0:00:17 > 0:00:25And in the House of Commons. And Barbara Keeley will ask the question
0:00:25 > 0:00:29on in children and young People's mental health services. After that
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Andrea Leadsom will announce what is coming up in the chamber next week
0:00:33 > 0:00:36and take questions from backbenchers. Then Amber Rudd will
0:00:36 > 0:00:42come to the dispatch box to update MPs on the attempted murder of
0:00:42 > 0:00:45ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in
0:00:45 > 0:00:50Salisbury on Sunday. That will be followed by a debate marking
0:00:50 > 0:01:02International Women's Day. Do join me for a round-up at 11 o'clock
0:01:02 > 0:01:07tonight. First, questions for Michael Gove and his team of
0:01:07 > 0:01:08ministers.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Questions to the Secretary of State for the environment, food, and rural
0:01:19 > 0:01:27affairs. Minister George Eustace.My right honourable friend, the
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Secretary of State, was in the US on departmental business representing
0:01:31 > 0:01:34UK interest. I know he has already written to you regarding this. He
0:01:34 > 0:01:40sent his apologies to the house. Mr Speaker, last week the Government
0:01:40 > 0:01:43launched a consultation setting out the quality framework for
0:01:43 > 0:01:46agriculture after the UK leads the European Union. This command paper
0:01:46 > 0:01:49outlined a series of proposals to help farmers invest in their farms
0:01:49 > 0:01:54and become more profitable to support new ventures coming into the
0:01:54 > 0:01:56industry and support collaborative working in places such as research
0:01:56 > 0:02:02and develop them. It was merely a state crisis this
0:02:02 > 0:02:05morning, the pedal came off my bicycle at Vauxhall Bridge and I
0:02:05 > 0:02:12managed to get here just in time. LAUGHTER
0:02:12 > 0:02:19Just showing off! I very much welcome the command paper. It talks
0:02:19 > 0:02:21about having a greener environment and a better environment for the
0:02:21 > 0:02:26future. Will he also agree with me that apart from that paper, it must
0:02:26 > 0:02:30have the means of production and good quality production and being
0:02:30 > 0:02:33able to increase our food that we can grow in this country rather than
0:02:33 > 0:02:38decrease it as we go forward with the new British agricultural policy.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43I agree with the Points my honourable friend raises. He and I
0:02:43 > 0:02:49have a background in the farming industry and recognising the
0:02:49 > 0:02:54importance of this for my country. We need to grow our agriculture
0:02:54 > 0:03:00business and produce more food. All consultation outlines a number of
0:03:00 > 0:03:02proposals including improving productivity and improving research
0:03:02 > 0:03:12and of element. -- and development. When will a decision be made on the
0:03:12 > 0:03:15reintroduction of a seasonal workers scheme so that crops don't rot in
0:03:15 > 0:03:20the ground this summer? The honourable gentleman will be
0:03:20 > 0:03:27aware this is an issue on which the Home Office leads. We have regular
0:03:27 > 0:03:32discussions with Home Office colleagues on these matters. We are
0:03:32 > 0:03:37getting feedback from industry on this matter. As was made clear in a
0:03:37 > 0:03:41speech to the NFU, we are looking closely at the idea of a seasonal
0:03:41 > 0:03:44agricultural workers scheme so we can have the labour we need after we
0:03:44 > 0:03:51leave the European Union. Most of the food produced and
0:03:51 > 0:03:54processed in my Cleethorpes constituency is reliant on good
0:03:54 > 0:03:58supplies of fish. Can the Minister given absolute assurance that the
0:03:58 > 0:04:02fishing industry will not be sold out in these negotiations as they
0:04:02 > 0:04:08were in the 1970s? We've consistently been clear that
0:04:08 > 0:04:11when we leave the European Union we leave the common fisheries policy.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15That means under international law the UN Convention on the law of the
0:04:15 > 0:04:18sea will become an independent coastal state and we will manage the
0:04:18 > 0:04:23fisheries resources in our exclusive zone and manage access to our own
0:04:23 > 0:04:28waters. How will he ensure that farming
0:04:28 > 0:04:33subsidies after Brexit will remain targeted at food production?
0:04:33 > 0:04:39We have been clear that we will maintain the total spend that we
0:04:39 > 0:04:43have on agriculture and the farming environment until 2022. We have also
0:04:43 > 0:04:46been clear, and our paper set this out, there will be a transitional
0:04:46 > 0:04:53period as we move from an incoherent system of area payments that we have
0:04:53 > 0:04:56now to one that is focused on the delivery of public goods. We
0:04:56 > 0:04:59recognise there will need to be a gradual transition from the old
0:04:59 > 0:05:03system to the new. The agricultural policy has been a
0:05:03 > 0:05:06disaster for the British dairy industry because it has been
0:05:06 > 0:05:10designed with the interest of French farmers, not British farmers. How
0:05:10 > 0:05:14can we put this right after Brexit? My honourable friend makes an
0:05:14 > 0:05:19important point. The common agricultural policy has all sorts of
0:05:19 > 0:05:22inconsistencies. Having a one size fits all agriculture for the whole
0:05:22 > 0:05:27of the EU makes no sense at all. As we leave the European Union and take
0:05:27 > 0:05:31back control of these matters we will have the freedom to design and
0:05:31 > 0:05:36agriculture policy that works for our own farmers.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Can I say first how relieved I am but the member the Tiverton Hamilton
0:05:39 > 0:05:48made it this important question. -- made it today to make this important
0:05:48 > 0:05:54question. He should be aware that deaf's figures show that 64% of
0:05:54 > 0:05:59farmers earn less than £10,000 per year and that eight supermarkets
0:05:59 > 0:06:05control almost 95% of the food retail market. -- DEFRA's figures.
