I wanted to speak in this debate because of the importance of balancing the well-being of our herd with public health concerns and the need to protect wildlife and our farming community. I will vote in favour of the amendment and, by extension, the trial cull, but I will do...
I wanted to speak in this debate because of the importance of balancing the well-being of our herd with public health concerns and the need to protect wildlife and our farming community. I will vote in favour of the amendment and, by extension, the trial cull, but I will do...
I am pleased to follow the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George), who made a balanced speech. I will vote for the motion, as I think that the balance of science is clear, but I appreciated the way in which he approached the issue.
As the MP who last year...
I am pleased to follow the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George), who made a balanced speech. I will vote for the motion, as I think that the balance of science is clear, but I appreciated the way in which he approached the issue.
As the MP who last year...
An effective Opposition would debate early-day motion 189.
I must draw to the attention of the House the fact that I keep pedigree Hereford cows. I test them annually and I have 13 of them. Without getting misty-eyed, they all have names and I am as fond of them as any...
An effective Opposition would debate early-day motion 189.
I must draw to the attention of the House the fact that I keep pedigree Hereford cows. I test them annually and I have 13 of them. Without getting misty-eyed, they all have names and I am as fond of them as any...
Does the hon. Lady agree with me that the true cost to the taxpayer has nothing to do with these small costs that she mentions, but relates to the fact that 189,500 cows have been killed unnecessarily which costs the taxpayer up to £1 billion a year in compensation to...
Does the hon. Lady agree with me that the true cost to the taxpayer has nothing to do with these small costs that she mentions, but relates to the fact that 189,500 cows have been killed unnecessarily which costs the taxpayer up to £1 billion a year in compensation to...
I am in touch with farmers all the time, and I have had a meeting with the National Farmers Union. I have met farmers in Derbyshire and, indeed, all over the country.
The wildlife trusts, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Trust are all vaccinating badgers...
I am in touch with farmers all the time, and I have had a meeting with the National Farmers Union. I have met farmers in Derbyshire and, indeed, all over the country.
The wildlife trusts, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Trust are all vaccinating badgers...
My Lords, in the Second Reading debate on the Health and Social Care Bill, now an Act, I made the point that while we were talking about structures until the cows came home, the things that really mattered were the education and training of the staff within the NHS and...
My Lords, in the Second Reading debate on the Health and Social Care Bill, now an Act, I made the point that while we were talking about structures until the cows came home, the things that really mattered were the education and training of the staff within the NHS and...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many intensive dairy farms exist in the United Kingdom; and how many house more than (1) 500, and (2) 1000, dairy cows.[HL483]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many intensive dairy farms exist in the United Kingdom; and how many house more than (1) 500, and (2) 1000, dairy cows.[HL483]
We do not collect data based on the intensiveness of farm businesses and to do so would be at disproportionate cost. However, at June 2010 there were an estimated 23,541 commercial holdings with dairy cows in the UK. Of these, 107 holdings had between 501 and 1,000 dairy cows and a further 10 holdings had more than 1,000 dairy cows.
These figures are from the 2010 Farm Structure Survey.
My Lords, with the leave of the House I will now repeat a Statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister in another place. The Statement is as follows.
“With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a Statement on the recent European Council and also update the...
My Lords, with the leave of the House I will now repeat a Statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister in another place. The Statement is as follows.
“With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a Statement on the recent European Council and also update the...
With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the recent European Council, and update the House on the dreadful events in Woolwich.
The European Council was called specifically to discuss energy policy and tax evasion. We also discussed the situation in Syria, prior to the lifting of...
With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the recent European Council, and update the House on the dreadful events in Woolwich.
The European Council was called specifically to discuss energy policy and tax evasion. We also discussed the situation in Syria, prior to the lifting of...
The Prime Minister is right to say that we should not be cowed by terror and to reject knee-jerk reactions. Will he therefore join me in criticising those who seek to make use of the brutal murder of Drummer Rigby as a reason to advocate the full powers of a...
The Prime Minister is right to say that we should not be cowed by terror and to reject knee-jerk reactions. Will he therefore join me in criticising those who seek to make use of the brutal murder of Drummer Rigby as a reason to advocate the full powers of a...
Ministers must acknowledge the huge discrepancy between the £20 million Ministers have spent on the Portas pilots and the fact that the Government have increased business rates for retailers by over £500 million in the past two years. With a recent survey showing that the UK has the highest business rates in the European Union, is it not time that the Government stopped treating the high street as a cash cow to milk to exhaustion?
Ministers must acknowledge the huge discrepancy between the £20 million Ministers have spent on the Portas pilots and the fact that the Government have increased business rates for retailers by over £500 million in the past two years. With a recent survey showing that the UK has the highest business rates in the European Union, is it not time that the Government stopped treating the high street as a cash cow to milk to exhaustion?
Nothing has changed in rating policy. Ever since 1990, business rates have gone up by the retail prices index—it was the same under the Labour Government. It is right to say, however, that they are fixed overheads. That is why, unlike the Labour party, we have doubled the threshold for small business rate relief and taken a third of a million small businesses out of business rates altogether. I thought that the hon. Gentleman would welcome that.
My hon. Friend makes an important point. The question is about how Government can affect the situation locally. There are lots of examples of good practice at a local level, but we have not had a strong sense of direction or leadership from the Government on town centres and high...
