Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions House of Commons

Good morning. Welcome to BBC Parliament's coverage of the House

of Commons. At 10:30am, Chris Grayling will be answering questions

on future parliamentary business. That will be forward by the Welsh

Secretary, Stephen Crabb, giving a statement to MPs on the state of the

Macur Review, which is enquiring into the claims of children in care

in North Wales. After that the budget returns, the budget debate,

MPs discuss some of the measures announced yesterday, and it will be

opened by the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, who is likely to talk

about plans to make all schools in England Academy is. Do not forget to

join me for a round-up of the day at 11pm tonight. First, questions to

Liz truss, the Environment Secretary, and her team. Order.

Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs. Number one. We have made some progress in the performing the

common fisheries policy, so there is a ban on the wasteful practice of

discarding fish and flexibilities in the way that quotas work. We believe

that we should remain in the European Union, but if there is a

decision to leave, there will be international conventions that

government the way that nation states manage fisheries. The EU's

Common fisheries policy has been a disaster for the fishing industry

and our marine environment. Overfishing by heavily subsidised

Spanish trawlers has seen North Sea cod start to fall by 80%, the number

of fishermen have to, and Britain is constantly outvoted about our

fishing grounds, by states that have no coastlines. Are there plans to

repatriate our fishing grounds as soon as possible? The formal

position is we should remain a member of the EU, but he knows that

ministers are given the discretion to take an alternative view if they

want. We made progress in reforming the common fisheries policy, and

this year, at December council, we saw increases in cod quotas and

haddock quotas in the North Sea because the work we have done with

Norway, Iceland and other EU countries, we have managed to see a

recovery of stocks. Does he acknowledge that one of the

difficulties involved in bricks it if it is not necessarily that easy

to raise the fishing rights? With many countries, EU member states,

and also countries such as Pharaoh and Iceland, we have agreements and

annual discussions about fishing opportunities. This is the norm,

whether they are in the EU or not, there is always a degree of debate.

-- Faroe. Whatever happens on the 23rd of June, can he confirmed there

will still need to be quotas. Fisher men will still want to explore two

thirds of the fish we land in the United Kingdom to EU countries, and

86% of the shellfish that we land. Yet other still one writes to fish

in these waters. He is right, countries outside the European Union

do have quotas systems. We have looked at alternatives, but this

kind of system is the best way to conserve fish stocks, we believe,

and just as Norway and Faroe and Iceland have quotas, we would retain

those as well. Regarding the market, which other side of the EU debate

people are wrong, whether they agree that we should stay in or leave, we

all agree that free trade is of benefit to everyone. I commend the

Minister, who is walking a very careful when today. But he knows

that we had foreign trawlers operating in British waters before

we wouldn't the EU, and that would remain the case if we were to leave.

How many bilateral arrangements would be necessary if we were to

leave the European Union? And can the Minister tell the fishermen in

my constituency how the crucially important EU Norway negotiations,

which have a tremendously direct impact on us of the year, would be

conducted? He makes an important point. It is a misconception that

fishing opportunities are decided by the December committee, but they are

made by the commission. The UK currently does not have a seat at

these meetings, we are represented by the EU. If we were to leave, the

UK would regain its seat on the commission. There is little doubt

that membership of the EU has been damaging to the fishing industry.

