest
date	24/06/2020
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
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to increasing support for local food webs to improve food security.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL6112
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/07/2020 answer text <p>The UK has a high degree of food security built on access to a range of sources including robust supply chains across a range of countries, in addition to strong domestic production. Strong domestic food production is only one part of our food security. We supplement our produce with fruits, vegetables and other products that are difficult to grow and rear here.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises the value of local food chains as over half of the food that the UK population consumes is domestically produced. Defra works with a range of local companies and regional food groups to champion local food and highlight the qualities of British food products, such as meat, dairy, and vegetables, as well as fish caught in UK waters. We are proud of our great British food and drink, and the farmers and other producers who provide us all with a reliable and sustainable food supply, renowned for its quality and underpinned by high standards of food safety, traceability and animal welfare.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises the important role played by community shops and the vital part they play in many rural communities in supporting vulnerable groups. Defra has been in contact with local authorities and volunteer groups to help prioritise those individuals to access essential food by, among other things, being able to contact smaller food retailers. We recognise and are very grateful for all the work that community shops have done in recent weeks, helping to ensure that people have the food they need.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has asked Henry Dimbleby to lead an Independent Review of the food chain, to develop recommendations to shape a National Food Strategy. It is the intention that this strategy should address major challenges including food security.</p> answering member printed Lord Gardiner of Kimble question first answered 08/07/2020 12:17:10 answering member 4161 label Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1217772

registered interest
date	24/06/2020
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	Nature Conservation: Finance
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the proposals by community groups for the creation of a national nature service, what plans they have to fund the creation of such a service.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL6115
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2020 answer text <p>Environmental organisations make a valuable contribution to the Government's environmental agenda. They do this through conservation of the natural environment; engaging people in the natural world; and providing access to our beautiful landscapes and coastlines.</p><p>As we rebuild our economy in response to the coronavirus pandemic, we must continue to shape an economy and society that are cleaner, greener and more resilient. This Government remains committed to being a world leader on tackling the environmental crises we face. Our recently launched £40 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund will support up to 2000 jobs and lead to the creation of up to 3000 more in environmental space.</p><p>We welcome the range of proposals that have been shared by groups including environmental organisations to deliver a green recovery. We are reviewing these based upon the best use of public funds.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park question first answered 09/07/2020 11:25:31 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1205360

registered interest
date	18/06/2020
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	Peat
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish the England Peat Strategy.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL5886
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2020 answer text <p>In the 25 Year Environment Plan, the Government committed to publishing an England Peat Strategy to create and deliver a new ambitious framework for peat restoration in England. It will set out a holistic plan for the management, protection and restoration of our upland and lowland peatlands so that they deliver benefits for climate and nature. We intend to publish the strategy later this year.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park question first answered 02/07/2020 15:50:50 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1205361

registered interest
date	18/06/2020
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	Peatlands: Fires
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many peatland burning incidents have occurred in the 2019-20 burning season on (1) blanket bog and (2) other upland habitats.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL5887
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2020 answer text <p>The Government has always been clear of the need to phase out burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. We are currently looking at how legislation could achieve this and considering next steps. Real progress is being made in promoting sustainable alternatives. We have urged landowners to adopt these and continue to work with them constructively.</p><p> </p><p>Burning on moorland may be carried out between 1 October and 15 April. No data is collected on the number of management fires that take place on blanket bog or other upland habitats. Natural England (NE) has recorded nine wildfires on upland sites during the 2019-20 burning season. Five of these affected blanket bog.</p><p> </p><p>Voluntary Commitments to suspend burning were signed by 159 land managers (as of 24 September 2018). Of a total of 402 consents to burn, 187 have either expired or been surrendered since that time, equating to 47% of all consents.</p><p> </p><p>NE does not monitor compliance with these Voluntary Commitments.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park grouped question UIN HL5888 question first answered 02/07/2020 15:22:30 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1205362

registered interest
date	18/06/2020
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	Peatlands: Controlled Burning
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many voluntary agreements to end the burning of peatland are still in place; and what is the level of compliance with these agreements.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL5888
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2020 answer text <p>The Government has always been clear of the need to phase out burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. We are currently looking at how legislation could achieve this and considering next steps. Real progress is being made in promoting sustainable alternatives. We have urged landowners to adopt these and continue to work with them constructively.</p><p> </p><p>Burning on moorland may be carried out between 1 October and 15 April. No data is collected on the number of management fires that take place on blanket bog or other upland habitats. Natural England (NE) has recorded nine wildfires on upland sites during the 2019-20 burning season. Five of these affected blanket bog.</p><p> </p><p>Voluntary Commitments to suspend burning were signed by 159 land managers (as of 24 September 2018). Of a total of 402 consents to burn, 187 have either expired or been surrendered since that time, equating to 47% of all consents.</p><p> </p><p>NE does not monitor compliance with these Voluntary Commitments.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park grouped question UIN HL5887 question first answered 02/07/2020 15:22:30 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle

1205363

registered interest
date	18/06/2020
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	Nature Conservation: Crime
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when Natural England’s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme will resume.
tabling member printed	Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
uin	HL5889
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2020 answer text <p>Natural England (NE) runs the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) in England. WIIS makes enquiries into reports of the death or illness of wildlife, pets and beneficial invertebrates that may have resulted from pesticide poisoning.</p><p> </p><p>WIIS has continued to operate in England. Routine WIIS field work was suspended in late March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, NE has continued to deal with reported cases through desk-based investigations supported by the police and other local agents. NE will recommence field visits when this can be done safely.</p> answering member printed Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park question first answered 02/07/2020 12:59:46 answering member 4062 label Biography information for Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
tabling member	4719 label Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle