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Written Question
Nutrition: Research
Monday 10th March 2025

Asked by: David Mundell (Conservative - Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential contribution of (a) science and (b) other innovation to the development of healthier staple food.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

Science and innovation have a key role in developing a healthy, resilient and sustainable food system. Defra is contributing to a £47.5 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-led research programme on food systems for both planetary and human health; and a £15 million UKRI-led ‘Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club’ food sector innovation programme.

In 2024, Defra launched a £15 million 5-year investment in breeding for crop improvement, the Genetic Improvement Networks, which includes enhancing the nutritional quality of UK staple crops.

Innovative technologies such as precision breeding also have a key role to play in enhancing crop nutritional quality. Upcoming competitions within the Farming Innovation Programme include a competition to unlock the opportunities provided by the Precision Breeding Act.

Written Question
Nutrition
Monday 10th March 2025

Asked by: David Mundell (Conservative - Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of improving the nutritional content of foods through a Government Food Strategy.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

Our ambitious food strategy will set and deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system, and in doing so will consider elements of the food system that can contribute towards those outcomes

Written Question
Pesticides: Regulation
Friday 9th February 2024

Asked by: David Mundell (Conservative - Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of pesticide regulation by the (a) Health and Safety Executive and (b) Expert Committee on Pesticides.

Answered by Mark Spencer

The UK has one of the most robust regulatory systems in the world. Pesticides are only authorised following a thorough scientific risk assessment that concludes all safety standards are met. Pesticides that pose unacceptable risks are not authorised.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for these authorisations. They also undertake compliance and enforcement activities to ensure that where pesticides are used, they are used safely and in accordance with the law.

The role of the Expert Committee on Pesticides is to provide independent scientific advice, views and recommendations where required. The ECP publishes its annual report each year which summarises its work & it delivers expert advice as requested. The latest annual report to be published can be found here.

Speech in Westminster Hall - Thu 13 Oct 2022
Post-Brexit Fisheries Management

"Of course, Mr David Duguid, the Member for Banff and Buchan, whom the hon. Gentleman referenced in his contribution, has recently been made a Minister and therefore would not be able to participate in the debate as a Back-Bench Member...."
David Mundell - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Thu 13 Oct 2022
Post-Brexit Fisheries Management

"It is reassuring that the hon. Gentleman can bring his unique style to his new role. I call the Opposition spokesman, Daniel Zeichner...."
David Mundell - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 25 Apr 2022
Hunting

"I have been made aware that there are active appeal proceedings relating the subject of one of the e-petitions that will be debated, relating to convictions for being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. Brief factual references to the existence of those proceedings are permissible in the …..."
David Mundell - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 25 Apr 2022
Hunting

"As the hon. Lady set out, the appeal that I referenced at the beginning of this debate has been concluded, and therefore that case is no longer sub judice for the purpose of the debate. I call Sir Bill Wiggin...."
David Mundell - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 25 Apr 2022
Hunting

"Order. I interrupt the Minister because there is a vote in the main Chamber. I will suspend proceedings for up to 15 minutes. If hon. Members are back earlier than that, we will recommence earlier...."
David Mundell - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 25 Apr 2022
Hunting

"As the Member who moved the motion cannot be present, that will conclude the debate.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this House has considered e-petitions 552017 and 584076, relating to hunting...."
David Mundell - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 13 Dec 2021
Online Animal Sales: Regulation

"Before we begin, I remind Members that they are expected to wear face coverings when they are not speaking in the debate. This is in line with current Government guidance and that of the House of Commons Commission. I remind Members that they are asked by the House to have …..."
David Mundell - View Speech

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