Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any correlation between the conditions in which livestock used for meat are kept and the emergence of novel zoonotic diseases.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Government’s assessment is that different types of farming systems can be managed in a professional way as long as they have good biosecurity plans and housing systems to reduce disease transmission.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further (1) to the objections of the Wildlife Trust, and (2) to the statements from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, about the reported harmful effects of the pesticide neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, what plans they have reverse their decision to allow the use of products containing that pesticide.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Government continues to support the existing restrictions on neonicotinoids. The Government has always been clear that it can consider applications for emergency authorisations, as defined by the legislation. An emergency authorisation will only be granted where the relevant statutory requirements are met. These are that use of the pesticide is necessary because of a danger which cannot be contained by any other reasonable means, that use is limited and controlled and that there are special circumstances. If these requirements are met, the Government considers whether the benefits of use outweigh any risks to people or to the environment.
After careful consideration of all the issues, the Government has decided to grant an application for emergency authorisation to allow use of Cruiser SB (containing the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam) for the treatment of sugar beet seed in 2021. The authorisation has been issued for the 2021 sugar beet crop only. Use of Cruiser SB or a similar product in any subsequent years would require the submission of a further application. If any further applications are made in the future, they will be fully assessed against the regulatory framework for emergency authorisations.
Sugar beet is a non-flowering crop and the risks to bees from the sugar beet crop itself were assessed to be acceptable. Risks to bees were identified arising from soil residues taken up by flowering weeds or following crops. Mitigation measures were therefore built into the requirements of the emergency authorisation. These included a reduced application rate, effective control of weeds and minimum periods set between the planting of treated sugar beet and a subsequent flowering crop. For most crops this period was set at 22 months but a longer period of 32 months was chosen for oilseed rape as it is particularly attractive to bees.
Under EU legislation Member States may grant emergency authorisations in exceptional circumstances. The UK’s approach to the use of emergency authorisations has not changed as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU. Ten EU countries including Belgium, Denmark and Spain have granted emergency authorisations for neonicotinoid seed treatments since 2018.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Indonesia about the treatment of animals, in particular the treatment of endangered species, including the slow loris, in pet markets in that country.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
We are proud of our world-leading animal welfare standards, which are backed by a rigorous legislative framework. The Government takes seriously reports of animal cruelty throughout the world and the UK is at the forefront of international efforts to protect endangered animals and plants from poaching and illegal trade.
In 2018, the UK convened the largest ever global IWT conference at which 65 countries signed up to the London Declaration, committing to take urgent, coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade. The IWT Challenge Fund has committed over £26m to 85 projects around the world, including working in Indonesia to building law enforcement capacity and helping communities to protect their wildlife.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether UK musicians will need a CITES permit or an ATA Carnet for musical instruments being transported from Great Britain to Northern Ireland following the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
After the Transition Period, controls implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) will apply to the movement of CITES specimens between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). This is as a result of our international obligations under CITES, and the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. If a musical instrument contains CITES-listed species (and is not exempted) then CITES documents will be required for movements from GB to NI after 31 December. ATA Carnets cannot be used as an alternative to CITES documentation.
However, after the Transition period, ATA Carnets will become an option for temporarily moving goods between GB, EU and NI. Use of an ATA Carnet is optional and is a commercial decision whether it is the most cost-effective method in each specific circumstance.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of legislating to establish an animal offenders’ register, which could be accessed by the police, animal welfare charities, and pet breeders in England and Wales.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
The Government takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously and supports increasing the maximum custodial penalty for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years.
The Police National Computer already records convictions for animal cruelty offences. Certain organisations have access to this information, where appropriate to fulfil their public function. This allows us to securely protect this important information from misuse, and also for it to be available for organisations with a justified need to access this information. If anyone, including animal welfare charities or pet breeders, has concerns about whether someone is keeping animals in contravention of a disqualification order they should report it to the police who can investigate.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the exemptions included in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 relating to organised outdoor sports on species at risk of extinction.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
The Government has exempted over 30 types of sport, exercise and physical activity such as football, rugby and other outdoor pursuits from the gatherings limit. Outdoor activity is safer from a transmission perspective, and it is often easier to social distance. Just as it did before the coronavirus outbreak, the government recognises it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected, and we ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between outdoor sports and conservation.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to prevent species extinction, and (2) to work with other nations and international organisations to implement worldwide measures to protect species at risk of extinction.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
In England, the 25 Year Environment Plan (YEP) marked a step-change in ambition for wildlife and the natural environment. We are already taking action to fulfil this ambition. We have brought forward the first Environment Bill in over 20 years with ambitious measures to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age, including restoring and enhancing nature. The Bill will set the framework for at least one legally binding target for biodiversity.
Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme supports the recovery of threatened and declining species in partnership with a number of stakeholder organisations. Natural England is also working with conservation organisations on the Back from the Brink programme. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and partners, it aims to save 20 of England’s most threatened animals and plants from extinction, and benefit over 200 other species.
The UK is party to a number of international conventions and agreements aimed at protecting species and ecosystems. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UK is committed to playing a leading role in the development of a post-2020 global biodiversity framework containing ambitious and practical targets to protect species. The UK is leading the Global Ocean Alliance of countries in support of ambitious ocean action, in particular protecting at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030. We are also investing over £66 million between 2014 to 2024 to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade and we continue to work within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to ensure that any trade in wildlife is sustainable.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the environmental impact of the disposal of single-use face masks once the wearing of face coverings in shops is made compulsory on 24 July.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
We have not carried out an assessment on the environmental impact of the disposal of single-use face masks.
Waste management, including disposal, is regulated through the environmental permitting system in England, which seeks to protect the environment and human health.
Face coverings that will be required in shops are not the same as the single-use surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of their PPE. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace. Instead, the latest Government advice on face coverings provides instructions on how people can make and care for reusable face coverings at home using scarves or other washable textiles, and is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering.
Reusable cloth face coverings are also available to buy from a wide range of retail outlets, including online.
The Government has published guidance on the disposal of face coverings and other PPE during the coronavirus pandemic. This is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-disposing-of-waste
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are providing to (1) zoos, and (2) animal welfare organisations, to enable animals to continue to be looked after throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and whether furloughed staff from these organisations are still able to provide support to animals on their premises.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
We recognise that zoos and other animal welfare organisations are undertaking very valuable work at this time to ensure that the health and welfare needs of the diverse range of animals they care for are well met.
The Government has provided a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support businesses, including zoos and other animal welfare organisations, through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. They are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding of up to £25,000.
In addition, specifically for zoos in severe financial distress, the Government has introduced a Zoos Support Fund for licensed zoos in England. Similar support will be provided by the Devolved Administrations. Where a zoo in England is in severe financial distress and has fully explored and exhausted all other reasonable avenues to generate income and reduce costs, then they can apply for this fund. Defra has already written to all licensed zoos in England to make them aware of the COVID-19 support schemes available as well as the new Zoo Support Fund. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-zoos-and-aquariums
We are in discussion with the animal welfare sector about the issue of support for the organisations working with companion animals and to understand the severe impacts on the sector and their needs.
Defra officials have also been engaging with some of the largest zoos to discuss additional concerns which are arising including over a longer time frame, and active consideration of these is ongoing.
Government guidance states that individuals who are furloughed can volunteer for any organisation that is not their employer.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of warnings from the National Farmers’ Union that leaving the EU without a deal could lead to sheep farmers going out of business and slaughtering their flocks; and what steps they intend to take in response.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The government recognises the particular concerns of our UK sheep farmers and is determined to support them as we leave the EU. The UK is one of the largest producers of sheep in the world and by far the largest exporter of sheepmeat in the EU.
Tariffs on trade are ultimately a tax on consumers, and economic modelling shows that if the EU were to apply the full Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff on the sheep sector, lamb prices in the EU are likely to rise. This may dampen demand in the EU resulting in more lamb seeking a market in the UK. Other leading producers like New Zealand may also retreat from the UK market and focus instead on the European market.
Analysis by the NFU suggests that the total cost to the sheep industry in year one under a no deal scenario would be approximately £150 million. Defra is designing contingency plans to ensure that we have the option to provide income support to farmers in the aftermath of a ‘no deal’ exit to mitigate this effect.