With the Minister agree that our relationship with non-EU countries

such as Iceland are particularly important to the industry? Yes, he

makes an important point. For Grimsby and his constituents, a

close trading relationship, the close relations and partnership we

enjoy with Iceland in particular, is very important. There is a tradition

in this country that we import a lot of fish but we consume, notably from

Iceland, and normally to a limited extent, and we export much of the

fish that we catch, to the EU and other countries such as China and

Nigeria. There are two separate questions. The economy package is

under negotiation, but on recycling rates we are doing well, we have

gone from 12.5% recycling in 2001, to nearly 44%. It is one of the

success stories in the United Kingdom. He will know that the aim

of the packages to have sustainable low carbon resource efficient

competitive economy, would he be able to accept that if it hadn't

been for the European Union, we would be nowhere in terms of dealing

with the waste, we would still be throwing all our waste into holes in

the ground in this country, if we had not had the stimulation of the

EU package? He tempts me into a much bigger elliptical conversation, but

it is true that the European Union has played a constructive role in

this, has shown real leadership on this. There are things we can learn

from other European countries, particularly Denmark, on the success

they have had on landfill. I was litter picking over the weekend

outside a local primary school, and I was dismayed to find most of the

items were recyclable. What can the government do to and courage the

next generation to recycle more and not miss the opportunity to forge a

circular economy? If other colleagues as virtuous as the right

honourable lady, she has set a very high and exacting standard. If I

could join with you and paying virtue to her. The answer is that we

need to work on educating people from school up words on the

importance of recycling, but I believe we can also do more to

harmonise the system so it is more straightforward wherever you live,

to know exactly what needs to be recycled and where to put the

recycling. I thought the honourable lady was seeking to come in? We have

been mis-advised. Never mind. It is always nice to be wanted. Is my

honourable friend away that some of these quotas in my constituency, it

is based on weight, and if the county council, which is the lead

authority, is collecting more through municipal recycling sites,

they will get penalised for not hitting their targets? I am very

happy to look at the specific issue, but we should say that most councils

in the country still have some way to go, and would like to pay tribute

to South Oxfordshire that has now hit a 67% recycling rate, when the

national average is about 44%. Could the government have a look at the

problem with the wretched number of plastic lined neighbour takeaway

coffee cups. The overwhelming majority of which never get recycled

because of the difficulties of ripping out the plastic lining of

the paper. It is a huge problem. I absolutely agree. There are tens of

millions of these things being produced and thrown away, and as he

has pointed out, many of them cannot be recycled by the way they are

disposed or the composition of the cup. Having tackled plastic bags,

which I hope that one here would agree that it has been a success,

copycats seems to be a good thing to look at next. We are making good

progress on the flood resilience review. -- Coffey cups. The golf of

evidence closed on the 4th of March, and the Chancellor announced that as

well as the 2.3 billion committed, and original -- additional 700

million will be made available for flood defences. -- 7 million. Does

she have any qualms that our government is subsidising first-time

buyers under the Help To Buy scheme to purchase their first home in

flood risk areas, and they are not included in the flood scheme that

the government have set up to provide flood insurance. The reason

that the flood scheme only applies to homes before 2009 is that after

that period we are very clear that there should not be any building in

those flood zones. That is a clear part of the National planning policy

framework, and it should be adhered to by local authorities. Can I thank

the Secretary of State and the floods Minister, the flood envoy,

the Secretary of State, the Prime Minister landed Chancellor from

their hard work to ensure that Calderdale got there much needed

flood defence money yesterday. Can the Secretary of State assure the

good people of the Calder Valley that the Environment Agency and

other agencies will be held to account over timescales to

physically get spades in the road? I pay tribute to my honourable

friend for making the case for Calderdale to receive that funding.

I saw for myself the devastation that had been caused by the extreme

weather over the Christmas period. We are investing ?35 million in

addition there will be a report at the end of May about the Mytholmroyd

defences. In October, we'll do a full plan for the Calder Valley

outlining the timescales and exactly which schemes are part of that. Mr

Speaker, the Government finally gave into pressure from these benches and

applied for the EU solidarity fund. As the Government yesterday

announced additional funding which goes some way to compensating for

cuts to flood defences in previous years. Will any of this money be use

in crucial research on flood forecast, warnings and defences and

demonstrate the ministers understands the importance of up to

date evidence in developing our flood defence plans? Let's be clear

about flood defence spending. Between 2005 and 2010, ?1.5 billion

was invested. In the last Parliament it was ?1.7 billion. In this six

year programme, it is ?2.3 billion. We are adding an extra ?700 million

because of the extreme weather we're seeing. The reality is under the

previous Labour Government, nothing like that was invested in our flood

defences. Whilst considering future plans, will my Right Honourable

Friend consider the aftermath of last December's floods? Farmers in

my Ramsbotham Bury North constituency are being denied access

to the farming recovery fund because they do not accept Ramsbotham is in

Lancashire, which is clearly is. When it rains and there is flooding,

it does not stop at an artificial border. Will you ask the RPS O'Look

at this and apply common-sense. I very much believe in common-sense

and am happy to look at the case for his farmers. We've already allocated

?1 million from the farm recovery fund to help those farmers get their

farms back in order. Number four, Mr Speaker. With permission, Mr

Speaker, I'd like to greet questions for nine. I believe farmers are

better off remaining in a reformed EU. The vast majority of our exports

to the EU, 97% of lamb exports, 92% of beef exports, and as part of the

single market, we don't face the tariffs and barriers we face trying

to export to other countries. That's vitally important for the health of

our farming industry. This week, European Commissioner Hogan

announced a new package of measures to support the UK farming sector.