My hon. Friend makes an important point. The question is about how Government can affect the situation locally. There are lots of examples of good practice at a local level, but we have not had a strong sense of direction or leadership from the Government on town centres and high...
My Lords, in the seven years that I have been in your Lordships’ House I have missed a gracious Speech on only two occasions, one of which was last week while I was attending the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town. I was attending there with two roles...
My Lords, in the seven years that I have been in your Lordships’ House I have missed a gracious Speech on only two occasions, one of which was last week while I was attending the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town. I was attending there with two roles...
My Lords, I am sure that we all enjoyed listening to three such eloquent and informative maiden speeches. It was a particular pleasure for me to hear each of them declare their interest in agriculture in one form or another.
British agriculture was not mentioned in the gracious Speech as such,...
My Lords, I am sure that we all enjoyed listening to three such eloquent and informative maiden speeches. It was a particular pleasure for me to hear each of them declare their interest in agriculture in one form or another.
British agriculture was not mentioned in the gracious Speech as such,...
It is a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Glasgow North (Ann McKechin). I understand her point on skills, but I hope she recognises the work the Government have done to introduce so many apprenticeships in the past two years. I might be the only chartered engineer in...
It is a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Glasgow North (Ann McKechin). I understand her point on skills, but I hope she recognises the work the Government have done to introduce so many apprenticeships in the past two years. I might be the only chartered engineer in...
If the forthcoming referendum were to take Scotland out of the United Kingdom, we would all suffer, but Scotland most of all. Your Lordships will have noted the passing reference in the gracious Speech to,
“co-operation with the devolved administrations”.
One cannot tell yet what that may mean but co-operation is a...
If the forthcoming referendum were to take Scotland out of the United Kingdom, we would all suffer, but Scotland most of all. Your Lordships will have noted the passing reference in the gracious Speech to,
“co-operation with the devolved administrations”.
One cannot tell yet what that may mean but co-operation is a...
I am proud to say that I still consider myself to be very much part of the farming community. I was saddened by the way in which the shadow Secretary of State tried to portray farming and farmers. I took part in a debate on Radio Devon after she had...
I am proud to say that I still consider myself to be very much part of the farming community. I was saddened by the way in which the shadow Secretary of State tried to portray farming and farmers. I took part in a debate on Radio Devon after she had...
I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. In terms of veterinary science, I was not aware of that pertinent point. Of course, all Members welcome people with skills joining the UK economy and the benefits that they bring, but the specific point is about the speed with which officials...
I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. In terms of veterinary science, I was not aware of that pertinent point. Of course, all Members welcome people with skills joining the UK economy and the benefits that they bring, but the specific point is about the speed with which officials...
I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has investigated the level of APD on flights from London airports to Inverness. Doubtless, he will be flying to the happy band that is the Labour conference this weekend. [Interruption.] As my hon. Friend the Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart)...
I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has investigated the level of APD on flights from London airports to Inverness. Doubtless, he will be flying to the happy band that is the Labour conference this weekend. [Interruption.] As my hon. Friend the Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart)...
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, and yes I do agree with that. Quite clearly, the figures mentioned were not true, and that applies to many other parts in the United Kingdom as well.
This past winter, pensioners living in rural constituencies have experienced extreme weather conditions and have...
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, and yes I do agree with that. Quite clearly, the figures mentioned were not true, and that applies to many other parts in the United Kingdom as well.
This past winter, pensioners living in rural constituencies have experienced extreme weather conditions and have...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of Schmallenberg disease on (a) adult cattle, (b) calves, (c) adult sheep and (d) lambs.
[149171]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of Schmallenberg disease on (a) adult cattle, (b) calves, (c) adult sheep and (d) lambs.
[149171]
While many animals and farms in GB may have been infected, clinical signs in adult sheep and beef cattle to date have been non-existent. The signs in dairy cattle of a raised temperature, reduced milk yield and in some cases diarrhoea are mild/moderate, short-lived
and similar to other endemic diseases due to their non-specific nature. In an individual dairy cow these mild clinical signs may last up to five days, and across the herd as a whole for several weeks. The main impact is in pregnancy on the developing foetus. The virus attacks the developing neurological system and limbs of foetal lambs or calves resulting in malformations such as domed heads, fixed bent limbs and jaw deformities. The affected newborns are often born dead or die shortly after birth. Birthing may be difficult due to the foetal limb presentation and care needs to be taken in assisting the mother, seeking veterinary assistance as appropriate. Post partum after care should be provided as with any other difficult birth.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of a vaccine against Schmallenberg disease in providing immunity to (a) an adult cow and (b) an unborn calf.
[149174]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of a vaccine against Schmallenberg disease in providing immunity to (a) an adult cow and (b) an unborn calf.
[149174]
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) recently issued an updated press release (February 2013) regarding a submission for provisional marketing authorisation for a Schmallenberg vaccine from MSD Animal Health pharmaceutical company (MSD). The VMD and MSD have been working together, ensuring that safety data are complete for marketing. The VMD must ascertain, through a rigorous scientific assessment process, that proper care is taken to ensure any vaccine is safe for the relevant livestock.