0:06:05 > 0:06:12Farmers get 10% less than the value of their product which are sold in
0:06:12 > 0:06:16supermarkets. What is the minister going to do to tackle this clearly
0:06:16 > 0:06:21inequitable and unsustainable situation?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24She makes an important point. If we want to move to position where
0:06:24 > 0:06:27farmers are no longer dependent on subsidies it is important we support
0:06:27 > 0:06:33them to come together collaboratively to strengthen the
0:06:33 > 0:06:36supply chain so they get a fairer price for the food they produce. We
0:06:36 > 0:06:42recently outlined a series of proposals to have a statutory code
0:06:42 > 0:06:49on dairy and to have a statutory approach to other livestock with a
0:06:49 > 0:06:57range of other options. I've had regular dialogue with ministers
0:06:57 > 0:07:05regarding the role of the grocery code adjudicator. We recently had a
0:07:05 > 0:07:09call the evidence on this matter. It was published in February. We set
0:07:09 > 0:07:12out a range of measures to that fairness in the supply chain and
0:07:12 > 0:07:16strengthen the position of farmers and small producers.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20I am the paid chair of the trustees of the fair trade organisation
0:07:20 > 0:07:24tradecraft. There were high hopes across the chamber for a stronger
0:07:24 > 0:07:28groceries code adjudicator to protect supplies from unfair
0:07:28 > 0:07:33practices like last-minute cancellation of orders, unexplained
0:07:33 > 0:07:36deductions from invoices. Ministers started consulting 18 months ago on
0:07:36 > 0:07:40possible changes. The farming command paper last month promised
0:07:40 > 0:07:43fairness in the supply chain but hopes were dashed with the
0:07:43 > 0:07:49announcement last month of no change that the remit of the adjudicator.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Why are ministers failing to take action?
0:07:52 > 0:07:58I don't accept there was no change, as I said earlier, we have announced
0:07:58 > 0:08:01the package of measures which includes a £10 million collaboration
0:08:01 > 0:08:05fund to help farmers and small producers come together. A
0:08:05 > 0:08:08compulsory milk contracts legislation so that dairy farmers
0:08:08 > 0:08:13are protected. Compulsory sheep carcass classification. Ministers
0:08:13 > 0:08:17are making supply chain data easier to access to improve transparency
0:08:17 > 0:08:22and market integrity. And a review as to whether more grocery retailers
0:08:22 > 0:08:26should come under the remit of the GCA.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31I hear what the minister says, but given that the vast majority of
0:08:31 > 0:08:36producers and consumers are very keen to strengthen the grocery code
0:08:36 > 0:08:40adjudicator, why won't he do it? We are happy to help on this site if
0:08:40 > 0:08:47you just makes the move to say he is prepared to strengthen the code.--
0:08:47 > 0:08:53this side is he just makes the move. These were in very vulnerable
0:08:53 > 0:08:57sectors like dairy livestock who often end up becoming price takers
0:08:57 > 0:08:59because they don't have sufficient strength to deal with large
0:08:59 > 0:09:05processors. It was an issue of the supermarkets, more initially those
0:09:05 > 0:09:09processes, and a better way to take this forward is to introduce other
0:09:09 > 0:09:11statutory code that target the problem rather than change the remit
0:09:11 > 0:09:20of the GCA. With your permission I wish to group
0:09:20 > 0:09:25the following questions four, six, 13. Last autumn and independent
0:09:25 > 0:09:29working group was set up as part of the strategy for England to hold a
0:09:29 > 0:09:31corporate evidence of measures to reduce littering of drinks
0:09:31 > 0:09:38containers and promote recycling. This included deposit return
0:09:38 > 0:09:45schemes. I've recently received the report and considering their
0:09:45 > 0:09:47recommendations. 15 million plastic bottles a day are
0:09:47 > 0:09:50not recycled in this country. We know that a deposit return scheme
0:09:50 > 0:09:55can increase recycling rates. I hope they will introduce a scheme after
0:09:55 > 0:10:00this report. Can I urge the Government introduce a scheme that
0:10:00 > 0:10:04applies to all drinks containers, all sizes, from all sale locations,
0:10:04 > 0:10:11not just the on the go from and vending machines?Part of the
