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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to deal with the hazard posed by sky lanterns.

An independent study commissioned by Defra and the Welsh Government published in 2013 concluded that the risks to animals or damage to the environment by sky lanterns were relatively minor and that voluntary action and initiatives have been shown to be effective.

We are aware of the ongoing concerns among livestock keepers, the wider agricultural community and others about the potential risks posed by balloons. We continue working with the agricultural industry to address those concerns.