We would expect that offspring born to Schmallenberg infected animals or vaccinated animals will have a certain level of protective immunity lasting a few months as a result of maternal antibodies received in the first milk from their mothers. These antibody levels will drop with age and the offspring will then be unprotected until they themselves are vaccinated.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of whether calves born in 2014 to cows which have Schmallenberg disease in 2013 will be given immunity to that disease; and if he will make a statement.
[149176]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of whether calves born in 2014 to cows which have Schmallenberg disease in 2013 will be given immunity to that disease; and if he will make a statement.
[149176]
As with many viral infections, we would expect that unaffected offspring born to Schmallenberg infected animals will have a certain level of protective immunity lasting a few months as a result of maternal antibodies. These antibodies are received in the first milk from the mother when the newborns' gut is, for a few hours following birth, able to absorb them into the body. These antibody levels will drop over the following weeks and months and the offspring will then be unprotected until they themselves are either infected or vaccinated. This is the situation with related viruses, such as Akabane virus in Australia, where each year the offspring are at risk of infection.
My Lords, may I stretch the words of the Question a little further to include farming? Farming was formerly part of a prisoner’s range of choices, particularly with a view to future jobs and a lifestyle. Apart from that, the meat that they provided from pigs and cows was fed to the prisoners and was perfectly delicious, as I know from Pentonville prison.
My Lords, may I stretch the words of the Question a little further to include farming? Farming was formerly part of a prisoner’s range of choices, particularly with a view to future jobs and a lifestyle. Apart from that, the meat that they provided from pigs and cows was fed to the prisoners and was perfectly delicious, as I know from Pentonville prison.
I think it was possible to have prison farms in the past. My noble friend is right about both the sustainability of such regimes and the benefit to prisoners. I am not sure that present circumstances would allow that, but I recently visited a prison in the north-west that had opened up a section of the land to develop an under-glass market garden. That was being very well used by the prisoners, who had gained great benefit both from the training that they received there and the personal satisfaction that such work gave.
I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. He is spot on. Too often, there has been something almost like buck passing on the issue between the train company and infrastructure operator. It is to be hoped that the alliance allows a slightly more coherent, joined-up approach, although I suspect...
I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. He is spot on. Too often, there has been something almost like buck passing on the issue between the train company and infrastructure operator. It is to be hoped that the alliance allows a slightly more coherent, joined-up approach, although I suspect...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of farmers who have left the agricultural sector in (a) Suffolk, (b) Norfolk and (c) Cambridgeshire in each of the last three years.
[148084]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of farmers who have left the agricultural sector in (a) Suffolk, (b) Norfolk and (c) Cambridgeshire in each of the last three years.
[148084]
DEFRA does not collect data on the number of farmers leaving agriculture. The June Survey of Agriculture and Horticulture collects data on the numbers of people working on agricultural holdings. The following table presents relevant labour estimates at 1 June for the latest three years available.
These results are based on a sample survey of farmers so are subject to a degree of statistical error. Year-on-year changes for individual counties should therefore be treated with caution and longer term trends will give a more robust picture of activity.
| Agricultural
labour force on commercial
holdings1 | |||||||||
| County/unitary
authority | Farmers,
partners, directors and spouses
full-time | Farmers,
partners directors and spouses
part-time | Total
labour | ||||||
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Cambridgeshire
CC | 1,490 | 1,523 | 1,564 | 1,420 | 1,477 | 1,527 | 7,174 | 6,285 | 6,577 |
| Norfolk | 2,438 | 2,423 | 2,480 | 2,560 | 2,652 | 2,723 | 11,949 | 12,269 | 12,744 |
| Suffolk | 1,885 | 1,822 | 1,900 | 2,071 | 2,207 | 2,259 | 8,132 | 8,207 | 8,541 |
| 1
Commercial holdings are those with significant levels of farming
activity. These significant levels are classified as any holding with
more than five hectares of agricultural land, one hectare of orchards,
0.5 hectares of vegetables or 0.1 hectares of protected crops, or more
than 10 cows, 50 pigs, 20 sheep, 20 goats or 1,000
poultry. |
My Lords, it is not possible to overestimate the importance of fashion design in this country. From Stella McCartney to Vivienne Westwood, we are clearly world market leaders. It is also important that we should highlight the importance of ethical fashion, which was brilliantly highlighted in this House by the...
My Lords, it is not possible to overestimate the importance of fashion design in this country. From Stella McCartney to Vivienne Westwood, we are clearly world market leaders. It is also important that we should highlight the importance of ethical fashion, which was brilliantly highlighted in this House by the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ogmore of 27 November 2012, Official Report, column 307W, on the Schmallenberg virus, for what reasons his Department has classified Schmallenberg virus as a low impact disease.
[147580]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ogmore of 27 November 2012, Official Report, column 307W, on the Schmallenberg virus, for what reasons his Department has classified Schmallenberg virus as a low impact disease.
[147580]
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is classified as low impact by the EU. This is as a result of reports produced by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
based on data collected from all affected member states (MSs). Their report of November 2012 stated that the maximum proportion of confirmed sheep herds per region in affected MSs is 6.6% and 4% for cattle herds. At the EFSA's most recent meeting in February 2013, impact assessments from other affected member states continue to conclude an overall low impact and the Commission stressed again that they consider SBV to be a low impact disease.
