0:00:00 > 0:00:00Environment, Food and Rural Affairs secretary, Michael Gove, and his
0:00:00 > 0:00:04team of ministers.
0:00:13 > 0:00:19Order. Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and
0:00:19 > 0:00:31Rural Affairs, Mr David Davis. Fly-tipping and farmland is a
0:00:31 > 0:00:34serious anti-social crime which damages the environment, health and
0:00:34 > 0:00:40farm businesses. Tackling it is a priority. So far we have
0:00:40 > 0:00:43strengthened the Environment Agency and local authorities' ability to
0:00:43 > 0:00:46seize vehicles of suspected fly-tipper is, we have also given
0:00:46 > 0:00:58them the authority to give penalty charges. This is a devolved issue,
0:00:58 > 0:01:03so he will be working with natural resources Wales.Is she aware of the
0:01:03 > 0:01:07excellent campaign by farmers weekly to bring in much tougher penalties
0:01:07 > 0:01:11across the UK for the criminal gangs responsible for fly-tipping on farms
0:01:11 > 0:01:21in Britain?
0:01:21 > 0:01:38And Mr Coffey is a bit coughy today. We're looking at ways the
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Environment Agency can continue to work with the police, and also
0:01:41 > 0:01:51create new powers for the industry entirely.Fly-tipping is a curse on
0:01:51 > 0:01:54farmland in Huddersfield, but also abandoning the country, usually
0:01:54 > 0:01:59associated with people who are just above the law, hiring skips then
0:01:59 > 0:02:05taking the money, invading landfill duty, -- even aiding the landfill
0:02:05 > 0:02:08duty and tipping it everywhere. We must have an Environment Agency with
0:02:08 > 0:02:13the power to do something about it. He is absolutely right, and we do
0:02:13 > 0:02:18work closely with the police in making this a focus for the
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Environment Agency. I would also like to draw two attention of the
0:02:20 > 0:02:24House that we are doing more to help councils tackling litter more
0:02:24 > 0:02:29widely. We arrange yesterday plans for doubling fines and making it
0:02:29 > 0:02:33easier to tackle motorists. We are working with councils to make
0:02:33 > 0:02:42progress on this.I support my honourable friend from Monmouth, the
0:02:42 > 0:02:45trouble is at the moment that fines are not heavy enough and it is
0:02:45 > 0:02:52easier to tip on farmland than to go to waste disposal site. Unless we
0:02:52 > 0:02:58get some teeth and really heavy fines, we will not change this.I
0:02:58 > 0:03:04recognise what he says. It is key that we continue to do more to work
0:03:04 > 0:03:12with farmers on a local level to make sure there are better barriers.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But it is about targeting and getting intelligence, and following
0:03:15 > 0:03:19up those people who are dumping, and then use the full force of the law
0:03:19 > 0:03:25in future.You have outlined the importance of the issue but also the
0:03:25 > 0:03:30role for the local councils. Can the Minister indicate what incentives
0:03:30 > 0:03:33the local councils will make available to homeowners that
0:03:33 > 0:03:41encourages people to use waste recycling centres rather than
0:03:41 > 0:03:44dumping on farmland?This is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48but we issued new guidance to try to clarify what council should or
0:03:48 > 0:03:52should not be charging for when people want to use the recycling
0:03:52 > 0:03:56centre. I know that councils want to do the right thing. £8 million a
0:03:56 > 0:04:00year is spent on tackling fly-tipping, so we want to make
0:04:00 > 0:04:07improvements.The Warwickshire NFU convened a Round Table on this last
0:04:07 > 0:04:13month after a terrible spate of fly-tipping. One, could we have more
0:04:13 > 0:04:19briefing by magistrates, so that finds are proportionate to the
0:04:19 > 0:04:23crime, and extend fixed penalty notices to the statutory duty of
0:04:23 > 0:04:29care for disposal of wastes on households?We are looking carefully
0:04:29 > 0:04:35at the second issue that she raises particularly, but I will take this
0:04:35 > 0:04:39away and speak to my honourable friend, one of the justice
0:04:39 > 0:04:45ministers, to suggest about potential sentencing guidance.Zero
0:04:45 > 0:04:55waste Scotland suggests it will save councils £30 million a year
