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1312306

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Litter: Tobacco
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 tackle tobacco waste litter.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	188108
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>We believe that the tobacco industry must take responsibility for the litter created by their products. Our most recent composition survey found cigarette butts represent 66% of all littered items, and preliminary research has shown an estimated cost to UK local authorities and other duty bodies of £40 million per year for the collection and disposal of littered cigarette butts, rising to £46 million when including those disposed of in public bins.</p><p> </p><p>Last year, I met with tobacco industry representatives and asked them to consider what more they could to address smoking related litter and whether a voluntary producer responsibility scheme could be developed for tobacco waste products.</p><p> </p><p>Having considered further evidence, the Government has now decided that a regulatory approach may now be required to ensure that the industry takes sufficient financial responsibility for the litter created by its products and to prevent them from undermining public health policy.</p><p> </p><p>We plan to commission new research into regulatory options this year, including consideration of extended producer responsibility principles.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Bill will allow us to legislate for extended producer responsibility schemes, which could be applied to tobacco products. Cigarette and tobacco product packaging is already covered by the proposed packaging producer responsibility scheme, which is currently undergoing a second phase of consultation.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/04/2021 13:55:24 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1312315

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Biodiversity
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 the Government has made of the potential merits of setting specific targets for biodiversity recovery in the UK; and whether the Government has plans to introduce targets for biodiversity recovery.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	188121
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>Domestic biodiversity policy is devolved in the UK and each nation is bringing forward its own plans and policies, while we continue to collaborate on UK-wide approaches to biodiversity recovery.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Bill creates a power to set long-term, legally binding environmental targets for England. It requires the Government to set, and achieve, at least one target in each of four priority areas, including biodiversity.</p><p> </p><p>In our policy paper published in August 2020, we set out the objectives for targets currently under consideration. These include improving the condition of our protected sites, increasing species populations, and restoring and improving the quality of habitats, which together would recover biodiversity.</p><p> </p><p>Legally binding long-term targets will be supported by interim targets, covering up to five years. These will allow for an ongoing assessment of whether the Government is on track to meet its long-term targets.</p><p> </p><p>We will want to ensure that, for biodiversity, these targets align with international goals and targets to be set through the Convention on Biological Diversity for 2030.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/04/2021 13:20:22 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1312316

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Tree Planting: Northern Ireland
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 support the Northern Ireland Executive to increase the level of woodland planting to match the rest of the UK.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	188122
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>We are committed to increasing tree planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this parliament.</p><p> </p><p>Forestry policy is a devolved matter. Many sector organisations operate at UK level, and we continue to engage with the devolved administrations on these issues.</p><p> </p><p>Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced in 2020 the next stage of the Forests for our Future programme by launching a grant scheme to encourage and help landowners plant woodlands. This will help to meet Northern Ireland’s pledge to plant 18 million trees by 2030 and create 9,000 hectares of new woodland.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/04/2021 14:09:28 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1312317

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Genetically Modified Organisms: Licensing
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 plans his Department has for the licensing of genetically modified crops for use in the UK.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	188123
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>Currently no genetically modified (GM) crops are being grown commercially in the UK, but GM products are marketed as food and feed.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is committed to following a science-based approach to GM crop approval. Under current rules, GM crops and the products derived from them must be authorised before they can be used. This authorisation is dependent on a favourable risk assessment from our independent scientific experts. Defra’s policy is to maintain high standards that protect people, animals and the environment.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is currently reviewing the responses to the Government’s recent consultation on genetic technologies, which included early engagement to start gathering views on wider GM reform. The consultation ended on 17 March and a Government response will be published within three months of it closing.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 29/04/2021 12:00:05 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1312318

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Peatlands: Controlled Burning
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 recommendations of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature UK Peatland Programme, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of banning the burning of peat.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	188124
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>While there continues to be scientific debate over aspects of the environmental impact of managed burning, there is a large and increasing body of literature that provides evidence that overall managed burning is damaging to peatland. This literature includes a systematic evidence review published by Natural England in 2013 synthesising the findings from 124 studies.</p><p> </p><p>We have always been clear of the need to phase out rotational burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. This is why we have brought forward legislation that will limit burning of vegetation on protected deep peat.</p><p> </p><p>This legislation represents a crucial step in meeting the Government’s nature and climate change mitigation and adaptation targets, including the legally binding commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.</p><p> </p><p>We will be setting out further measures to restore, protect and manage England’s peatlands this year as part of a package of measures to protect England’s landscapes and nature-based solutions.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/04/2021 14:19:03 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1312370

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Landfill Tax
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 the cost to the public purse was of the Environment Agency's involvement in HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	188067
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>The Environment Agency recorded 109 hours against Operation Nosedive between May 2016- July 2018 for relevant Proceed of Crimes Act related activities. There is no related cost schedule.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/04/2021 13:13:56 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1312371