0:10:11 > 0:10:16evidence that was submitted reflects the role of the fact that councils
0:10:16 > 0:10:18offer a competitive recycling service at the kerb-side. I am
0:10:18 > 0:10:24delighted to save that rather have finally agreed to start collecting
0:10:24 > 0:10:27plastic bottles, as well. I would say we need to consider this
0:10:27 > 0:10:31approach carefully. I think there is an appetite to have such DRS but the
0:10:31 > 0:10:34schemes we have seen in other parts of Europe are very different and we
0:10:34 > 0:10:37would have to make sure we had one that worked for this country and
0:10:37 > 0:10:41achieve the outcomes we all seek. Like many colleagues I have pledged
0:10:41 > 0:10:47to pass on plastics. For too many of my constituent it's impossible
0:10:47 > 0:10:51because their Street and lives are inundated with a flood of plastic
0:10:51 > 0:10:56bottles, bags, packets, turning their environment into a dumping
0:10:56 > 0:11:02ground. Will the Minister take action urgently and stop denying
0:11:02 > 0:11:05local authorities like Newcastle City Council the powers and the
0:11:05 > 0:11:08resources to tackle the problem because frankly right now on the
0:11:08 > 0:11:14environment this Government is rubbish.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19I think that question was a complete waste of space. The honourable lady
0:11:19 > 0:11:26refers about powers. This Government has given councils powers to tackle
0:11:26 > 0:11:32littering and waste crime. She is being rather ungenerous in what
0:11:32 > 0:11:37progress is being made. In terms of plastic I would say that plastic has
0:11:37 > 0:11:42a role in quite a lot of making sure we have safe packaging but it has
0:11:42 > 0:11:45become endemic. That is why we are considering that carefully in the
0:11:45 > 0:11:49resources and waste strategy which we intend to publish later this
0:11:49 > 0:11:51year. Across my constituency of later we
0:11:51 > 0:11:57have litter picking grapes and we see loads of areas where plastic
0:11:57 > 0:12:00bottles and glass bottles are dumped. Will she commit to
0:12:00 > 0:12:04introducing a deposit return scheme for plastic and other containers so
0:12:04 > 0:12:08we can avoid this plague of plastic?
0:12:08 > 0:12:16The people who drop litter are litter louts and I repeat my phrase,
0:12:16 > 0:12:22don't be a tosser! Let's get real about how we need to tackle that. I
0:12:22 > 0:12:27want to commend the work of Keep Britain Tidy. But we need to sort
0:12:27 > 0:12:34this out. That is why DRS is being considered as part of our waste
0:12:34 > 0:12:39strategy.Thank you, an international women's day I would be
0:12:39 > 0:12:44like to be more consensual and ask the minister to applaud the campaign
0:12:44 > 0:12:51by our female colleagues to give up plastics for lent and the Church of
0:12:51 > 0:12:55England for practical suggestions for something we can do on every one
0:12:55 > 0:13:02of 40 days. Has the minister given up something in plastic for lent and
0:13:02 > 0:13:06will he join us in writing to manufacturers to find a sustainable
0:13:06 > 0:13:14solution?THE SPEAKER:Spare the details.The church commissioner
0:13:14 > 0:13:18would call upon God to inspire us and the Church of England. I'm one
0:13:18 > 0:13:26of those people who has also taken the pledge to give up single use
0:13:26 > 0:13:32plastic for lent. I have had to sacrifice my Marmite in the tea
0:13:32 > 0:13:40room, because they're in plastic sachets. One of the things that this
0:13:40 > 0:13:46campaign about passing on plastic is about behaviour and consumer change.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51I believe companies are responding and we are start together see
0:13:51 > 0:13:56changes, the more -- starting to see changes. But I'm assuring the House
0:13:56 > 0:14:01this Government will take action. The scheme isn't just about
0:14:01 > 0:14:10recycling, it is about educating of the need to be responsible. Would
0:14:10 > 0:14:15the minister praise the towns in Cornwall who have declared that
0:14:15 > 0:14:21their aim is so become single-use plastic free and does she agree when
0:14:21 > 0:14:27it comes to raising awareness on this, Cornwall is leading the way?
0:14:27 > 0:14:31My honourable friend is passionate about this cause and I applaud the
0:14:31 > 0:14:39towns and communities in Cornwall for wanting to do the right thing.?