Following that, UK farming union presidents called on DEFRA, devolved

Governments and the European Commission to work together on this

new support package. Can she give me assurances these try lateral talks

will go ahead? Absolutely. I was at the European council on Monday

making the case for UK farmers. What I want to see is investment. Helping

our farmers increase productivity. Particularly in areas like dairy,

producing more products like cheese and butter to be able to add value

to our industry. Does the secretary agree the EU is an invaluable

support financially and socially to rural communities across the UK and

we need to deliver a resounding in vote in the referendum. Can she urge

the farming minister to listen to herself to ensure our farmers do not

bear the cost of an internal Tory Party feud on June 23rd. I thank the

gentleman for his question. The rural communities do depend on food

and farming. What we know about food and farming, there are much more

barriers to exports than there are in other sectors. For example, we've

been try fog for 20 years to get UK beef into the US. We're still trying

to get poultry exported to China. What we have on our doorstep is

access to a single market of 500 million people for our fantastic UK

products. I think we need to build on that rather than leaving the you

were Ian union. There is not a single country that has full access

for agricultural products without being a full member of the European

Union. The Secretary of State is quite right in saying after bees

bees in 1996, British beef went back into France and across Europe in

1999 because of single market rules. -- BSE. We still can't get into

America and China. Where you will are all these great markets if we

shut ourselves off from the EU market? I agree. If you look at our

lamb industry in the UK, 40% of all the lamb that is produced by British

farmers goes into the EU. That doesn't just support those farmers,

it also supports our rural landscape. It supports our country

side. The fact is, there isn't a single country that's not a full

member of the EU that has tariff-free, hassle-free access to

that market. Norway has to pay tariffs and pay into the EU.

Switzerland has tariffs. Canada has quotas and tariffs. We shouldn't

take that relationship for granted. One EU regulation my sheep farmers

complain to me about is the need for carcass splitting which adds time

and hassle, especially as farmers look for insisters poking through

gums. Can you update on the efforts to simplify this cumbersome

regulation. We are making progress on this. The farming minister has

recently had a meeting on this. With he need common standards across

Europe so we can freely trade with those other countries. Its

particularly important for the sheep sector where 40% of all their

products is exported to the EU. Even with the EU capped payments with

supply chain issues and low commodity prices, farmers are

struggling. Yesterday' Budget offered little help. The continued

focus on Corporation Tax does nothing to help the 990% of UK farm

businesses which are unincorporated. Will the Secretary of State meet the

Chancellor to highlight these issues and the need for a fairer tax system

for corporated and unincorporated businesses equalaway? This April,

farmers can average their tax over five years, enabling them to deal

with those volatile prices they are currently facing. We've also

improved the capital allowances regime for farmers and farm

businesses. We are not complacent. We are continuing to work in areas

like public procurement with our great British food campaign to make

sure we sell more British food here and overseas. I share the Secretary

of State's views of the benefits of remaining in the EU for farmers,

environment and the wider public good. Why do we so often hear

reports of the UK playing a negligence tiff role behind the

scenes. Opposing action, waste targets, watering down important

laws. If we vote to remain, I hope we do, can we look forward to the UK

playing a more positive role in Europe showing real leadership on

the environmentnd? I agree with her we need to remain in a reformed EU.

I don't agree that the UK has played a negative role. Recently, my

colleague, the Environment Minister, has led in the international

wildlife trade getting agreement across the EU to help combat

terrible trade in those endangered species. We've seen the leadership

on the Common Fisheries Policy shown by the former Environment Minister

stopping throwing perfectly healthy fish back into the sea. We're

leading on CAP reform. This mopped, I presented a paper to the European

council streamlining audit requirements where we got support

for 17 other member states to move forward on that. We are constantly

making progress. We're working to simplify the CAP. We have seen

changing in the CAP. 30 or 40 years ago, we had wine lakes and butter

mountains. Those no longer exist. 800 primary schools have so far

participated in the scheme. The hope is in the next stage we will give

one million individual schoolchildren the opportunity to

select, to plant and to care for their own tree. I know schools in

Worcester, who are great fans of the forest schools initiative, will be

wanting to play their full part. Trees are a fantastic investment in

cleaner air, in the quality of life in our cities and on flood defence.

So, can I say to the minister, would he come to Worcester and see the

tree renaissance taking place in an our city with the major leading the

planting of thousands of new trees in the city? Thank you, Mr Speaker,

I would be delighted to take up this offer. Worcester are showing real

leadership in this. We'd like to see many more towns and cities in the UK

engaging in planting more trees. As the honourable member pointed out,

it is fantastic for air pollution. It's fantastic for biodiversity.