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Niramax: 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 environmental enforcement his Department has taken against Niramax since the establishment of that company.
tabling member constituency	North Durham
tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
uin	188068
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>The Environment Agency has taken 19 actions against Niramax Group, including providing advice and guidance once, issuing six warning letters, five enforcement notices, one caution and three court proceedings. Fines totalling £26,000 and costs of £10,500 have been awarded.</p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow question first answered 29/04/2021 13:38:10 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1312373

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Nappies: 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 steps his Department plans to take to reduce single-use nappy waste by 2042 as part of the 25 Year Environment Plan.
tabling member constituency	Pontypridd
tabling member printed	Alex Davies-Jones
uin	188178
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, and our Resources and Waste Strategy, we are considering the best approach to minimise the environmental impact of a range of products, including nappies, taking on board the environmental and social impacts of the options available.</p><p /><p>Potential additional policy measures include standards, consumer information and encouraging voluntary action by business. We are seeking powers, through the Environment Bill, that will enable us to, where appropriate and subject to consultation, introduce ecodesign and consumer information requirements. This could include labelling schemes that provide accurate information to consumers, to drive the market towards more sustainable products.</p><p> </p><p>The previous Life Cycle Assessment of disposable and washable nappies dates from 2005, and was updated in 2008. To take account of the latest technological developments we are now funding a new environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) with the primary focus on nappies. This is in progress and is looking at the waste and energy impacts of washable products, disposal to landfill or incineration, and recycling options. It will be published later this year following peer review and will help inform possible future action on AHPs by Government and industry.</p><p> </p><p>In order to complete this study and explore feasible options going forward, information is being gathered from industry. I have met with representatives of the Nappy Alliance, and will be meeting with the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association and disposable nappy business representatives shortly.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow grouped question UIN 188179 188180 question first answered 29/04/2021 12:41:36 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4849 label Biography information for Alex Davies-Jones

1312374

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Nappies and Sanitary Products: Recycling
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 his Department plans to publish an update on the Life Cycle Assessment of nappies and absorbent hygiene products.
tabling member constituency	Pontypridd
tabling member printed	Alex Davies-Jones
uin	188179
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, and our Resources and Waste Strategy, we are considering the best approach to minimise the environmental impact of a range of products, including nappies, taking on board the environmental and social impacts of the options available.</p><p /><p>Potential additional policy measures include standards, consumer information and encouraging voluntary action by business. We are seeking powers, through the Environment Bill, that will enable us to, where appropriate and subject to consultation, introduce ecodesign and consumer information requirements. This could include labelling schemes that provide accurate information to consumers, to drive the market towards more sustainable products.</p><p> </p><p>The previous Life Cycle Assessment of disposable and washable nappies dates from 2005, and was updated in 2008. To take account of the latest technological developments we are now funding a new environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) with the primary focus on nappies. This is in progress and is looking at the waste and energy impacts of washable products, disposal to landfill or incineration, and recycling options. It will be published later this year following peer review and will help inform possible future action on AHPs by Government and industry.</p><p> </p><p>In order to complete this study and explore feasible options going forward, information is being gathered from industry. I have met with representatives of the Nappy Alliance, and will be meeting with the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association and disposable nappy business representatives shortly.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow grouped question UIN 188178 188180 question first answered 29/04/2021 12:41:36 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4849 label Biography information for Alex Davies-Jones

1312375

registered interest
date	27/04/2021
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	Nappies and Sanitary Products: Recycling
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 new Life Cycle Assessment of nappies and absorbent hygiene products, what plans he has to introduce a strategy on tackling the effect of such products on the environment.
tabling member constituency	Pontypridd
tabling member printed	Alex Davies-Jones
uin	188180
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2021 answer text <p>In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, and our Resources and Waste Strategy, we are considering the best approach to minimise the environmental impact of a range of products, including nappies, taking on board the environmental and social impacts of the options available.</p><p /><p>Potential additional policy measures include standards, consumer information and encouraging voluntary action by business. We are seeking powers, through the Environment Bill, that will enable us to, where appropriate and subject to consultation, introduce ecodesign and consumer information requirements. This could include labelling schemes that provide accurate information to consumers, to drive the market towards more sustainable products.</p><p> </p><p>The previous Life Cycle Assessment of disposable and washable nappies dates from 2005, and was updated in 2008. To take account of the latest technological developments we are now funding a new environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) with the primary focus on nappies. This is in progress and is looking at the waste and energy impacts of washable products, disposal to landfill or incineration, and recycling options. It will be published later this year following peer review and will help inform possible future action on AHPs by Government and industry.</p><p> </p><p>In order to complete this study and explore feasible options going forward, information is being gathered from industry. I have met with representatives of the Nappy Alliance, and will be meeting with the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association and disposable nappy business representatives shortly.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Taunton Deane answering member printed Rebecca Pow grouped question UIN 188178 188179 question first answered 29/04/2021 12:41:36 answering member 4522 label Biography information for Rebecca Pow
tabling member	4849 label Biography information for Alex Davies-Jones