0:14:39 > 0:14:51Ash borne tens and thousands of plastic bottles have been handed out
0:14:51 > 0:14:54because of the interruption in the water supply. Will my honourable
0:14:54 > 0:15:02friend look at this specific case? As I announced the other day, I have
0:15:02 > 0:15:13undertaken a review and I would encourage water companies to improve
0:15:13 > 0:15:20compensation and I expect Severn Trent is responding to that.The
0:15:20 > 0:15:26plastic we see on our beaches that brings it to people's attention A
0:15:26 > 0:15:35BBC report found that in one litre of melted Arctic sea ice there were
0:15:35 > 0:15:39234 plastic particles, that should be why we take this urgently and if
0:15:39 > 0:15:45she is consulting it should be about how we do it, not if.This
0:15:45 > 0:15:49government has taken strong action on banning microplastics from
0:15:49 > 0:15:52certain products. We are still waiting for the other nations, but
0:15:52 > 0:15:57they have committed to make sure that happens. One of the points he
0:15:57 > 0:16:02refers to is this is a global matter and we work hard with other nations
0:16:02 > 0:16:07through different forums whether it is the G7 or other agencies and the
0:16:07 > 0:16:15UN and common wealth countries who will be visiting the the UK for the
0:16:15 > 0:16:21summit.Our approach to environment policy was set out in our 25-year
0:16:21 > 0:16:35environment plan. Our approach to agriculture was published last week.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Thank you for that answer. Can I ask the minister does he agree there
0:16:39 > 0:16:44should be a common framework for environmental standards across the
0:16:44 > 0:16:49whole of the United Kingdom after Brexit?Well as the honourable lady
0:16:49 > 0:16:53will be aware, through the EU withdrawal Bill, we are bringing
0:16:53 > 0:16:59across all of the existing EU legislation as it pertains to the
0:16:59 > 0:17:04environment. The Secretary of State outlined plans for a new
0:17:04 > 0:17:07environmental body and we are in discussion with the devolved
0:17:07 > 0:17:11administrations about their involvement and the UK framework in
0:17:11 > 0:17:18these matters.Park keeper or food producer, whatever the future for
0:17:18 > 0:17:22farming, does my honourable friend agree that there must be, it must be
0:17:22 > 0:17:27possible to earn a living out of farm something-- out of farming. I
0:17:27 > 0:17:33agree with my honourable friend, who I know has a lot of experience in
0:17:33 > 0:17:37these matters. He is right, there will be parts of the country where
0:17:37 > 0:17:42some farmers may choose to do more by way of delivering environmental
0:17:42 > 0:17:46outcomes and environmental delivery, parts of country where they may
0:17:46 > 0:17:54focus on food production. Be we want a vibrant farming industry.The
0:17:54 > 0:18:03Prime Minister in a speech last Friday welcomely said there would be
0:18:03 > 0:18:11no compromise on animal welfare standards. What guarantee can he
0:18:11 > 0:18:17give that farmers won't be damaged after post Brexit trade deals.We
0:18:17 > 0:18:23have been clear that we will not lower our high animal welfare
0:18:23 > 0:18:31standard and food standards in pursuit of a trade deal.Thank you,
0:18:31 > 0:18:38again with permission, I wish to group the following questions. Our
0:18:38 > 0:18:45oceans are part of our way of life and the blue planet series drew
0:18:45 > 0:18:50attention to how they're under threat. The scheme shows what we are
0:18:50 > 0:18:58doing to manage harmful pressures. Our fishermen are strong custodians
0:18:58 > 0:19:04of fishing environment and fishermen in Scotland are looking forward to
0:19:04 > 0:19:08this Government taking us out of disastrous common fisheries policy.
0:19:08 > 0:19:16Does she agree leaving the EU provides fishermen with a sea of
0:19:16 > 0:19:20opportunity and part of that will involve protecting the marine
0:19:20 > 0:19:25environment?Thank you, as my honourable friend the Prime Minister
0:19:25 > 0:19:30reinforced in the Mansion House speech, we will be leaving the
0:19:30 > 0:19:35common fisheries policy and this gives an independent to manage the
0:19:35 > 0:19:43fisheries that we have.The final straw is a new community group whose
0:19:43 > 0:19:48objective is to reduce plastic use and clean up our coastlines,
0:19:48 > 0:19:54will-join me in congratulating their work and encourage more groups to
0:19:54 > 0:20:00continue protecting our marine environment.I commend the organiser
0:20:00 > 0:20:05of final straw Solent. It matters that we have local action. We want
0:20:05 > 0:20:10to have wider action to stop people dropping litter. But on
0:20:10 > 0:20:15international women's day we should look to Dame Ellen McArthur, who is
0:20:15 > 0:20:19known for her sailing record, but she is known as a true champion of
0:20:19 > 0:20:23the environment and she is doing a lot of work to make sure we have a
0:20:23 > 0:20:34reduction of plastics.What about coral?Mr Speaker, not a lot of
0:20:34 > 0:20:41people know this, but we have some of the most spectacular coral reefs
0:20:41 > 0:20:47in this, in the world in these fire islands. They're -- fair islands.