Great for our leisure and health. In particular, I'd like to pay tribute

to the work in Worcester that took place in Purdeswell.

THE SPEAKER: We have a question on another 207ic which we await

eagerly. Now another question. The maintenance of existing woodland is

important. What steps is the Government taking to promote and

main tan our existing wood lands? We have a serious of schemes on this.

The countryside stewardship scheme gives grants in order to improve

wood lands. We've new projects work inning on under-managed woodland. We

have a million pound scheme helping people plan and develop new Woodland

across the north of England in particular. Number six, Mr Speaker.

This work on food waste has a number of components. It starts at the farm

gate. Goes on to the supermarket shelves to make sure products last

longer on those shovels and ends in the households making people

understand how to buy sensible portions an they don't throw away

food unnecessarily. The agreement has a target of reducing food Wass

by a further 25% up to 2025. The minister will know the Scottish

Government's pledged to cut food waste by a third the first part of

Europe to set such a food waste reduction target of this type. Will

the minister follow this example and pledge a UK-Government target in

order to save money and cut food waste? I would like to pay tribute

to Scotland for the work they're doing. I would like to point out

politely, of course, recycling rates in Scotland are unfortunately lower

than they are in England and Wales. However, we very much endorse the

Government of Scotland's desire to improve that recycling rate, in

particular, in relation to food waste. Where food waste occurs it is

important to treat it as a resource put it to good use rather than going

to landfill. One of the best uses in an air robic digestures. Food waste

is clacked by local authorities, what discussions has the minister

had to encourage councils to raise the proportion of food waste to go

to an aerobic digestion? The first is to make sure an councils in

Europe move to separate food waste collections. The second is making

sure we minimise that food waste but when that food waste occurs it is

used for composting or for the generation of energy. That involves

a long-term plan also for infrastructure. Can I offer you, Mr

Speaker and the Right Honourable Member, a happy St Patrick's Day!

They say if the sun shines on St Patrick's Day, it will be a very

good summer. Only time will tell if that's the case or not! I welcome

the news, minister, that Tesco have said all their unsold food will be

given a charities. Undoubtedly this will have a huge impact on reducing

foot waste. What discussions has the minister had with other food chains?

Could I join in celebrating St Patrick's Day. Tesco is taking a

serious lead on this. Many other retailers have also taken lead.

Morrisons and the Co-op on the procurement of food and its lasting.

All the major retailers have signed up to the 2025 agreement. Currently,

the waste coming from those retailers from their shelves is 0.2

million tonnes per year, lower than in other sectors. Supermarkets can

contribute more down the chain, at the farm gate and the household.

We'll continue to work closely with them on that. If he wants further

advice on an aerobic digestive plants see the farmer in my

constituency based in a village on western and bracken field. Several

years ago I mentioned the fact he was having an an aerobic digestive

plant in this House. It is up and running. Everyone will visit him.

His department should go and see how it works. Everything's in running

order. Just like everything else in Bolsover!

We very much hope that the plant is in Derbyshire, rather than in this

House! I feel this is a great compliment and opportunity for me to

spend time with him, who I have long admired, and I look forward to

visiting the planned with him. I am sure we will get a report in due

course. LAUGHTER Question seven.

Part three of the UK marine strategy published in December last year sets

out the actions we are taking to improve the marine environment,

including measures to reducing sources of marine litter, including

plastics. In England we have introduced a 5p charge on single use

plastic axe, following the success in other parts of the UK. Given the

boundary nature, we are working with other countries in the protection of

marine environment. Plastic waste is damaging our coastlines and marine

life, not least in my constituency, will the government follow President

Obama's redone and micro beads and cosmetics? -- lead and ban.

Cosmetics industry have decided to phase out these micro beads. Nothing

is more heartbreaking than walking along the coast, or even in

Lichfield, in the middle of the nation, where we have lakes and

seeing animals suffering because of hacks and other material which has

been left. He makes a very important point, which is why we took the

decision to introduce the 5p charge on single use plastic bags. We have

a problem with plastics, in that they remain in the environment for a

long time, so it is a compound of Rob Appleyard to every year. Once

they are in the environment, it is difficult to remove them. So it is

essential that we do all we can to stop this. At the last environment

questions, he assured me the government was serious in tackling

plastic pollution. All we hear is encouraging voluntary action and

having overarching concerns. Ten EU countries have invested in research

into micro plastics in the sea, a joint initiative on the oceans. We

have world-class marine research facilities in the UK, so buyer we

not part of this? She will find that we are doing a lot of research on

marine plastics. Plymouth University have done some work for us on this.