0:04:55 > 0:05:00regarding kerb-side recycling and tipping. Has there been any attempt
0:05:00 > 0:05:08to assess the savings in England?We have looked at the ward and return
0:05:08 > 0:05:11schemes for things like plastic bottles. An independent committee is
0:05:11 > 0:05:18looking at. The Scottish Government has asked DEFRA to report on this.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21We're looking at this carefully but trying to extrapolate economic
0:05:21 > 0:05:25benefits on the basis of a handful of councils is not a straightforward
0:05:25 > 0:05:35exercise.We are consulting on proposals to introduce a total ban
0:05:35 > 0:05:39on UK ivory sales, and we hope that will contribute to eliminating
0:05:39 > 0:05:49elephant poaching. We will consult on certain targeted exemptions.The
0:05:49 > 0:05:54declining elephant population shames this generation, so can I welcome
0:05:54 > 0:06:01the action to address this issue. Can I ask, how quickly can
0:06:01 > 0:06:04recommendations be implemented so we can ensure we are doing everything
0:06:04 > 0:06:09possible to protect this magnificent species?The consultation closes on
0:06:09 > 0:06:13the 29th of December, and I am grateful to him for highlighting the
0:06:13 > 0:06:16importance of making sure as many people as possible contribute to the
0:06:16 > 0:06:24consultation so we can move to legislation as quickly as possible.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Thanks to the Secretary of State for the answer. Can he gathers an
0:06:28 > 0:06:32undertaking that he will come to the House as soon as possible after the
0:06:32 > 0:06:37consultation and lay out a timetable for a proper implementation.He
0:06:37 > 0:06:44makes a very fair request, and I will do that.Along with students,
0:06:44 > 0:06:50and residents in my constituency, welcome the government's commitment
0:06:50 > 0:06:54to a ban on ivory sales. But how will the government work with
0:06:54 > 0:06:59friends abroad, especially Southeast Asia, to ensure we bring an end to
0:06:59 > 0:07:08poaching by illegal and gangs?-- armed gangs? We have been working to
0:07:08 > 0:07:18ensure awareness is heightened of the link between the illegal ivory
0:07:18 > 0:07:27trade and poaching. We will be working with our counterparts to
0:07:27 > 0:07:31close down the street.Last week I spoke to MPs who were unaware of a
0:07:31 > 0:07:38report that said the elephant population in Angola had fallen from
0:07:38 > 0:07:443000 two 2400. Isn't it the case that the world is simply not doing
0:07:44 > 0:07:50enough for animals? We have to do more to save the planet, and the
0:07:50 > 0:07:56African elephant is the start.I completely agree, we lose 20,000 of
0:07:56 > 0:07:59these creatures every year, and it is not good enough for the world to
0:07:59 > 0:08:04wash its hands and say that this is our responsibility of developing
0:08:04 > 0:08:08nations. We have two act globally to ensure the threat to this animal is
0:08:08 > 0:08:17properly met.As he examines the answers to his welcome consultation
0:08:17 > 0:08:22on this, will he give scant disregard to some of the scare
0:08:22 > 0:08:25stories being put about by certain parts of the antiques industry
0:08:25 > 0:08:31saying that old and much valued artefacts will be destroyed under
0:08:31 > 0:08:35his proposals? That is not the intention and the intention is much
0:08:35 > 0:08:42more important, it is about a species at risk of extinction.He is
0:08:42 > 0:08:45right, his campaigning in this area has been inspirational and he is
0:08:45 > 0:08:51also right to call out one or two voices, isolated voices, who have
0:08:51 > 0:08:57attempted to generate scare stories. Significant organisations across the
0:08:57 > 0:09:04antiques and art markets have welcomed this, and I am grateful to
0:09:04 > 0:09:07the approach they are taking.Would he take it as representation from me
0:09:07 > 0:09:14that the 1947 cut-off date is too late, in my view, and he would look
0:09:14 > 0:09:18that should look carefully in banning the sale of antiques as well
0:09:18 > 0:09:22because it will potentially lead to the import of ivory which purports
0:09:22 > 0:09:28to be new ivory, which are antiques? He is right, in the consultation
0:09:28 > 0:09:33theories no reference to that date, which had been mooted at one stage.