0:20:47 > 0:20:54The Scottish is protecting coral in their marine protected areas. We
0:20:54 > 0:21:02have reengaged with international coral reef protection.This is a
0:21:02 > 0:21:09global challenge. For all our lives and we have got a CPA, common
0:21:09 > 0:21:14Parliamentary meeting coming up in London, isn't it time she and her
0:21:14 > 0:21:19boss got got there and made common cause to do something on a global
0:21:19 > 0:21:26scale that is meaningful?There are now 53 common wealth nations and
0:21:26 > 0:21:33that is... We are working together with our common wealth nations to
0:21:33 > 0:21:39have an ambitious blue charter to focus on the challenges he sets out.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42My honourable friend for Huddersfield is right that the
0:21:42 > 0:21:46threats to our oceans are international and not national. It
0:21:46 > 0:21:54is good to take action on plastics locally, but coral reefs, plastics
0:21:54 > 0:21:57in the sea call for international action. What leadership will this
0:21:57 > 0:22:01government give at that level.I think the United Kingdom is the
0:22:01 > 0:22:06international leader on these issues. As I said to the honourable
0:22:06 > 0:22:09gentleman this is an international matter, all this moves around the
0:22:09 > 0:22:16world and recently I have been to the United States and Canada,
0:22:16 > 0:22:20working with the Canada G7 presidency and this is very much at
0:22:20 > 0:22:26the top of the agenda for the Government.At the last DEFRA
0:22:26 > 0:22:32questions on 25th January I asked the question for fishing given the
0:22:32 > 0:22:40turns in the EU and where it is going, the Secretary state said the
0:22:40 > 0:22:46people in the swus can enjoy the produce of our fisherman. Said good
0:22:46 > 0:22:53dodge. He said thank you. I wonder if we can get an answer. Given all
0:22:53 > 0:23:00the turns the Government tell fishermen they will get from leaving
0:23:00 > 0:23:04the EU what and when.The Government is seeking a trade deal, but he
0:23:04 > 0:23:09should be aware other countries like Iceland have control of their
0:23:09 > 0:23:12waters, grant access and there are annual negotiations for shared
0:23:12 > 0:23:22shocks. We will continue to be part part of negotiation.Leaving the I
0:23:22 > 0:23:27you gives the UK an opportunity to improve the profitability of
0:23:27 > 0:23:35agriculture sector. We out an approach that and improve the
0:23:35 > 0:23:42competitiveness of the farming sector. Can I congratulate the first
0:23:42 > 0:23:48ever woman president of the National Farmers Union.May I join him in
0:23:48 > 0:23:55that sentiment. Brexit is the greatest threat to Scottish farming
0:23:55 > 0:23:58and Scotland has higher rates of funding and the types of farming
0:23:58 > 0:24:02that can take place are specific, will he commit to make sure no
0:24:02 > 0:24:08subsidies are cut to Scotland after Brexit?The honourable lady will be
0:24:08 > 0:24:13aware that it is our intention that agriculture policy and the design of
0:24:13 > 0:24:17individual schemes will very much be a matter for the devolved
0:24:17 > 0:24:20administrations and so I very much look forward to some of the
0:24:20 > 0:24:22proposals that may come from the Scottish Government. We have offered
0:24:22 > 0:24:26to share our own propose ls with them so they can learn from the
0:24:26 > 0:24:35analysis we are doing.I'm proud that veil of've sham asparagus has
0:24:35 > 0:24:41been granted international status by the EU. It helps boost the brand.
0:24:41 > 0:24:51Will PGI status still be recognised post Brexit?That is an important
0:24:51 > 0:24:55point and Evesham asparagus has a great reputation around the world.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58The point I would make about the protected food names, the intention
0:24:58 > 0:25:07we have is the existing legislation will come across through the
0:25:07 > 0:25:12withdrawal bill. Those will be protected through our domestic
0:25:12 > 0:25:18legislation.My honourable friend is surprisingly shy and self efacing,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21we are unlikely to reach question 12, if the honourable gentleman
0:25:21 > 0:25:26wants to favour the House with his thoughts now on this question, he is
0:25:26 > 0:25:33welcome to do so.Thank you very much Mr Speaker. One way to make
0:25:33 > 0:25:38small farms viable is to value add to the product and I I was brought
0:25:38 > 0:25:43up on a dairy farm and today my brother is a successful cheese
0:25:43 > 0:25:49maker. Would the minister... Undertake to instruct his officials
0:25:49 > 0:25:54to encourage small farms to go down this route and could it be shared
0:25:54 > 0:25:59with the Scottish Government, because it is devolved in my case.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02I'm grateful to the honourable gentleman as will be the honourable
0:26:02 > 0:26:06gentleman's brother.We recognise the importance of our small family
0:26:06 > 0:26:10farms and we also recognise some may face for challenges in the
0:26:10 > 0:26:17transition from the old system to the future. So we set out details
0:26:17 > 0:26:22proposals on a gradual transition and set out measures to help support
0:26:22 > 0:26:27productivity and help them add value and get a fairer price for their
0:26:27 > 0:26:30products and we would be happy to share our proposals with the
0:26:30 > 0:26:35Scottish Government.Shropshire formers have pleased with some of
0:26:35 > 0:26:39the mood music coming from the Government about financial support
0:26:39 > 0:26:44that they will get in the post Brexit world. Will the minister
0:26:44 > 0:26:50commit to me to come to the Shropshire Show this year or one of