This concurs with our own consideration of the impact of Schmallenberg in the UK. The online sheep survey on SBV run by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) after lambing in 2012 has shown SBV did have an impact on the losses during the lambing season of 2011-12 on the participating farms, but not a large impact when compared to normal losses on the majority of infected farms. Losses during lambing happen on most farms whether or not SBV was present or suspected. A few SBV confirmed farms (3%) or farms with malformed lambs (12%) were badly affected with large losses of lambs and ewes. However, 3% of farms without any lamb malformations and 3% of SBV negative farms also reported high losses. Likewise both SBV confirmed farms and SBV negative farms had low losses. 494 farms took part in the study, of which 76 had had SBV confirmed by testing as the cause of malformed off spring and 140 suspected due to clinical signs, that they had had SBV infection. While some farms with certain specific management practices lambing early in the season have seen much greater impacts, this is linked to them having a large proportion of their flock all at the crucial susceptible stage of pregnancy at the same time when virus has arrived in their flock. A similar effect has been seen in the Netherlands and France, which have flocks synchronising their mating periods. The vast majority of our sheep flocks are not synchronised so there is no evidence to believe that they will see similar high impacts. This is anecdotally being borne out in recent reports from AHVLA vets in the field and the contact they have with veterinary practitioners.
Cattle herds have a much more staggered mating period and calves are born all year round, thus reducing the number of cows at the critical stage of pregnancy at the same time and lessening the impact in the herd. Data from other affected member states support this.
There have been anecdotal reports of more barren ewes and cows at scanning following the last breeding period. There are many reasons for animals not to hold at mating, including the poor weather resulting in poor nutrient content in fodder, and liver fluke, both of which have been issues late in 2012. Our scanning surveillance has not detected that SBV has been the cause of this.
Following infection, animals develop immunity which is protective against further SBV infection in the subsequent year. Research into the level and duration of immunity is one of the areas of research DEFRA is funding.
I recently met with cattle and sheep industry stakeholders to discuss the current SBV situation. They concurred with the description of the impact of SBV in the UK as described here. Subsequent to the meeting, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has issued an update on the progress of a SBV vaccine submission for provisional marketing authorisation.
It is a pleasure to contribute to this important debate, and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie), and other Members, on securing it. Transparency and accountability are the hallmark of good governance, but they can involve issues such as whether a patient is...
It is a pleasure to contribute to this important debate, and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North West (Charlotte Leslie), and other Members, on securing it. Transparency and accountability are the hallmark of good governance, but they can involve issues such as whether a patient is...
My hon. Friend is entirely right. Ducks go quack, cows go moo and Conservatives hate regulation of the market. It is part of their ingrained DNA.
My hon. Friend is entirely right. Ducks go quack, cows go moo and Conservatives hate regulation of the market. It is part of their ingrained DNA.
It is a pleasure to follow the Father of the House and to agree with many of the sentiments he expressed.
I look at the Bill and at the Ministers and my reaction is to ask, “Is this it?” Considering what we have been through and the problems in British and...
It is a pleasure to follow the Father of the House and to agree with many of the sentiments he expressed.
I look at the Bill and at the Ministers and my reaction is to ask, “Is this it?” Considering what we have been through and the problems in British and...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for securing this debate. I also extend my congratulations to the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Coventry on his excellent maiden speech, which I watched on the screen upstairs. I must confess that I am still reeling from Question Time and the intervention...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for securing this debate. I also extend my congratulations to the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Coventry on his excellent maiden speech, which I watched on the screen upstairs. I must confess that I am still reeling from Question Time and the intervention...
My Lords, first, I declare an interest as a farmer. We have all received much evidence, both for and against, on this amendment. It seemed right to consider all the evidence and facts afresh, including my own knowledge of the industry, and to re-examine the case for and against abolition.
I...
My Lords, first, I declare an interest as a farmer. We have all received much evidence, both for and against, on this amendment. It seemed right to consider all the evidence and facts afresh, including my own knowledge of the industry, and to re-examine the case for and against abolition.
I...
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones) on securing this debate. He is a big supporter of beer and pubs and it is a great pleasure to be working again with him and colleagues from across the House who support our national drink and our community...
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones) on securing this debate. He is a big supporter of beer and pubs and it is a great pleasure to be working again with him and colleagues from across the House who support our national drink and our community...
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. In the morning rush hour more than four people stand per square metre on rail services in her constituency and across London. More than four people stand per square metre on all peak-time District line trains from Putney Bridge to Earl’s Court. The same...
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. In the morning rush hour more than four people stand per square metre on rail services in her constituency and across London. More than four people stand per square metre on all peak-time District line trains from Putney Bridge to Earl’s Court. The same...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the economic effect of the Schmallenberg virus on (a) farmers and (b) regional economies.
[139201]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the economic effect of the Schmallenberg virus on (a) farmers and (b) regional economies.
[139201]
The information is not held in the format requested. Economic assessments were carried out on an epidemiological assessment completed in early 2012, looking at the potential spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in GB, the impact and risk across different regions of the country. As the true impact was not known at that time, we used estimates based on other similar viruses and the UK livestock distribution.
This demonstrated that for infection in counties south of the midlands, which were determined to be at high or medium risk of SBV spread in 2011-12, if losses occurred on 5% of cattle and sheep farms and in 10% of the herd or flock, the cost to sheep farmers would be approximately £1 million, and for cattle farmers approximately £2.5 million. This is less than the economic impact of other common industry managed livestock disease such as mastitis in dairy cows, and foot rot in sheep. Widening the assessment to include counties deemed to be at low risk of infection in 2011, increased costs to farmers by about a third.