0:09:33 > 0:09:39Our idea is that it is easier for the enforcement to have the total
0:09:39 > 0:09:41ban because there are unscrupulous individuals that will attempt to
0:09:41 > 0:09:52claim that artefacts are antiques, when they are none of the kind.Beer
0:09:52 > 0:09:56is the UK's third largest food and drink export the value of £600
0:09:56 > 0:10:00million last year. Last week I visited the Griffin Brewery run by
0:10:00 > 0:10:09Fuller Smith and Turner, to launch a new British beer strategy with the
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Pub Association. It is one of the examples of successes with exports.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16We have regular discussions with the Treasury on the contribution to the
0:10:16 > 0:10:24beer industry to local communities. He will be pleased to know we have
0:10:24 > 0:10:28had initial success with promoting and exporting Shropshire beer to
0:10:28 > 0:10:35Poland. But more needs to be done over the small brewer release scheme
0:10:35 > 0:10:39to help breweries like the one in my constituency to unlock the potential
0:10:39 > 0:10:43for exports. Will he continue to press the Chancellor on this
0:10:43 > 0:10:48project?I am aware there are some great success stories in the
0:10:48 > 0:10:52constituency and Shropshire, but I did discuss the small brewer relief
0:10:52 > 0:10:57scheme with the beer, pub and Brewers Association last week. Many
0:10:57 > 0:11:02microbreweries feel restrained and are asking for some changes to that.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06This is a policy lead for the Treasury, but we have ensured that
0:11:06 > 0:11:15their representations have been highlighted with the Chancellor.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21Does my honourable friend agree it is vital that post Brexit we look to
0:11:21 > 0:11:25open up new markets and create new jobs that such obstacles are
0:11:25 > 0:11:32removed.I very much agree with my honourable friend and indeed I
0:11:32 > 0:11:38attended an event we hosted in our embassy in Japan just last year to
0:11:38 > 0:11:41promote a range of British drinks, including British beers. The
0:11:41 > 0:11:46industry aims to increase its exports by around £100 million over
0:11:46 > 0:11:50the next few years and there's some great success stories we should
0:11:50 > 0:11:55champion.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02I've had positive discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice
0:12:02 > 0:12:05and the Lord Chancellor, prior to my announcement that the Government
0:12:05 > 0:12:11plans to increase the maximum penalty for animal cruelty from six
0:12:11 > 0:12:17months to five years imprisonment. Two-thirds of the British public
0:12:17 > 0:12:23would like to see that sentence increased. The average sentence
0:12:23 > 0:12:27being 3.3 months. Could the Secretary of State give assurances
0:12:27 > 0:12:31that the courts have indicated a desire for those increased
0:12:31 > 0:12:35sentencing powers, such that they will get used once they are in
0:12:35 > 0:12:35place?
0:12:37 > 0:12:45Absolutely. Can I thank my honourable friend. He has a
0:12:45 > 0:12:50distinguished legal career for bringing cases against those who
0:12:50 > 0:12:55have taken out animal cruelty. There are exceptional cases of genuine
0:12:55 > 0:12:59sadism with a penalty higher than that of the maximum six months is
0:12:59 > 0:13:03required. Mr Speaker, many of my constituents
0:13:03 > 0:13:07have writ on the me, urging the Government to increase the sentence
0:13:07 > 0:13:12foranimal cruelty. Can the minister clarify if the Government will look
0:13:12 > 0:13:18to give more powers for the RSPCA to investigate more matters of animal
0:13:18 > 0:13:25cruelty?We are all grateful for the work the RSPCA does do, but we have
0:13:25 > 0:13:29November plans for such at the moment.I welcome this proposal,
0:13:29 > 0:13:35having sponsored a debate in Westminster Hall last parliamentary
0:13:35 > 0:13:39term in this inshoe, particularly dog -- in this issue, particularly
0:13:39 > 0:13:44dogfighting. I welcome the proposal. Last week it was raised that
0:13:44 > 0:13:48policing and funding of policing of these types of crimes needs the to
0:13:48 > 0:13:53be increased. What is the minister planning to do in that regardOf
0:13:53 > 0:13:56course sentencing decisions and policing matters are devolved. One
0:13:56 > 0:14:01of the things that we do at DEFRA is work very closely with the Home
0:14:01 > 0:14:06Office to ensure examples of animal cruelty which do need to focus the
0:14:06 > 0:14:11minds of police forces on more effective investigation are at the
0:14:11 > 0:14:17heart of our conversations.My constituents in Kettering would
0:14:17 > 0:14:20welcome increased sentences for animal cruelty S the Secretary of
0:14:20 > 0:14:26State able to draw on any international experience about how
0:14:26 > 0:14:30best we might prosecute cases?It is the case that in Northern Ireland
0:14:30 > 0:14:35and indeed in the Irish Republic they have similar sentences. It is
0:14:35 > 0:14:40also the case in other Commonwealth jurisdictions, including Australia,
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Canada and New Zealand similar sentences apply. It is a sign of our
0:14:44 > 0:14:50can passty from learning from other nations from within and outside the