We do want action across Europe on this, which is why we have worked

with partners in the convention, and have pressed to get this ball

undertaking to get rid of micro beads, but we have also been very

clear that we do not rule out regulatory steps if necessary. 246

schemes have begun in the 2016 period, and 119 are due for

completion. Can he update us on the progress with legislation required

to set up the Somerset Rivers authority so we can fund flood

protection in the future. Currently there is a caveat for the funding,

but local authorities really do need a legislation to be set up for the

precept for 2017 - 18. As she is aware, DEFRA committed ?1.7 billion

to the Somerset Rivers authority. We have moved into a position where the

Rivers authority has decided it's preferred solution is a precept

comment which is coming into effect in April this year. We look forward

to this. The Foss barrier will be underfunded by this government for

the improvement it needs. The capacity of the pumps will be at 40

tonnes per second, not 50. 50 is what is needed. Will the Minister

commit to looking at this to make sure we have sufficient funds to

improve the barrier? We have significant funds for the barrier,

we are absolutely committed to looking at this, and happy to look

at the Foss barrier with her. That calculation on the pumps is an

engineering calculation, and we're happy to look at the flood maps, but

we will provide the correct funds to have the correct solution. We are

short of time, so single sentence supplementary questions. Farmers

clear ditches and drainage channels after flooding. What progress has

been made to remove the bureaucracy which stops them from doing this? We

took through the House two weeks ago the new legislation which will

simplify what happens. We will focus the Environment Agency's efforts on

the high-risk cases. We have reduced if 50% read it, and we are allowing

farmers in non-specialist environmental zones to be able to

clear 1500 metres of training ditch without having to get a permit. Will

the money given under the budget stay with the Treasury or

transferred directly to the department? How much will be

allocated for maintenance of this? We are discussing the details of it,

but we had clarity from the Treasury that at least ?40 million in the

first year will go into maintenance, and we can see that 200 million in

the initial allocation will go into capital spending on defence is. The

Lincolnshire walls are beautiful but suffer from flooding. How many homes

will be protected in the market towns in my constituency as a result

of the flood alleviation schemes funded in part by this government,

Lincolnshire County Council, and East Lindsey county council? 1300,

sorry, 13,000 900 properties are due to be protected, and over 300 will

be protected in those areas. -- 13,900. Mr Speaker, monitoring

levels of air pollution is something we continue to improve in line with

the EU ambient air quality directive and in line with the calculations

produced. We have increased the number of nitrogen dioxide

monitoring stations by over 30% over the last three years. Air pollution

will cost many more thousands of lives if air quality is not improved

significantly. How will the government achieved legally binding

targets for air pollution if the third runway at Heathrow is

permitted? The objective at the moment is to focus on nitrogen

dioxide thresholds and ensure we do reduce ambient air quality rates,

below 40 micrograms per cubic metre. The Heathrow question is totally

separate, and will have to be assessed independently by the

Environment Agency to see if they meet the ambient air quality

targets. Air pollution kills 50,000 people a year yet the government is

unconcerned... The answer to that question is that it is in those five

cities that the ambient air quality level of 40 micrograms per cubic

metre is due to be exceeded. Therefore our objective is to make

sure that by 2020, in Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham Derby and

Southampton, we drop the level below that. In Deptford, it pollution

levels are over double the European limit. London breached annual air

pollution limits days into 2016. Does the Secretary of State think

his department is doing enough? We have reduced nitrogen dioxide

dramatically in Britain by 44%, but there are still significant problems

in London. Part of that is to do with the population size and the

design of London, which is why there is an ultralow emission zone

introduced into London, to make sure we exclude the vehicles which cause

the majority of this. Topical questions. Number one. This country

is committed to ensuring our country is resilient in the face of more

extreme weather, which is why we announced in the budget yesterday an

additional 700 million for flood defences on top of the 2.3 billion

capital budget we have already picked in place. That means 150

million for new schemes in those areas affected either winter floods

and further funding to support the outcomes of the national resilience

review. On a different matter, Staffordshire farmers...

LAUGHTER Staffordshire farmers are particularly strong in dairy

farming. They are suffering, like all dearly

farmers over the United Kingdom, from volatile prices, and low milk

prices. What can my right honourable friend do to try to get milk being

consumed even more, I am a great lover of it, but particularly

government departments buying milk? That is why I have good teeth! I

compliment him on his teeth. We have been working very hard on government

procurement. 100% of the milk that government departments by is

British, as well as 98% of the battered and 86% of the cheese. I am

pleased to inform the House that from April this year, all 30 million

cartons of milk supplied to the HM Prison service will be British.