0:26:50 > 0:26:55his officials to continue that dialogue with farmers?I thank my
0:26:55 > 0:26:59honourable friend for that invitation and I or another minister
0:26:59 > 0:27:09would be delighted to attend th Shropshire show.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17We are committed to maintaining and improving our world leading animal
0:27:17 > 0:27:22welfare standards. Our consultation paper sets out options we are
0:27:22 > 0:27:28considering, such as pilot schemes offering payments to farmers
0:27:28 > 0:27:45offering higher welfare outcomes and proposals for chicken and pigs.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Does the Minister agree that anybody charged with the most serious type
0:27:54 > 0:28:00of animal welfare offences should not be able to acquire new livestock
0:28:00 > 0:28:04in the run-up to their trial? And will he meet with me to discuss this
0:28:04 > 0:28:11matter?The animal welfare act 2006 gives the courts power to dispose a
0:28:11 > 0:28:14disqualification order on anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary
0:28:14 > 0:28:18suffering to animals. This can disqualify someone not only from
0:28:18 > 0:28:21owning or keeping animals but crucially from having any influence
0:28:21 > 0:28:29over the way an animal is kept. If somebody is suspected of breaching
0:28:29 > 0:28:32this they should report to the authorities. He will understand that
0:28:32 > 0:28:35there is a difference where somebody has been charged but not yet
0:28:35 > 0:28:39prosecuted. I would be happy to meet my honourable friend to discuss this
0:28:39 > 0:28:44matter further.The Minister will be aware of long-standing public health
0:28:44 > 0:28:49concerns about the routine overuse of antibiotics on UK farms. We hear
0:28:49 > 0:28:53that on American farms they are five times higher, particularly in US
0:28:53 > 0:28:56beef production. What conversations is he having with his colleagues in
0:28:56 > 0:28:59the health department to make sure that opening the markets to US beef
0:28:59 > 0:29:04doesn't happen so we don't have a public health crisis in this
0:29:04 > 0:29:08country.She makes an important point. We've made good progress in
0:29:08 > 0:29:12the UK to reduce our antibiotic use in agriculture. Notable successes in
0:29:12 > 0:29:16the poultry industry and the pig sector also making improvements in
0:29:16 > 0:29:21this area. We have been clear that we want to support approaches to
0:29:21 > 0:29:25livestock. It will enable us to reduce the use of antibiotics
0:29:25 > 0:29:29further. As I said earlier we will not compromise our food standards
0:29:29 > 0:29:33and animal welfare standards in pursuit of any trade.Question
0:29:33 > 0:29:37number 11.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44Game is an important part of our food heritage. It is a draw on many
0:29:44 > 0:29:48users across the UK and asserted in many establishments. Exports are
0:29:48 > 0:29:55believed to be worth £9 billion in 2016 and £7 billion in 2017. We
0:29:55 > 0:29:59continue to raise the profile and reputation of UK food and drink
0:29:59 > 0:30:04overseas through the food is great campaign.You will be well aware
0:30:04 > 0:30:14that the game factors... Some 14 million... You'll also be aware that
0:30:14 > 0:30:19the European market and France in particular, their market has fallen.
0:30:19 > 0:30:25As such could ask the minister if he would be prepared to introduce game
0:30:25 > 0:30:28into the far east, particularly China, which is a market crying out
0:30:28 > 0:30:36for game for their plates.I regularly take part in trade
0:30:36 > 0:30:44delegations with the UK Government. And a couple of years ago I attended
0:30:44 > 0:30:48the food conference in Cologne, Germany. There was a producer there,
0:30:48 > 0:30:53and export to come of UK game. I'm happy to meet him and look at what
0:30:53 > 0:31:00proposals he might have in this area. -- and export,
0:31:02 > 0:31:09since our last DEFRA questions the department has continued to work on
0:31:09 > 0:31:13our departure from the EU with the publication of our command paper on
0:31:13 > 0:31:19huge agricultural policy.In addition we've laid legislation in
0:31:19 > 0:31:24slaughterhouses, taking forward our agenda to enhance animal welfare.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Parliament has also debated and passed legislation to strengthen the
0:31:27 > 0:31:29laws in terms of combating letter.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Remainers only disagree that one of the very worst aspects of our EU
0:31:35 > 0:31:38membership is the common fisheries policy. Can the Minister confirm we
0:31:38 > 0:31:42are leaving it on the 29th of March next year, that the British fishing
0:31:42 > 0:31:48industry can be relaunched as a result, and that he won't trade our
0:31:48 > 0:31:51newly won sovereignty over fishing in the interest of a wider trade
0:31:51 > 0:31:57deal. We've also been -- always been clear
0:31:57 > 0:32:01that we will leave the common fisheries policy when we leave and
0:32:01 > 0:32:05become an independent coastal state under international law. There are
0:32:05 > 0:32:09always annual negotiations. Even for those countries outside the EU. To
0:32:09 > 0:32:13agree an approach on the management of shared stocks. We envisage such
0:32:13 > 0:32:18meetings will continue. I can confirm the UK Government's view is
0:32:18 > 0:32:23that there is a trade discussion to take place. We want a free trade
0:32:23 > 0:32:30agreement. We want to take back control of our waters.Last week's
0:32:30 > 0:32:33freezing temperatures have caused chaos to water supplies this week.