0:14:50 > 0:14:53European Union what a progressive approach towards animal welfare
0:14:53 > 0:15:01might be.Question number five. Mr Speaker, we do not carry out
0:15:01 > 0:15:04postmortem examations on every badger. We know that the prevalence
0:15:04 > 0:15:08rate of the disease in badgers in the high-risk area is typically
0:15:08 > 0:15:13around 30%. We do want to monitor trends as the cull is implemented.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18So a small sample of badgers is being tested this year to explore
0:15:18 > 0:15:23different testing protocols which could be deployed to track the pref
0:15:23 > 0:15:28rens of badgers culled in future years.I thank the minister, but for
0:15:28 > 0:15:33to that, can he tell us what has provided the scientific basis for
0:15:33 > 0:15:42the wider roll out of the cull?The basis for the roll out was the RBCT
0:15:42 > 0:15:44trails carried out under the last Labour Government, which showed
0:15:44 > 0:15:49there would be a reduction in the disease through a badger cull.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55Indeed research earlier this summer by crystal Donnolly has confirmed a
0:15:55 > 0:16:00reduction of 58% of the disease in cattle in Gloucester and 21% in
0:16:00 > 0:16:06Somerset, which is within the range we would expect based on the trials.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10THE SPEAKER: I hope the House will want to join me in congratulating
0:16:10 > 0:16:15the honourable gentlemen, in the voyeurs he was out of the house,
0:16:15 > 0:16:17acquired a dock ter rate in rural economy.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22I think I can dine out on that for a few more days. I hear what the
0:16:22 > 0:16:29minister says. It is estimated in the roll-out that something between
0:16:29 > 0:16:3220,000-33,000 badgers were caught and dispatched no now that the culls
0:16:32 > 0:16:36are coming to an end. Is he seriously telling me we are not
0:16:36 > 0:16:43going to test a significant proportion of those badgers so we at
0:16:43 > 0:16:47least have some scientific of Kaysy is know there is some sense in what
0:16:47 > 0:16:52the Government is trying to do. Even those of us on this side totally
0:16:52 > 0:16:57oppose it?I think if the honourable gentleman listened to my question he
0:16:57 > 0:17:01would have heard I said precisely we want to monitor trends in this
0:17:01 > 0:17:05disease, that is why we are starting to collect a sample of badgers and
0:17:05 > 0:17:11testing them to develop these protocols. There was a lot of
0:17:11 > 0:17:15postmortem done during the trials. From that we do know that the
0:17:15 > 0:17:19typical prevalence rate of the disease in the badger population in
0:17:19 > 0:17:27the high risk're is 30%. -- high risk area is 30%.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Mr Speaker, we are working with the farming and agriculture secretary to
0:17:30 > 0:17:35assess the impact of leaving the EU on this industry. Following the
0:17:35 > 0:17:41decision to close the seasonal agricultural worker's seem, DEFRA
0:17:41 > 0:17:45set up a working group which bringing together industry and
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Government to monitor seasonal Labour labour. I met this job and
0:17:50 > 0:17:56DEFRA are working the Home Office to ensure workforce requirements are
0:17:56 > 0:18:01considered in any future workforce system.In order to give farmers and
0:18:01 > 0:18:05the industry confidence, can the tell us when that promised review,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08that he alludes to, will report, so there's confidence in the system to
0:18:08 > 0:18:13go forward?Well, we meet regularly with the transition group, as I
0:18:13 > 0:18:19said. We work closely with Home Office officials on this. The Home
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Office established a review by the Migration Advisory Committee. The
0:18:23 > 0:18:26consultation, the call for evidence closes this week, on the 27th
0:18:26 > 0:18:30October. And we have been encouraging all interested parties
0:18:30 > 0:18:34over the last month to contribute to that review which is already under
0:18:34 > 0:18:40way. There is a lot of discussion about
0:18:40 > 0:18:44the farmling and agricultural sector, as the minister will know it
0:18:44 > 0:18:49is responsible for food and drinking manufacturing and also a very large
0:18:49 > 0:18:53employer. Will he assure me that sector will not be overlooked?
0:18:55 > 0:19:00I can give my honourable friend an assurance that I meet regularly with
0:19:00 > 0:19:03food processing and food manufacturers and he's right there
0:19:03 > 0:19:07are some sectors, notably fish processing and meat processing which
0:19:07 > 0:19:11has become very reliant on East European labour, particularly over
0:19:11 > 0:19:14the last ten years. We are ensuring all the information provided by
0:19:14 > 0:19:19those is fed back into the review currently being undertaken by the
0:19:19 > 0:19:27Home Office.The minister will no doubt be aware that farming
0:19:27 > 0:19:30contributes £1.5 billion to the Welsh economy. If no Brexit decision
0:19:30 > 0:19:35is decided it will have a significant impact on Welsh farming,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38including in relation to workforce shortages. Will the minister make a