Another scenario tested was 20% of all cattle and sheep farms in the high and medium risk areas being affected. This increased costs to sheep farmers to approximately £4 million, and to cattle farmers to approximately £10 million.
Since carrying out these assessments, we now have information from the EU and our own UK farms on the impact and spread. These confirm actual impact to overall be lower than our estimates (although of course
the impact on an individual flock or herd may be substantial), and we are now looking at reviewing the economic impact to take these into account.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the behaviour of Xfor in giving on-the-spot fines.
[142675]
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the behaviour of Xfor in giving on-the-spot fines.
[142675]
[holding answer 11 February 2013]: My Department has not made an official assessment, but I am aware that this issue has attracted widespread public concern. I would make the following observations:
Those who harm the environment by shamelessly littering and fly-tipping should be brought to book.
However, councils should not be using residents as cash cows and should not be persecuting people for petty or insignificant breaches.
It is not in the public interest to issue a fixed penalty notice where there is not clear evidence that the individual intended to cause litter.
Enforcement action is better targeted at problem areas, rather than applied across a whole local authority area.
The issuing of fixed penalty notices or fines is a quasi-judicial matter. Commercial contracts which are based on the volume of penalties issued, or on a fixed amount of revenue to be raised, are likely to undermine public confidence in a fair judicial system and potentially undermine the quality of justice itself. Indeed, this principle is recognised in guidance to councils on parking fines: 'Performance and rewards/penalties should never be based on the number of Penalty Charge Notices, immobilisations or removals' (DFT, ‘Operational Guidance to Local Authorities: Parking Policy and Enforcement’, November 2010, para 4.12).
Where external contractors are used, ultimately, the responsibility still lies with the local authorities to ensure that legal powers are exercised fairly and reasonably and civil liberties are respected; councillors should regularly scrutinise the operation of such contracts; and the broader use of such powers must command and continue to command public support.
There are many other ways for councils to tackle litter, such as the use of warnings, education campaigns, the helpful provision of litter bins and the regular collection of rubbish bins by the local authority.
It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, and I thank the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) for securing the debate.
I am saddened by the comments made by the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), because until then we kept the debate...
It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, and I thank the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) for securing the debate.
I am saddened by the comments made by the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), because until then we kept the debate...
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations his Department introduced between 1 June 2012 and 31 January 2013; and at what cost to the public purse.
[143084]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations his Department introduced between 1 June 2012 and 31 January 2013; and at what cost to the public purse.
[143084]
The number of statutory instruments (Regulations and Orders) made between the 1 June 2012 and 31 January 2013 by the Department for Transport was 1,209. The instruments are available on the legislation.gov website alongside impact assessments where produced.
Of the 1,209 instruments, 1,150 were temporary in application and restricted to specific geographical areas. Most of these related to temporary road works, the rest to temporary flying restrictions, for instance in connection with air displays and the Olympic Games.
The remaining 59 are as follows:
| Statutory
Instrument | IA? |
| Traffic
Management (Doncaster Borough Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Rotherham Borough Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (The Council of the Borough of Kirklees) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Leeds. City Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Sheffield City Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Road
Vehicles (Individual Approval) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | No |
| Street
Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (Transport for London)
Order
2012 | No |
| Driving
Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Act 2009 (Commencement
No. 1) Order
2012 | No |
| Humber
Bridge Board (Membership) Order
2012 | No |
| Road
Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | No |
| Community
Drivers' Hours and Recording Equipment Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Driving
Instruction (Compensation Scheme) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Merchant
Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Poole
Harbour Revision Order
2012 | No |
| Air
Navigation (Amendment)
Order2012 | Yes |
| Merchant
Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) (Chemical
Agents) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Nene
Valley Railway (Fletton Branch) Order
2012 | No |
| M62
Motorway (Junctions 25 to 30) (Actively Managed Hard Shoulder and
Variable Speed Limits) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Hinkley
Point Harbour Empowerment Order
2012 | No |
| Caernarfon
Harbour Trust (Constitution) Harbour Revision Order
2012 | No |
| M25
Motorway (Junctions 7 to 16) (Variable Speed Limits) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Street
Works (Charges for Unreasonably Prolonged Occupation of the Highway)
(England) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Merchant
Shipping (Compulsory insurance of Shipowners for Maritime Claims)
Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Network
Rail (Ipswich Chord) Order
2012 | No |
| A282
Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) Order
2012 | Yes |
| Traffic
Management (Hertfordshire County Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Luton Borough Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Southend-On-Sea Borough Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (Bedford Borough Council) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Motor
Fuel (Composition and Content) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | No |
| The
Port Security (Port of Aberdeen) Designation Order
2012 | Yes |
| The
Port Security (Port of Workington) Designation Order
2012 | Yes |
| The
Port Security (Port of Grangemouth) Designation Order
2012 | Yes |
| The
Port Security (Port of Tees and Hartlepool) Designation Order
2012 | Yes |
| The
Port Security (Port of Portland) Designation Order
2012 | Yes |
| The
Network Rail (North Doncaster Chord) Order
2012 | No |
| Merchant
Shipping (Passenger Ships on Domestic Voyages) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Sunderland
