Defra officials engage regularly with their Icelandic counterparts across a wide variety of policy issues. Recent discussions have focused on enhancing bilateral fisheries cooperation with Iceland through the UK-Iceland Joint Vision for 2030, as well as other fisheries management matters within the North-East Atlantic. The UK\u2019s relationship with Iceland is likely to evolve further as the UK goes forward as an independent coastal State.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4161", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-10-08T12:00:37.74Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-09-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Fisheries: Iceland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Iceland regarding access to Icelandic fishing waters for UK fishers following the end of the transition period.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3801", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Browne of Belmont"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Browne of Belmont"} ], "uin" : "HL8580"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238667", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238667/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Hop growers can access a range of financial support options, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.<\/p>
<\/p>
On September 24, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced updated terms to the financial support package, including extended loan application deadlines to November 30, longer loan repayment times and further extensions to the grant scheme for the self-employed.<\/p>
<\/p>
The relaxation of restrictions over much of the country during the last few months has allowed the hospitality sector, including pubs, bars and restaurants, to partially re-open for business. This will have provided some relief to the sector and its supply chains. However, with the current increase in Covid-19 cases and the introduction of Local Alert Levels, certain parts of the hospitality sector will see further restrictions. The Chancellor announced a new package of financial support on 9 October which will benefit the hospitality sector and its supply chains.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4161", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-10-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-10-13T16:59:45.487Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-09-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Hops: Coronavirus"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support hop growers in the COVID-19 pandemic.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4303", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Kennedy of Cradley"} ], "uin" : "HL8591"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238668", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238668/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The outdoor use of metaldehyde, a pesticide used to control slugs on farms and in gardens, will not be allowed in Great Britain after the end of March 2022. This decision takes into account expert scientific assessment of the risks that metaldehyde poses to birds and mammals.<\/p>
<\/p>
Phasing out the use of metaldehyde gives farmers time to switch to alternative slug control measures and we will provide targeted messages during the phase out period. Individual farmers will want to decide their best option. Products containing ferric phosphate remain available, however, and can provide effective slug control without carrying the same risks to wildlife as metaldehyde pellets.<\/p>
<\/p>
The decision has been communicated via the farming media, and we will continue to engage with farmers on this issue.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4161", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-10-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-10-13T11:36:23.353Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-09-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Agriculture: Metaldehyde"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have provided to British farmers about the decision to ban the use of metaldehyde.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4303", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Kennedy of Cradley"} ], "uin" : "HL8592"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238670", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238670/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The ornamental horticulture sector can access a range of financial support options including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.<\/p>
On September 24, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced updated terms to the financial support package, including an extension of loan application deadlines to November 30, longer loan repayment times and further extensions to the grant scheme for the self-employed.<\/p>
HMG is collaborating with the sector on a sustainable, industry led, growth strategy for the sector to ensure it continues to thrive and to ensure its long-term viability.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4161", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Gardiner of Kimble"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-10-08T12:27:26.35Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-09-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Horticulture: Government Assistance"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government, other than the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, what support they are providing to plant and flower growers in England.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4303", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Kennedy of Cradley"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Kennedy of Cradley"} ], "uin" : "HL8594"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238714", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238714/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In July 2019, the Government published a report assessing the progress that will be made towards World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines under a range of scenarios. The report concluded that while significant progress would be made by achieving existing 2030 emissions ceilings, additional action would be required in large urban areas such as London to achieve the current WHO guideline level. The analysis did not outline a pathway to achieve the WHO guideline level for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the country and did not take into account full economic viability and practical deliverability.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Environment Bill, which will be introduced shortly, will establish a legally binding duty to set a target for PM2.5, demonstrating our commitment to action on the air pollutant that has the most significant impact on human health. We are committed to setting ambitious targets and following an evidence-based process, seeking advice from a range of experts, in addition to giving consideration to the WHO\u2019s air quality guidelines. We are already working with independent experts and engaging with stakeholders on how we will approach setting these targets.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4522", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rebecca Pow"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Taunton Deane"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rebecca Pow"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2020-10-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2020-10-05T12:12:15.753Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2020-09-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Air Pollution"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to align the UK's target for PM2.5 with the World Health Organisation's guideline amount.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4786", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Zarah Sultana"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Coventry South"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Zarah Sultana"} ], "uin" : "97045"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238254", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1238254/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Defra\u2019s animal welfare team has been in regular contact with the sector to understand the impacts and what is needed from government. I am grateful for the work done by animal welfare charities to promote advice for pet owners and look after animals during this difficult time.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Association of Dogs & Cats Homes undertook surveys in April and May 2020 of their members and wider rescue and rehoming organisations to establish the extent of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. Many rescue organisations have reported a reduction in the number of dogs being abandoned during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and there has been an increase in demand for dogs and other pets. We are continuing to monitor the effect on pet ownership of lifestyle changes stemming from the Covid-19 outbreak.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government recognises that the animal rescue and rehoming sector has been impacted by a significant reduction in income through charity shop closures, cancelled fundraisers and much reduced donations. It has been encouraging to see the sector working collaboratively to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care (including dogs) in the face of real financial hardship and uncertainty.<\/p>
<\/p>