0:19:38 > 0:19:44statement of what he plans to do in the event of a no deal scenario to
0:19:44 > 0:19:47support the Welsh economyThe assurance I can give the honourable
0:19:47 > 0:19:50gentleman is the Government is planning for all scenarios. We have
0:19:50 > 0:19:55been clear we want a comprehensive free trade agreement with our
0:19:55 > 0:20:00European partners and we want a closer inship put in place. If you
0:20:00 > 0:20:04want to be serious around the negotiating table you have to
0:20:04 > 0:20:08prepare for everything and that is why we are also preparing for a no
0:20:08 > 0:20:14scenario. New Zealand has a migrant worker for
0:20:14 > 0:20:26many years now. Note New Zealand has ex-planned this which would prevent
0:20:26 > 0:20:31it being... When we see fines being stopped from come from the
0:20:31 > 0:20:37Philippines. The boats are tied up and the economy costss I can tell
0:20:37 > 0:20:44him we are looking at the system in New Zealand which has similarities
0:20:44 > 0:20:48with the scheme from 1945-2013 in this country. The Home Office did
0:20:48 > 0:20:54have some sector, other sector-based schemes, but the conin 2013 is these
0:20:54 > 0:20:59were not being used or utilised and were unnecessary. There is a review,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03led by the Home Office, with the MAC looking at this now. That is the
0:21:03 > 0:21:12right place to put this information. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16Representatives from the NFU, NFU Scotland, the farmer's union of
0:21:16 > 0:21:22Wales and Ulster farmer's union. The Secretary of State should be
0:21:22 > 0:21:26aware the UK does not have a single agricultural industry, we have
0:21:26 > 0:21:31several. They need the farmers in my constituent will be different from
0:21:31 > 0:21:34those in the south-west of England. All will have to be accommodated in
0:21:34 > 0:21:38this framework. Will the minister, therefore, continue to engage, not
0:21:38 > 0:21:43just with the farmer's union of Scotland but the Scottish crofters
0:21:43 > 0:21:49federation, because they are the experts.I quite agree. I have had
0:21:49 > 0:21:52the opportunity to hear from representatives of the crofting
0:21:52 > 0:22:00sector. I intend to visit every part of the UK and work with the to
0:22:00 > 0:22:05ensure we can preserve the internal market within the UK. Have the best
0:22:05 > 0:22:09trade deals, but are sensitive to the specific needs, for example of
0:22:09 > 0:22:15Orkney's very, very fine beef farmerers.Many farms and rural
0:22:15 > 0:22:20communities straddle the border with England. Can my height honourable
0:22:20 > 0:22:24friend confirm the voices will not be ignored around Brexit and
0:22:24 > 0:22:32devolution?Their voices are not ignored, they have such an
0:22:32 > 0:22:36articulate representative in my Right Honourable friend whose
0:22:36 > 0:22:39dramatically increased the majority at the last general election is
0:22:39 > 0:22:45testimony to all his hard work on behalf of all his constituents.Can
0:22:45 > 0:22:50I press the Secretary of State though to confirm if the Government
0:22:50 > 0:22:55have undertaken an assessment of the impact of Brexit on the food and
0:22:55 > 0:22:58drink manufacturing sector and explain how they consulted with
0:22:58 > 0:23:04businesses as part of that process? Not only have I spoken to the
0:23:04 > 0:23:07farming representatives that I alluded to earlier. It is also the
0:23:07 > 0:23:11case I've had regular conversations with the food and drink regulation
0:23:11 > 0:23:15and others. The gentleman will be aware that, the honourable
0:23:15 > 0:23:18gentleman, forgive me, that food and drin sk the UK's biggest
0:23:18 > 0:23:21manufacturing sector and we see huge opportunities outside the European
0:23:21 > 0:23:26Union to export more and to make the most of British produce. We have so
0:23:26 > 0:23:32lucky that British food and drink is the best in the world.Mr Speaker,
0:23:32 > 0:23:38the most recent scientific evidence shows a link between a decline in
0:23:38 > 0:23:44our poll lonators, and honourable friend has had so many successes on
0:23:44 > 0:23:50ivory, onslaughter houses, CCTV, on mandatory sentencing for cruelty,
0:23:50 > 0:23:56will he ensure the science we know is imply meanted and we introduce a
0:23:56 > 0:24:05permanent ban on the three niconoids on the market today.It is vital we
0:24:05 > 0:24:10do everything to ensure our insect population is protected in the
0:24:10 > 0:24:14future, they are vital to the health of our environment and we are
0:24:14 > 0:24:20looking closely at the science in this matter.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25Number eight, please, Mr Speaker. Thank you very much.
0:24:25 > 0:24:32I made it a priority to engage the Scottish Government as early as
0:24:32 > 0:24:36possible and spoke to the Cabinet Secretary. We met up for talks at
0:24:36 > 0:24:43the Royal Highland Show. I met with others of devolved and we are due to
0:24:43 > 0:24:50meet again early in November. Since 2013, this Government has
0:24:50 > 0:24:56short changed form farmers of £165 million of money. Will he commit to
0:24:56 > 0:25:00our gently change how those funds are distributed. Not after 2020, but
0:25:00 > 0:25:06imminently?I am grateful to the honourable gentleman for raising it.