City Council (Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor—New Wear
Bridge) Scheme 2009 Confirmation Instrument
2012 | No |
| Sunderland
City Council (Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor—Temporary
Works New Wear Bridge) Scheme 2009 Confirmation Instrument
2012 | No |
| Motor
Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Chiltern
Railways (Bicester to Oxford Improvements) Order
2012 | No |
| Energy
Act 2004 (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | No |
| Bus
Lane Contraventions (Approved Local Authorities) (England) (Amendment)
and Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions Designation (No. 2)
Order
2012 | No |
| A30
Trunk Road (Turks Head Link) (Trunking) Order
2012 | No |
| Rehabilitation
Courses (Relevant Drink Offences) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Road
Safety Act 2006 (Commencement No.9 and Transitional Provisions) Order
2012 | No |
| Transport
for Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (Oldham, Manchester
Street Modification) Order
2012 | No |
| River
Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order
2012 | No |
| Air
Navigation (Dangerous Goods) (Amendment) Regulations
2012 | No |
| Motor
Fuel (Road Vehicle and Mobile Machinery) Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Reporting Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Cowes
Harbour Revision Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (London Borough of Sutton) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (London Borough of Merton) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Traffic
Management (London Borough of Tower Hamlets) Permit Scheme Order
2012 | No |
| Severn
Bridges Tolls Order
2012 | No |
| Port
of Ipswich Harbour Revision Order
2012 | No |
| Merchant
Shipping (Carriage of Passengers by Sea) Regulations
2012 | Yes |
| Driving
Licences (Exchangeable Licences) (Amendment) Order
2013 | No |
Government policy does not require an impact assessment to be prepared for an instrument, unless there are also costs or savings to businesses or civil society organisations. Information about costs to the public purse where there is no impact assessment could be provided only at disproportionate cost. This is because of the level of analysis that would be required to answer the question.
Links to the IA published in the IA library are included for the impact assessments produced over the period, which estimate the costs of each measure, including those to the public purse.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government to assess the potential effect on milk supplies of the reduction in the options for control of flukicides;
[143007]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government to assess the potential effect on milk supplies of the reduction in the options for control of flukicides;
[143007]
[holding answer 12 February 2013]: The Veterinary Medicines Directorate regularly engages with the Scottish Government on Veterinary Medicines issues.
The decision to change the labelling on veterinary medicines containing certain flukicides to contra-indicate their use in lactating cows was made at the European level. The European Commission's series of implementing regulations permit the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) in milk and will ensure the safety of milk and milk products from treated dairy cattle for consumers. As a result of the recently established MRLs for some flukicides, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is encouraging manufacturers of these veterinary medicinal products authorised for use in the UK to apply for milk withdrawal periods by submitting residue depletion studies.
The availability of veterinary medicines is controlled by European law, and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as the Competent Authority for the United Kingdom, has contributed to the discussions held by European
Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use. This issue affects dairy producers in all member states including the whole of the United Kingdom.
Advice on alternative veterinary medicinal products is available on request from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
(2) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the European Commission's implementing regulations allowing for the establishment of maximum residue levels for milk in respect of the majority of flukicides.
[143009]
Cathy Jamieson:
(2) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the European Commission's implementing regulations allowing for the establishment of maximum residue levels for milk in respect of the majority of flukicides.
[143009]
Cathy Jamieson:
[holding answer 12 February 2013]: The Veterinary Medicines Directorate regularly engages with the Scottish Government on Veterinary Medicines issues.
The decision to change the labelling on veterinary medicines containing certain flukicides to contra-indicate their use in lactating cows was made at the European level. The European Commission's series of implementing regulations permit the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) in milk and will ensure the safety of milk and milk products from treated dairy cattle for consumers. As a result of the recently established MRLs for some flukicides, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is encouraging manufacturers of these veterinary medicinal products authorised for use in the UK to apply for milk withdrawal periods by submitting residue depletion studies.
The availability of veterinary medicines is controlled by European law, and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as the Competent Authority for the United Kingdom, has contributed to the discussions held by European
Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use. This issue affects dairy producers in all member states including the whole of the United Kingdom.
Advice on alternative veterinary medicinal products is available on request from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
I am happy for the record to be put straight on that; in the heat of the debate, I made a slip of the tongue. I am the granddaughter of a cattle farmer in Northern Ireland, so it is incumbent on me to recommend the meat of the good cows...
I am happy for the record to be put straight on that; in the heat of the debate, I made a slip of the tongue. I am the granddaughter of a cattle farmer in Northern Ireland, so it is incumbent on me to recommend the meat of the good cows...
My hon. Friend is making a powerful point. The consequence of driving down costs has been to drive down quality as well. Is it not invidious that some products being sold as beef have never come into contact with a cow?
My hon. Friend is making a powerful point. The consequence of driving down costs has been to drive down quality as well. Is it not invidious that some products being sold as beef have never come into contact with a cow?
I congratulate the shadow DEFRA Front-Bench team on pursuing this issue relentlessly and on choosing it as a topic for
today’s debate. We had a statement yesterday, but there is a lot more to be thrashed out on this issue. I therefore greatly welcome the opportunity to take part in...