0:32:33 > 0:32:38Households in London are those hardest hit. There is a systemic
0:32:38 > 0:32:42failure by Thames Water to comply with their legal obligations to
0:32:42 > 0:32:45provide ten litres of water per person everyday customer is
0:32:45 > 0:32:48disconnected. Can the Minister confirm that was the case. If so,
0:32:48 > 0:32:53when the department was notified as requirement. And what actions will
0:32:53 > 0:32:57be taken against the companies who failed in this.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02I have ordered a review of what has been happening. I have asked for the
0:33:02 > 0:33:10review to be available. I will update her after that.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14I hope we can ensure that water is still getting to those customers who
0:33:14 > 0:33:18was still going without connected water supply this week. Given that
0:33:18 > 0:33:31executives at the top nine sewage companies in the UK got -- paid out
0:33:31 > 0:33:38dividends. What is this Government's plan to rebalance executive pay and
0:33:38 > 0:33:46get a grip on our water companies if the department responsible has said
0:33:46 > 0:33:50they will not do that.There is an expectation of increased investment
0:33:50 > 0:33:53which needs to be made by the industry. The price review is
0:33:53 > 0:33:58underway. Water companies will be coming out with the consultation. My
0:33:58 > 0:34:01right honourable friend spoke to water UK a few weeks ago. He has
0:34:01 > 0:34:06read them the riot act. I will repeat he has said he will use
0:34:06 > 0:34:12whatever powers needed for the water companies to up their game.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15In my constituency plastic debris is often washed up on the town speech,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19harming the local ecosystem and damaging tourism. Does my right
0:34:19 > 0:34:22honourable friend agree with me that reducing plastic waste will be
0:34:22 > 0:34:26essential for the regeneration of Britain's seaside towns?Absolutely.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29I lived in Sowerby as a child. I visited your constituency many
0:34:29 > 0:34:36times. -- Formby as a child. I commend the work being done. He will
0:34:36 > 0:34:40be aware of the ongoing since we are trying to do to reduce the amount of
0:34:40 > 0:34:43plastic entering the oceans and therefore our beaches.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48The committee on toxicity is currently reviewing the most recent
0:34:48 > 0:34:50research on folic acid. If they advised the Government that the
0:34:50 > 0:34:55maximum recommendation intake should be increased or abolished, will the
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Minister commit to following the scientific evidence and the success
0:34:58 > 0:35:04of other countries to require fortification of flour with folic
0:35:04 > 0:35:10acid to reduce defects. This is an issue which is shared
0:35:10 > 0:35:16between the Department for health and DEFRA. They lead on the issue
0:35:16 > 0:35:19with very little acid, we lead on the issue of labelling issues. There
0:35:19 > 0:35:23was a complexity in EU law. EU regulations require that all
0:35:23 > 0:35:28products that have flour must include the labelling. That creates
0:35:28 > 0:35:31problems for industry. If there is a recommendation we will look sensibly
0:35:31 > 0:35:36at this. Once we leave the European Union we have an opportunity to
0:35:36 > 0:35:43adopt a slightly different approach. What has she done to stop our
0:35:43 > 0:35:50songbirds from being trapped and eaten in Cyprus?My honourable
0:35:50 > 0:35:54friend has brought up an important issue. As part of an international
0:35:54 > 0:35:59convention on migratory species the issue of the illegal trapping in
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Cyprus has been a long-running theme. That is why I would like to
0:36:02 > 0:36:06commend the Ministry of Defence, the police, and Armed Forces at the
0:36:06 > 0:36:09sovereign base in Cyprus who are working hard to tackle this issue
0:36:09 > 0:36:13which means the RSPB has shown there has been a 70% fall in the amount of
0:36:13 > 0:36:19illegal poaching going on. So glad he does not represent a
0:36:19 > 0:36:23migratory species. I doubt that proposition would be the subject of
0:36:23 > 0:36:29a division in the house. In the light of the Secretary of
0:36:29 > 0:36:33State warning to water companies to address public concerns of prices,
0:36:33 > 0:36:38is the Minister aware of the nine water companies committed to the
0:36:38 > 0:36:41keep me posted campaign to ensure consumers have the right to choose
0:36:41 > 0:36:50paper bills and statements? I believe customers can choose to
0:36:50 > 0:36:54keep paper bills. I think water companies like many other companies
0:36:54 > 0:36:57offer a discount if people choose to switch to electronic communication.
0:36:57 > 0:37:04But I am sure this is an issue customers can take up if this is
0:37:04 > 0:37:11proving a problem. Thousands of my constituents have
0:37:11 > 0:37:16their water shot off by Southern due to poor winter preparedness. What
0:37:16 > 0:37:22discussions has the department had with the water industry, and the
0:37:22 > 0:37:28regulator to ensure that this doesn't happen in future winters?