0:25:06 > 0:25:14I received a very constructive letter from the member for Dumfries
0:25:14 > 0:25:18and Galloway with a suggestion of how to take things forward. Having
0:25:18 > 0:25:2313 Scottish members here is a way to ensure the interests of Scotland's
0:25:23 > 0:25:27farming and fishery sectors are better represented than ever before
0:25:27 > 0:25:32in this House.Thank you, Mr Speaker. Whilst my Right Honourable
0:25:32 > 0:25:38friend is considering Scotland, can I remind him many Scottish farmers
0:25:38 > 0:25:43are concerned about the reduction of lynx. Can he assure me my
0:25:43 > 0:25:47constituents will be consulted before this moves forward.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Can I thank the honourable gentleman for raising this issue. I had the
0:25:50 > 0:25:53opportunity of visiting his constituency in a private capacity
0:25:53 > 0:25:58in August, in order to fish on the Tweed. I had an opportunity while
0:25:58 > 0:26:03there to hear from his constituents about what a fantastic job but their
0:26:03 > 0:26:13concerns about the reintroduction of the lynx. Before any progress of a
0:26:13 > 0:26:16reintroduction takes place... THE SPEAKER: We hope he caught
0:26:16 > 0:26:20something. It should be further deposited in the library before
0:26:20 > 0:26:21long.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32Leaving the European Union is a great opportunity to design a new
0:26:32 > 0:26:35agriculture policy fit for purpose in the 21st century. As we develop
0:26:35 > 0:26:41plans for a new agriculture Bill, we're considering how best to deploy
0:26:41 > 0:26:45the committee to agriculture and farmed environment. Will be a focus
0:26:45 > 0:26:54on delivering environmental outcomes and improving soil. It will also
0:26:54 > 0:27:02address risk management.What consideration has he given to
0:27:02 > 0:27:08potential changes in taxes to encourage more investment in
0:27:08 > 0:27:14machinery and technology post Brexit?As part of our work on
0:27:14 > 0:27:17innovation and investment on farms, we're looking at the issue of grants
0:27:17 > 0:27:25to support investment in farms. You will appreciate taxes is a matter
0:27:25 > 0:27:29for Treasury ministers but there is an annual investment allowing us to
0:27:29 > 0:27:32support investment in farm machinery, and many farmers make use
0:27:32 > 0:27:40of these.The Minister will know that the uplands is part of the most
0:27:40 > 0:27:45important -- has most of the most important environmental benefits in
0:27:45 > 0:27:49the country, but the farmers have extremely marginal incomes. Will he
0:27:49 > 0:27:54therefore commit today to no cuts in support for health farmers in the
0:27:54 > 0:28:07uplands? -- three farmers.She is right that some farmers are more
0:28:07 > 0:28:10financially vulnerable, which is something we're taking into account.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14We have been very clear that any change we implement would have a
0:28:14 > 0:28:24transition period to ensure people can adjust. As the Prime Minister
0:28:24 > 0:28:29made clear on the 11th of October, when we leave the European Union, we
0:28:29 > 0:28:34believe the Common fisheries policy, and we leave the EU in March 2019.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39As honourable members will be aware, the EU Withdrawal Bill will bring
0:28:39 > 0:28:43across current EU legislation to provide continuity on the day we
0:28:43 > 0:28:48leave, and in the context of fisheries this will include the body
0:28:48 > 0:28:54of technical conservation regulations set by the EU.That is
0:28:54 > 0:28:57interesting, we will not have a voice at the table but we will have
0:28:57 > 0:29:02to abide by the common fisheries rules. Can he give an assurance to
0:29:02 > 0:29:06our industry who export more than 80% of what they catch to the rest
0:29:06 > 0:29:09of Europe that they will not face tariffs are barriers during the
0:29:09 > 0:29:15transition period or after?He will know that we are seeking that
0:29:15 > 0:29:18comprehensive free trade agreement, and in that transition period trade
0:29:18 > 0:29:27would continue, so he is wrong to say we would not have a seat at the
0:29:27 > 0:29:31table, he knows these are annual events, whether we are negotiating
0:29:31 > 0:29:37EU member states at the moment, or indeed with EU Norway or the coastal
0:29:37 > 0:29:45states meetings, and we will become an independent coastal state on the
0:29:45 > 0:29:50day we leave the European Union.I welcome the commitment to listen to
0:29:50 > 0:29:55the views of the food sector and ensure it has a strong voice in the
0:29:55 > 0:30:05EU exit negotiations. Does he agree that the fishermen and those of
0:30:05 > 0:30:11other nation should not be sacrificed during the negotiations?