I congratulate the shadow DEFRA Front-Bench team on pursuing this issue relentlessly and on choosing it as a topic for
today’s debate. We had a statement yesterday, but there is a lot more to be thrashed out on this issue. I therefore greatly welcome the opportunity to take part in...
Exactly. I raised that very issue with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs yesterday, and I have to say from his response that it looked as if it was the first he had heard of it; he simply said that we rely on scientific advice, which...
Exactly. I raised that very issue with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs yesterday, and I have to say from his response that it looked as if it was the first he had heard of it; he simply said that we rely on scientific advice, which...
I am astounded that the Secretary of State thinks that this is a mis-labelling issue, given that some beef products have not even come into contact with a cow—except perhaps sharing a field with one at some time. I am appalled when he says that there is not even a...
I am astounded that the Secretary of State thinks that this is a mis-labelling issue, given that some beef products have not even come into contact with a cow—except perhaps sharing a field with one at some time. I am appalled when he says that there is not even a...
It is going to happen, and my lawnmower is out in force already. Media lawyers from across the industry are working flat out to establish a scheme that will be good for the public but not an intolerable burden on the regional press in particular. Crucially, we have to find...
It is going to happen, and my lawnmower is out in force already. Media lawyers from across the industry are working flat out to establish a scheme that will be good for the public but not an intolerable burden on the regional press in particular. Crucially, we have to find...
My Lords, it is a joy and a pleasure to take part in this debate; I am delighted. We must of course remember that almost everything that could be said has been said, but not by everybody. I have some evidence to produce, which may be new but I do...
My Lords, it is a joy and a pleasure to take part in this debate; I am delighted. We must of course remember that almost everything that could be said has been said, but not by everybody. I have some evidence to produce, which may be new but I do...
It is not uncommon in inexpensive burgers, for example, to use bulking material such as beef protein, and it is not illegal to do so. The EU labelling regime changes to which the hon. Member for Ogmore referred will require such material to be more specifically labelled in future. I...
It is not uncommon in inexpensive burgers, for example, to use bulking material such as beef protein, and it is not illegal to do so. The EU labelling regime changes to which the hon. Member for Ogmore referred will require such material to be more specifically labelled in future. I...
My Lords, it is a particular pleasure for me to welcome the noble Lord, Lord Deighton, to the Dispatch Box and to congratulate him on his appointment to the Treasury team. It is always a special delight to see one’s former pupils do so well. When I marked his economic...
My Lords, it is a particular pleasure for me to welcome the noble Lord, Lord Deighton, to the Dispatch Box and to congratulate him on his appointment to the Treasury team. It is always a special delight to see one’s former pupils do so well. When I marked his economic...
Climate change is a global challenge addressed by a combination of international and domestic initiatives. Accurate inventories of greenhouse gas emissions are needed to ensure the integrity of these policies. This POSTnote examines how greenhouse gas inventories are measured, reported and verified.
Climate change is a global challenge addressed by a combination of international and domestic initiatives. Accurate inventories of greenhouse gas emissions are needed to ensure the integrity of these policies. This POSTnote examines how greenhouse gas inventories are measured, reported and verified.
My Lords, this proposed new clause is the same as that which my colleagues moved in Committee in another place by way of a probing amendment. It has been very powerfully moved by the now traditional triumvirate of the noble Lords, Lord Tope, Lord Jenkin and Lord Best—a powerful group...
My Lords, this proposed new clause is the same as that which my colleagues moved in Committee in another place by way of a probing amendment. It has been very powerfully moved by the now traditional triumvirate of the noble Lords, Lord Tope, Lord Jenkin and Lord Best—a powerful group...
Last year, Compassion in World Farming investigated a random selection of dairy farms in Germany, Spain and Denmark and found recurring evidence of cows being pushed to their physical limits to produce high milk yields and being chained indoors by the neck, in some cases all year round. Will the Minister back Compassion’s call for specific European legislation to set minimum welfare standards for dairy cows across the European Union, as we have for pigs, chickens and calves, which would help to set a level playing field for dairy farmers in this country?
Last year, Compassion in World Farming investigated a random selection of dairy farms in Germany, Spain and Denmark and found recurring evidence of cows being pushed to their physical limits to produce high milk yields and being chained indoors by the neck, in some cases all year round. Will the Minister back Compassion’s call for specific European legislation to set minimum welfare standards for dairy cows across the European Union, as we have for pigs, chickens and calves, which would help to set a level playing field for dairy farmers in this country?
We always need to be aware of welfare issues in farm animals. This country has nothing to be ashamed of in the standards we have, compared with those of many others. We continually press at European level for common agreement on levels of farm animal welfare, and we will continue to do so.
My Lords, I welcome the Minister to his new role, although I feel rather sad for him that his debut is in promoting a Bill that most Members of the Committee will now recognise is a misrepresentation in its reference to the promotion of enterprise. I can say without any...
My Lords, I welcome the Minister to his new role, although I feel rather sad for him that his debut is in promoting a Bill that most Members of the Committee will now recognise is a misrepresentation in its reference to the promotion of enterprise. I can say without any...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the islands in the British Indian Ocean Territory (a) are habitable, (b) were inhabited, (c) are inhabited and (d) are suitable for settlement.
[137408]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the islands in the British Indian Ocean Territory (a) are habitable, (b) were inhabited, (c) are inhabited and (d) are suitable for settlement.