Derbys authorities have found that 60% of takeaway ham and cheese

pizzas contained neither ham nor cheese. So to protect public health

and give confidence in the food we eat, when will the much trumpeted

but little seen food crime unit be given the teeth deserves? -- it

deserves. The food crime unit has been established, and it is

operational. I am sure they will be looking into cases like that. The

shellfish industry is worth half a million to the local economy in

Portsmouth, and has been affected by pollution in the past. What progress

is the government waking to balance the legitimate interests of the

fishing industry and Marine Corps is be in? She makes a good point and

she knows we designated an additional 23 Marine Corps beat

Sones, taking -- Marine conservation zones. We need to balance the needs

of fishing and the environment, which is what we intend to do. The

Secretary of State has acknowledged the need for better management of

water catchment in preventing floods. So what concerns does she

have about the burning of Heather to improve gross grouse moors. --

grouse moors. We want to see environment of catchments to reduce

the flow going into towns and cities, but also to make sure we see

more farmland protected, which is part of the 25 year environment plan

we are developing at the moment, but the important thing to acknowledge

is the schemes we announced yesterday in the budget will be

looked at on a catchment basis, so we're not just looking at Leeds, we

will also be looking at the entire Delia. A number of my constituents

have suffered a delay in the basic payment scheme with all the worry

and anxiety it has caused. What guarantee can he give that this will

not happen again in the future? We worked very hard with 1000 people on

this project to pay farmers as soon as possible. We have done better

than other parts of the UK, such as Scotland, but we have got 83% of

farmers paid, and we believe that from next year, it will be much

easier for farmers to complete the application because the data will

already be there. Crime is rising in my urban constituency. It has been

proven that access to open spaces and the natural environment can

reduce stress and have a calming effect. With the Minister consider

discussing with me the trial of a programme to get those at risk to

experience the calming effect of the natural environment?

I agree about the importance of the natural environment and making sure

our children and young people have access to it. Earlier this week, I

was with Zac Goldsmith looking at his plans to open up urban farms,

urban pocket parks to help get people that access.

THE SPEAKER: The honourable lady was talking about the honourable member

for Richmond Park. People who love bees and farmers and consumers of

products rely on them are deeply concerned there is an attempt by

large US and EU chemical companies to downgrade environment affects for

pesticides over the TTIP deal in Brussels. Is this not an example of

how eleads run of the EU and their influence is unaccountable? The

point I'd make, my honourable friend, is these authorisations to

use all pesticides are decided by both of the European chemicals

agency and EFSA and the regulator contributes to that. I welcome to

announcement in flood defences yesterday. Can I probe for a little

more detail and ask how much of ?150 million pot you anticipate will be

available for Calderdale? Given it's been raised in this ways when you

anticipate it will be available? I thank the honourable lady for her

thanks. I can tell her ?35 million has been allocated to Calderdale.

That is in addition to the ?17 million already scheduled to be in

vested this Parliament. We'll produce a specific plan for

Mytholmroyd by the end of May. There will be a plan for the entire Calder

Valley by October. We are making sure that the local community, local

representatives are fully involved in putting together that plan so it

has broad support. Last week, I was delighted to join the Secretary of

State on a visit to the thriving Roots farm shop in BerkleyThorpe in

my constituency. What steps is my right honourable friend taking to

break down the barriers withstand in the way of other farm shores of

shops which want to expand? I was delighted to meet my honourable

friend at the farm shop and sample fantastic product. We want to enable

more farmers to do that. We've launched, as part of our rural

productivity plan, with the Department for Communities and Local

Government, a review of rural planning. People can contribute to

that review at the moment. To try to remove the red tape for

organisations like farm shops that want to expand. Can I ask the farmer

minister, given his position is now for the UK to leave the EU, what

measures does he believe should be in place and how will he ensure

financial assistance for Scottish farmers should there be a Brexit? As

I explained earlier, the honourable gentleman knows the form ear

Government position is to remain in the European Union. The the Prime

Minister made clear were the country to decide to leave, the Government

would continue to support British agriculture. Respecial areas of

conservation would you include the Thames Estuary which has important

marine habitat and includes mer Ian marshes and marine sands in the area

I represent? My honourable friend makes an important point. Lee Marsh

and Lee Sands are important. They already benefit from a triple SI and

getting protection for that and they are a special protected area under

the birds act. There is already a lot of protection for these sites.