0:30:11 > 0:30:14I agree, and many Scottish Conservative MPs have worked closely
0:30:14 > 0:30:18with Scottish industry on this. The fishing industry is important in
0:30:18 > 0:30:22Scotland, roughly half of the industry is located there. Sectors
0:30:22 > 0:30:30which target mackerel is of incredible economic importance, and
0:30:30 > 0:30:38I can assure him I regularly meet representatives in Scotland.Can I
0:30:38 > 0:30:49send my sincere condolences to the family of the captain of the
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Solstice, who has died since the last DEFRA questions. The Solstice
0:30:53 > 0:30:58is the third fishing vessel to think involving loss of life where there
0:30:58 > 0:31:04has been a delay in launching lifeboats. Can he assure the fishing
0:31:04 > 0:31:08industry that he is working with colleagues to secure an
0:31:08 > 0:31:15investigation into this to reassure the industry that the Coast Guard is
0:31:15 > 0:31:23able to respond quickly.Can I also offer sincere condolences to the
0:31:23 > 0:31:28family of the crew member who sadly lost his life with the loss of the
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Solstice in the West Country. This is an issue covered by the
0:31:32 > 0:31:37Department for Transport but I have had the opportunity to discuss the
0:31:37 > 0:31:41matter with my colleague the shipping minister, and I know that
0:31:41 > 0:31:44the Marine accident investigation unit will be carrying out an
0:31:44 > 0:31:47investigation into this in the normal way. Additionally, noting the
0:31:47 > 0:31:53points she has raised, he she has asked the investigation unit to
0:31:53 > 0:32:03consider whether
0:32:03 > 0:32:10we have... Or whether we have to look further into this.Analysis is
0:32:10 > 0:32:17hugely important for my department, so I was pleased when Professor Ian
0:32:17 > 0:32:25Boyd agreed to stay on for another year. We are grateful to have him.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30Is it appropriate for the two sisters group to undertake any
0:32:30 > 0:32:35mergers and acquisitions while the Food Standards Agency is conducting
0:32:35 > 0:32:39its investigations and has reported in full, not least in case any
0:32:39 > 0:32:46corporate governments are covered during the investigation.The Food
0:32:46 > 0:32:57Standards Agency is responsible for these investigations, but these are
0:32:57 > 0:33:02deeply concerning allegations, and the House will want to make sure
0:33:02 > 0:33:10food safety standards are observed. The flood barrier is the biggest
0:33:10 > 0:33:17investment in the town promised and delivered by a Conservative
0:33:17 > 0:33:21government. The Minister has had a public enquiries report. Can she
0:33:21 > 0:33:26update the House on when we are likely to start building the Boston
0:33:26 > 0:33:31flood barrier?This significant barrier will provide a reduction in
0:33:31 > 0:33:35the risk of flooding for almost 15,000 homes and thousands of
0:33:35 > 0:33:39businesses. The failings of the report are being considered with
0:33:39 > 0:33:43lawyers. This must be completed before I can make any final decision
0:33:43 > 0:33:48on granting the order. Meanwhile I can assure him the Environment
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Agency is making necessary arrangements to start as soon as
0:33:52 > 0:33:58possible, subject to the secure funding from the Treasury.
0:34:05 > 0:34:11In the referendum last year, people didn't vote for dangerous levels of
0:34:11 > 0:34:14pollution and the weakening of environmental protections. It is all
0:34:14 > 0:34:17very well that the Secretary of State has been making worthy
0:34:17 > 0:34:21speeches about a green Brexit, but as it stands the government's repeal
0:34:21 > 0:34:28bill makes this an impossibility. Will the Secretary of State make a
0:34:28 > 0:34:34possibility of this polluter pays principle are an fundamental flaw,
0:34:34 > 0:34:42and ensure protections for the environment as we leave the EU?It
0:34:42 > 0:34:45is right to draw attention to the fact that while there have
0:34:45 > 0:34:51undoubtedly been aspects of the common fisheries policy that had
0:34:51 > 0:34:54been harmful, there have been welcome environmental protections we
0:34:54 > 0:34:59have helped develop while in the EU, and I do want to work with as I am
0:34:59 > 0:35:02working with others, to ensure people can guarantee the protections
0:35:02 > 0:35:10we value stay in place.Clearly many of our environmental protections
0:35:10 > 0:35:14come from Europe, and another victim of the repeal Bill I would like to
0:35:14 > 0:35:19draw his attention to is the mission of the principle which sets a
0:35:19 > 0:35:24benchmark to protect the environment from policy proposals which would do
0:35:24 > 0:35:27harm. Is his commitment to me now they are for a commitment to working
0:35:27 > 0:35:32cross party to ensure these vital environmental protections are
0:35:32 > 0:35:37transferred into EU law as promised, or is he happy for the EU to reclaim
0:35:37 > 0:35:44its former reputation as the dirty man of Europe?I think she had a
0:35:44 > 0:35:48slip of the tongue, she was probably worried about the UK being the dirty
0:35:48 > 0:35:55man or dirty creature of Europe! In short, the principles to which she