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Officials have been in regular touch with the water companies. On Tuesday
0:37:31 > 0:37:35I convened a meeting of the chief executives of the water companies,
0:37:35 > 0:37:40and the regulator, and water UK. As announced, I've asked them to
0:37:40 > 0:37:45undertake a review to look into the practices that happened.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49The command paper includes the line we will adopt a trade approach which
0:37:49 > 0:37:54promotes lower prices for consumers, which I find worrying. Isn't it the
0:37:54 > 0:37:57case that food prices are historically low already, lower
0:37:57 > 0:38:01prices will not do anything for British farmers. We need good
0:38:01 > 0:38:04quality, affordable food, which is healthy for people, not a race to
0:38:04 > 0:38:09the bottom in terms of getting ever cheaper food.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14The point were making in the paper, it isn't the long-term. There may be
0:38:14 > 0:38:17opportunities in certain sectors, particularly for food, that we are
0:38:17 > 0:38:21unable to produce ourselves in this country to have lower prices in
0:38:21 > 0:38:24certain products. This is an important point. Generally we have
0:38:24 > 0:38:34low food prices and stable food prices in this country.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Given the intention to use public money to promote public good does my
0:38:38 > 0:38:42honourable friend agree that as well as rewarding farmers for looking
0:38:42 > 0:38:47after the environment we should support growers who contribute to
0:38:47 > 0:38:51public health by growing healthy fruit and vegetables.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55That's a very important point. As a former fruit and vegetable grower I
0:38:55 > 0:39:00should perhaps declare an interest in this. She is right. We believe
0:39:00 > 0:39:04our future policy insofar as its support and innovation will be open
0:39:04 > 0:39:08to the horticultural sector so they can invest in their future. We also
0:39:08 > 0:39:13talk about the importance of promoting nutritious food.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17The Government said in court they considered it sufficient to take a
0:39:17 > 0:39:22pragmatic, less formal approach to areas of poor air quality.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Portsmouth has consistently breached World Health Organisation guidelines
0:39:25 > 0:39:31with 95 premature deaths each year attributed to air pollution. Does
0:39:31 > 0:39:34the minister consider it appropriate to take an informed approach to
0:39:34 > 0:39:38preventing deaths and protecting the health of my constituents?Thank
0:39:38 > 0:39:42you. The honourable gentleman is selectively quoting from the
0:39:42 > 0:39:47judgment. However, this Government takes air quality very seriously.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50The issue regarding Portsmouth is that they are expected to come into
0:39:50 > 0:39:54compliance within the next two, three years. The Government has been
0:39:54 > 0:39:58using the benchmark. That would take four years to come into place. He
0:39:58 > 0:40:01may well shake his head but he needs to be working with his counsel about
0:40:01 > 0:40:06what they are doing to improve local roads, with public health, and what
0:40:06 > 0:40:09they are working on. I'm sure he will be working alongside counts
0:40:09 > 0:40:14Madonna Jones who is making great efforts to improve air quality. --
0:40:14 > 0:40:23councillor Donna Jones.Existing reciprocal access to fishing waters
0:40:23 > 0:40:26and resources should be maintained. All this seemed to suggest that any
0:40:26 > 0:40:30future trade deal will be heavily dependent on EU fishermen
0:40:30 > 0:40:35maintaining their on the access to British waters. This position is
0:40:35 > 0:40:38acceptable to fishing communities around the UK. Can my honourable
0:40:38 > 0:40:43friend confirm that this Government considers the EU's position on this
0:40:43 > 0:40:48as just an acceptable?Yes. I simply say to my honourable friend that
0:40:48 > 0:40:52this is the EU position. They currently benefit considerably from
0:40:52 > 0:41:03access to UK waters. At the moment the UK fleets' access to European
0:41:03 > 0:41:11waters is far lower than they have access to UK waters.Can I draw your
0:41:11 > 0:41:15attention to the serious oil spill stretching from my constituency
0:41:15 > 0:41:18right down the River lead to the Olympic Park. It is the second time
0:41:18 > 0:41:23it has happened in two years. Is it not now time for the Environment
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Agency, river to canals trust, and the local authorities in Thames
0:41:26 > 0:41:29water to get together, once they have cleaned up the spill, to see
0:41:29 > 0:41:34what they can do to prevent this?I have already replied to the
0:41:34 > 0:41:37honourable gentleman through written questions. In particular the
0:41:37 > 0:41:42Environment Agency has traced the potential polluter but I cannot give
0:41:42 > 0:41:45further details due to the ongoing investigation. The Environment
0:41:45 > 0:41:52Agency carries out prevention reviews and we are still working to
0:41:52 > 0:41:57clear it up.Last week the Department's Brexit paper was also
0:41:57 > 0:42:01about the availability of food yet made zero reference to the scandal
0:42:01 > 0:42:05that one in 12 British adults have gone a whole day without food. Why
0:42:05 > 0:42:10doesn't this Government care about people going hungry?
0:42:10 > 0:42:16We do care and we have a number of initiatives to support some of
0:42:16 > 0:42:22the... Approaches to supporting food banks and make sure food goes into
0:42:22 > 0:42:25redistribution and we are also reforming and improving the benefits
0:42:25 > 0:42:30system to help people back into work, which is the best alternative.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34The minister will be aware of the concerns raised by the food
0:42:34 > 0:42:38producers and farmers in Northern Ireland when it cops to cross-border
0:42:38 > 0:42:44trade. Would the minister agree we need to find an arrangement that
0:42:44 > 0:42:51will accommodate even?-- accommodate everyone. Yes, I met him
0:42:51 > 0:42:53and others to discuss the challenges of Northern