In Morpeth we have a Rolls-Royce flood defence system. At the same

time, we've got a problem with the insurance companies who are steel

quoting exceedingly high premiums. They're blaming it on the

Environment Agency for not updating the data. What can the minister to

do resolve this unacceptable situation? I thank the honourable

member. There are two issues on that. We'll meet shortly on that.

The first is introduction of flood relief. Making sure there are is

affordable flood insurance underwritten by a scheme. Your

premium and, says will be at ?250 for lower income people. The British

brokers association has brought a new package with more specialised

mapping to ensure affordable flood insurance is aValable for households

and businesses. THE SPEAKER: Questions to the

chairman of the public accounts commission and the right honourable

lady for Meridan. With permission, I'd like to answer questions one,

five and seven together. Under the church's major renewal and reform

programme, the whole basis on which the commissioners will disperse

funding to diocese will be weighted significantly towards resourcing the

churches' mission in the most deprived areas. As a former

Warrington councillor, St Thomas butler's school has provided a

supportive place for after-school study for students for several

years. Partnership working between local churches and local community

groups like this is one of the best ways of raises life chances of

children most in need? I couldn't agree more. This school in the

Chester diocese really is an example of best practise. I too was restruck

by the fact they've introduce add leadership programme for

14-16-year-olds. They take them to Lancaster University for four days

to help fulfil their potential, play an active role in their community

and the wider society. Thank you for those answers. Could the member

inform us if there are any specific programmes from the church dealing

with the homeless or those on long-term addictions like camel or

drug abuse -- alcohol or drug abuse. I cannot speak for the church in

Ireland, I'm speaking from the experience of Church of England. Its

social action does cover the most vulnerable people in our society

right here in the diocese of London, it's possible for members of

Parliament to see the work the Church of England does amongst the

homeless in the City of London. That is replicated out in all the die Sis

within the Church of England. I imagine the same does happen in his

own nation. May I draw attention to the right honourable lady for

Meridon, Anglican Churches working with other local churches. They

provide help for the winter homeless shelter to help for the homeless.

There's a food bank. They provide furniture and white goods for those

in crisis. They even bring places for apprenticeships. I understand Mr

Speak, they do a lot of good work. Is that not a final example to share

with the House? Mr Speaker, it is one of many examples where where the

church's social action really makes a difference to the most vulnerable.

In respect to the last question, the role of the council, in

# Sham, the council run an inclusion working group bringing the CAB and

debt advice to support and advise the most vulnerable. Question number

two, Mr Speaker. The Church of England is fully supportive of the

see potential inTish tiff and of forts to get employers to recognise

people recordless of background. The seep focuses on people with criminal

conviction to get opportunities in the jobs market. Churches are a

vital presence in the prison system and often key to rehabilitation. Do

you agree the church should play an important role in spreading the

message to other employers, there is a benefit in them applying the

Christian value of forgiveness? I can't agree for Christians to visit

people in prison. I was struck by an initiative in my own parish church.

Volunteers mentor exofenders before they come back into society to help

them pro pair to go straight and live a life where they can sustain

themselves. These are excellent examples which can be replicated in

all colleagues' constituencies. ??MR SPEAKER: Somebody else was standing

on this question? There's the fella. Mr Stephen Philips. Number four,

please, sir. The public accounts commission which I have the honour

to chair sets a strategy and budget of the National Audit Office. A

range of measures to highlight three, large save thing to the

taxpayer. Their work led to an extern alley valid Ted savings.

That's ?18 for every pound it cost to fund the NEO. Secondly it did

this by reducing cost by 27%. The NEO is subject to annual value for

money by an independent auditor. My honourable friend said in that

answer for ever apound we spend on the NAO that saves the taxpayer ?18.