0:35:55 > 0:36:03alludes are invaluable principles, and we need to make sure they are
0:36:03 > 0:36:06applicable to law, but yes I would like to work with her.The
0:36:06 > 0:36:11government is committed to planting 11 million trees, can I ask that
0:36:11 > 0:36:17many of them are planted in my constituency, and see that he is
0:36:17 > 0:36:21welcome to visit Chipping Barnet to see these wonderful trees?We do
0:36:21 > 0:36:24want to plant more trees, we are trying different ways to accelerate
0:36:24 > 0:36:29the planting of trees, and she will be aware of our commitment to plant
0:36:29 > 0:36:37a million urban trees, and I am hopeful many of these will be in her
0:36:37 > 0:36:48constituency.Like many MPs, the Secretary of State and I supported
0:36:48 > 0:36:52the general election pledges to support beer and Pub is. Is he
0:36:52 > 0:36:58putting pressure on the Chancellor to freeze beer duty at the
0:36:58 > 0:37:04forthcoming budget?Conversations between myself and the Chancellor
0:37:04 > 0:37:11are fruitful, and they are fruitful because the are intermittent, and I
0:37:11 > 0:37:16cannot say any more! -- they are intermittent.When will all food
0:37:16 > 0:37:29packaging be recyclable?Policies and regulations are designed to
0:37:29 > 0:37:33increase recycling and reduce the amount of packaging ending up in the
0:37:33 > 0:37:37natural environment. Almost all packaging is technically recyclable,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40but some waste management companies choose not to collect it, but next
0:37:40 > 0:37:44year we will publish a new resources and we strategy on which I hope to
0:37:44 > 0:37:51set out more.How much of the waste produced by the Secretary of State's
0:37:51 > 0:37:59department is recycled?I may need to refer the honourable lady to
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Hansard, and I will write to her, but we have regenerated food waste,
0:38:02 > 0:38:13which goes to anaerobic digestion. Does she agree that the powers --
0:38:13 > 0:38:21everywhere should feel the benefit is powers are deeply -- repatriated
0:38:21 > 0:38:28to the UK. Can we have a discussion about further you apartments in
0:38:28 > 0:38:39Scotland?I would be delighted to visit his attractive and well
0:38:39 > 0:38:44represented constituency.Do we expect progress in sorting out
0:38:44 > 0:38:49abandoned waste sites owned by the Crown estate, such as the one at
0:38:49 > 0:38:56Sandy Lane in my constituency?I met the honourable member to discuss
0:38:56 > 0:39:00this. We have been engaging with the Treasury about the site because I
0:39:00 > 0:39:05know the areas an issue he wishes to be progressed. The Treasury has
0:39:05 > 0:39:10oversight of the Crown state and tax system, and will consider the
0:39:10 > 0:39:12business case. The Environment Agency will continue to work with
0:39:12 > 0:39:22local councils to remove the dangerous waste that was there.How
0:39:22 > 0:39:31many houses in the country do not and we have CCTV installed?Around
0:39:31 > 0:39:47-- how many slaughterhouse is? We're bringing fraud legislation to make
0:39:47 > 0:39:53sure they all have CCTV to stop these practices.The worst
0:39:53 > 0:39:56government is responsible for the distribution of funding. Could the
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Minister confirm whether they will retain this responsibility after
0:40:00 > 0:40:11Brexit, and that funding received is not based on simple headcount?We
0:40:11 > 0:40:12are working with all devolved administrations and territorial
0:40:12 > 0:40:19offices to design a future policy. We want to ensure that all of the
0:40:19 > 0:40:22devolved administrations retain the ability to put in place the type of
0:40:22 > 0:40:27policy that are right for them.Did the Secretary of State dancer, what
0:40:27 > 0:40:40is the future of the use of glyphosate?We support that has --
0:40:40 > 0:40:44the work that has be done, and their conclusions that glyphosate is safe,
0:40:44 > 0:40:53and we have ordered the use, we always take an evidence -based
0:40:53 > 0:41:00approach.In York, they say that the new exam framework does not work,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04because they say that when you assess felling trees, you cannot
0:41:04 > 0:41:09bring in the harvest in the spring, so could he make a statement to the
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Education Secretary to broaden the scope of when assessments can take
0:41:12 > 0:41:17place?That is a very important point, and I will talk to the
0:41:17 > 0:41:24Education Secretary abated.The fishing community and my Cleethorpes
0:41:24 > 0:41:29constituency and Grimsby are looking forward to Brexit in March 2019.
0:41:29 > 0:41:36Could the Minister outline what support his department will give to
0:41:36 > 0:41:47the industry to expand their trade with other departments as a result
0:41:47 > 0:41:54of opportunities opened? We have a great opportunity to look afresh at
0:41:54 > 0:41:58access arrangements and at the total catch. We are working the fishing
0:41:58 > 0:42:03industry to develop that. I can tell my honourable friend that I met some
0:42:03 > 0:42:06of the leading fish processors this week.