Asked by: Lord Crathorne (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what evidence they have that the proposed UK ban on historically sculpted ivory sales will (1) deter poachers in Africa, and (2) reduce the demand for sculpted ivory in Asia, India or the Middle East.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
In October 2017, the Government launched a consultation on proposals for a total ban on UK ivory sales that could contribute either directly or indirectly to the continued poaching of elephants, with certain narrowly defined and carefully targeted exemptions. These proposals will put the UK front and centre of efforts to end the trade in ivory. Through the consultation we sought views and evidence on the effect of the proposed ban, including on elephant conservation and the natural environment.
The Government has proposed a ban on the sale of ivory, as trade in ivory continues to incentivise poaching by creating a demand for new ivory and providing a way to launder recently poached ivory.
The consultation ended on 29 December 2017 and responses are currently being analysed, including any evidence provided on this issue. We will publish a response shortly.
Asked by: Lord Crathorne (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have plans to make colonoscopies available through the NHS as a method of screening for pre-symptomatic cancers.
Answered by Lord O'Shaughnessy
Colonoscopy is currently used in the National Health Service bowel cancer screening programme as a diagnostic tool to look at the bowel following a positive screen test for bowel cancer and to remove any polyps (growths) if detected.
The aim of a screening programme is to offer a safe and simple test to a large defined population who are at an average risk of developing the condition and to provide early intervention. Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure which in some cases can cause bleeding and discomfort and does not meet the United Kingdom National Screening Committee’s test criteria as noted.
Asked by: Lord Crathorne (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support small UK companies which are researching and trying to produce new antibiotics, in particular through the use of market entry rewards.
Answered by Lord O'Shaughnessy
The Government has invested in a range of research to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Specific investments aimed at small and medium sized enterprises include a competition call worth £4 million in 2016/17 launched by Innovate UK to reinvigorate AMR research and innovation networks in the United Kingdom. This call particularly focused on the need for collaborative working with industry, including small and medium sized enterprises, to bring products to market. The UK is also spending £50 million in a Global AMR Innovation Fund which aims to invest in global research and development for the benefit of people living in low- and middle-income countries. As part of this, it will consider how to provide access to finance for those researchers who struggle to access traditional funding sources, including small and medium sized enterprises.
In response to the independent review on AMR chaired by Lord O’Neill, the Government committed to strengthening support for market entry rewards in international fora including the G7 and G20 to address market failure in antibiotics. The Department is currently working through the G20 to make tangible progress in developing market incentives.
Asked by: Lord Crathorne (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to build bicycle tracks when new roads are constructed in the UK.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Management of roads is a devolved issue so I can only respond in respect of roads in England.
Highways England have committed to provide a safer, integrated and more accessible strategic road network for cyclists and other vulnerable road users, and will play a key role in ensuring that the ambition set for growth in cycling is fully supported by a dedicated programme of work to improve cycle facilities on or near our strategic road network.To support this, The Government has outlined a commitment to invest £100m between 2015/16 and 2020/21 to improve provision for cyclists on the strategic road network.
On a local level, provision of cycling infrastructure is for local traffic authorities as they are responsible for managing their road networks. The Department encourages them to ensure cycling is considered as part of the process of planning new development.The Department for Transport’s Cycle Infrastructure Design guidance supports local authorities on providing cycle-safe infrastructure for cyclists. The Government will continue to support sustainable transport with a new £580 million ‘Access’ fund, with £80 million revenue and £500 million capital. This will build on the legacy of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and support growth in both cycling and walking.