The controller and Auditor General has been very pessimistic in his

budgets estimation for next year in seeking to reduce his budgets. Given

?18 is what we get back tor every ?1 we spend, we should be spending more

on the NAO and not less? I'm great of the for that question. But the

controller general and myself are mindful of the economic

situation-of-advice given to us from the Treasury. This is a body

entirely independent of the Treasury. The financial pressures,

above all, we believe the NAO should practice what it preaches. I have

assured the Auditor General, if for instance, extra work comes his way,

auditing the BBC, for example, I will not stand in his way for

getting extra resources to do the job for it this Parliament. Does the

chairman agree to provide value for Scotland, the NAO should result in

Conservative kenss arising from a ?67 million budget? I don't really

want to get involved in Scottish politics or what the controller

Auditor General of Scotland does. The the controller auditor generals

work very closely together. They Saturday best practise. I believe

our controller Auditor Generals are world leaders in providing value for

money. Question number six, Mr Speaker. The church commissioners

are committed to the sustainable generation of power O'In the church

estate. As of January 2016 over 400 churches anned clergy homes were

generating electricity from a solar panels on their roofs. Winchester

and Gloucester Cathedral are planning to install solar panels

this year. Very conveniently most of our ancient churches are built

east/west. There's a convenient southerliy element. What

encouragement will she give to churches that this important

community resource is used to turn our ancient churches from the chilly

places into something more accommodating? The gentleman's

question is very timely. It allows all honourable members to hear it is

possible to put these renewable energy features on listed buildings.

Churches have found all sorts of ways of installing renewable energy

generation. The planning authority within the church, the faculty, has

become much more flexible in terms of requests to inshawl these

renewable energy features. I hope my right honourable friend won't mind

if I get a bit trelopian. In order for these matters to be taken

forward, we need leadership in the church. In the diocese of

Oxfordshire, we are lacking a Bishop. There's been no Bishop of

Oxford for a very long time to the point we're wondering if Sir John

Chilcot is involved in his appointment. Can you convey what we

need is leadership in the church locally as well as nationally. This

has not a great deal to do with renewable energy but Mr Speaker, the

vacancy in the Oxford diocese is one of concern. But there has already

within one attempt to bring a list of candidates before those who can

help to make that decision. I believe there is a second attempt to

produce a list of suitable candidates in May, as far as I

recall. THE SPEAKER: The honourable

gentleman acutely exploited the diverse meanings of the word power

in order to remain in order! Number eight, sir. Mr Speaker, I'm pleased

to say as far as my honourable friend's diocese is concerned,

Downing Street announced Jan McFarlane will take up the post of

the Bishop of Repton. The first female Bishop in the east mitt

lands. Can I welcome that announcement. I

am delighted to year we will have this.

We need to reflect a better diversity in the church and wider

society. My predecessor worked hard on legislation, and there are two

female Lords spiritual. For the next nine years the Lords spiritual women

act enables any new female bishop to be introduced before the next

available man. Can I say to my right honourable friend, given that women

were held back for so many decades, it would not be a surprise if

positions of responsibility and power were overrepresented in your

appointment so the balance of merit is reflecting both the men and

women's talents? I couldn't agree more, and that is the justification

of the mild positive discrimination being used in this situation to

introduce more women into the House of Lords. As far as full-time

ordained clergy are concerned, women make up 41%. This is grouped with,

hang on. The cathedrals play a very significant part in the local

economy and are showing increased church attendance, and a 27%

increase in their contribution to the economy, and no doubt this is

partly what inspired the Chancellor to give the cathedrals are doubling

of the ?20 million for the cathedral repair bill that we saw under the

centenary World War I fund. Durham Cathedral in my area is an example.

I would like to give a plug for the great gathering on Saturday the 9th

of July. What could be done with that ?20 million in terms of

renovating some of the churches and church assets in other mining

communities, Saint Maliese, for example, one of only 25 King

churches in the whole country. Could any of that money be used for that?

I could not agree more with the description of the magnificence of

Durham Cathedral. The knock-on impact of a sustainable land

flourishing cathedral to any cathedral and its economy can result

where the cathedral acts like a hub, attracts more visitors in, and can

point to the magnificence of things that can be seen in surrounding

churches. Tonight Lichfield Cathedral will be switching on the

new lights which were able to be installed because of the last ?20

million grant from the Chancellor. But now the chapter roof is leaking.

Can I engage my right honourable friend to help us maybe get some or

money to restore and maintain the medieval library which is being

affected by this? As a result of the Chancellor's generosity yesterday in

agreeing to a ?20 million to help with the cathedral repair bill, I am

sure Lichfield will be one of the first contenders to dip into that

fund. This gives an opportunity to the Church of England to give a big

thank you after the budget for the money. I will call on this

gentleman, if it is one sentence. Is the case for cathedrals reaching out

to host community events and will encourage people to come to the

Cathedral. Rising figures in Church of England cathedrals shows that it

brings more people together. Significantly, 14% increase in

visits to cathedrals, showing how cathedrals appeal to all

generations. Thank you. Is on this question, Mr Chris Bryant. Will the

Leader of the House give as the future business, please? The

business for next week, on Monday the 21st of March, we have the

continuation of the budget of eight. On Tuesday we have the conclusion of

the budget they'd. On Wednesday proceedings on the high-speed rail