Soil Health

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Morgan

Monday 8th July 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

The noble Countess is right that part of min-till or no-till is that glyphosate is required because of the accumulation of weeds. We in the department will always act on the best independent scientific evidence available, and glyphosate is on the market because it is deemed safe.

[Lord Morgan (Lab)]

My Lords, the Minister has not mentioned devolution in this connection. Can he make some observations about its importance for the Government’s plans?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I did not raise it because soil is a devolved matter and it will therefore be for the other Administrations to work on this. All I can say is that soil is an asset of great value across the country. In Defra’s collaborations and discussions with all Ministers from all the Administrations, soil and its health are clearly of national interest—by that, I mean for the United Kingdom.

Bishop of Guildford: Appointment

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Morgan

Thursday 3rd July 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I can safely say that much of this is a matter for the church. There is legislation going back to the 19th century on these matters. At some point perhaps that might be looked at.

[Lord Morgan (Lab)]

My Lords, would it not be desirable if the Prime Minister made no suggestion about appointing the Bishop of Guildford, as would be the case with the disestablished Church in Wales? Would that not greatly liberate the church as an independent body free from the trammels of state interference?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I am not sure that I am inclined to that view. Obviously the Church in Wales and the Church of England have taken different paths. That is a matter for the Church of England.