[137408]
Only one island in the British Indian Ocean Territory is habitable and is currently inhabited—Diego Garcia.
There were five island groups that were inhabited from at least 1,830: Diego Garcia, Peros Banhos, Salomon, Eagle and Egmont. Nelson Island, the Three Brothers, Danger Island, Sea Cow Island were never inhabited, though all were visited for coconuts or turtles.
In April 2000 the British Government commissioned a study to assess to what extent it would be feasible for the outer islands to be re-inhabited. The report concluded resettlement was not feasible. While the short-term habitation for limited numbers on a subsistence basis could be possible, the report emphasised that any long-term resettlement would be precarious and costly. The outer islands, which have been uninhabited for 40 years, lack all basic facilities and infrastructure.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Main. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith) on securing the debate, which is on an important subject. I
shall say at the outset that, although I just about heard all the many questions that...
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Main. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith) on securing the debate, which is on an important subject. I
shall say at the outset that, although I just about heard all the many questions that...
I declare an interest as a journalist, producer and director at the BBC. I support Amendments 14, 16 and 21. In my Second Reading speech, I expressed concern about the chilling effects on free speech through the use of all 10 factors in the Reynolds defence as a checklist by...
I declare an interest as a journalist, producer and director at the BBC. I support Amendments 14, 16 and 21. In my Second Reading speech, I expressed concern about the chilling effects on free speech through the use of all 10 factors in the Reynolds defence as a checklist by...
My Lords, I support the European Union (Croatian Accession and Irish Protocol) Bill, which is anticipated to be uncontroversial and a welcome measure of the progress made by Croatia in getting to this point.
The past few years have seen a consolidation of democratic norms and political stability in that country....
My Lords, I support the European Union (Croatian Accession and Irish Protocol) Bill, which is anticipated to be uncontroversial and a welcome measure of the progress made by Croatia in getting to this point.
The past few years have seen a consolidation of democratic norms and political stability in that country....
My Lords, I start by echoing the words of the noble Lord, Lord Touhig, in thanking the noble Lord, Lord Rix, for bringing this important issue to the attention of the House. His personal expertise and wisdom have informed the House for many years, and long may it continue.
It is...
My Lords, I start by echoing the words of the noble Lord, Lord Touhig, in thanking the noble Lord, Lord Rix, for bringing this important issue to the attention of the House. His personal expertise and wisdom have informed the House for many years, and long may it continue.
It is...
I have mentioned the hon. Member for Ogmore many times and covered what he said almost word for word. It is unnecessary for me to say again that he and I agree on this issue to a large extent, and that is as it should be because this matter ought...
I have mentioned the hon. Member for Ogmore many times and covered what he said almost word for word. It is unnecessary for me to say again that he and I agree on this issue to a large extent, and that is as it should be because this matter ought...
I cannot believe for a moment that that would be the result if the motion was supported. I want to stick to my script. I was not present when other issues have been discussed in the Chamber, so I would like to stick to the specific issue that you, Madam...
I cannot believe for a moment that that would be the result if the motion was supported. I want to stick to my script. I was not present when other issues have been discussed in the Chamber, so I would like to stick to the specific issue that you, Madam...
This Library Note provides a brief summary of the key measures announced yesterday in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, before outlining the immediate reaction to the Statement as expressed by the Shadow Chancellor in the House of Commons and by a range of organisations and commentators.
This Library Note provides a brief summary of the key measures announced yesterday in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, before outlining the immediate reaction to the Statement as expressed by the Shadow Chancellor in the House of Commons and by a range of organisations and commentators.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if he will estimate the potential cost of testing cows for tuberculosis before culling them; and if he will make a statement;
[130779]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if he will estimate the potential cost of testing cows for tuberculosis before culling them; and if he will make a statement;
[130779]
In 2009-10 the TB cattle testing programme in England cost the Government around £30 million. Nearly all of the cattle slaughtered for TB control reasons have reacted positively to a fully validated diagnostic test. In some circumstances cattle identified as being at higher risk will be slaughtered with the owner's agreement.
(2) if his Department will consider developing a policy to ensure that healthy cows are not killed for being at risk of having tuberculosis.
[130780]
Mr Jim Cunningham:
(2) if his Department will consider developing a policy to ensure that healthy cows are not killed for being at risk of having tuberculosis.
[130780]
Mr Jim Cunningham:
In 2009-10 the TB cattle testing programme in England cost the Government around £30 million. Nearly all of the cattle slaughtered for TB control reasons have reacted positively to a fully validated diagnostic test. In some circumstances cattle identified as being at higher risk will be slaughtered with the owner's agreement.
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point; I agree with him.
A new statute to make independent regulation effective would improve investigative journalism, if it included express public interest defences. It would ensure that when the ends were in the public interest, the means would be justified. The example of The...
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point; I agree with him.
A new statute to make independent regulation effective would improve investigative journalism, if it included express public interest defences. It would ensure that when the ends were in the public interest, the means would be justified. The example of The...
I start by declaring my interests. I have been a recreational yachtsman all my life, starting from the time I was a boy scout and including my service in the Royal Navy, when I commanded several vessels and was the officer of the watch of the Royal Navy’s largest-ever warship....
I start by declaring my interests. I have been a recreational yachtsman all my life, starting from the time I was a boy scout and including my service in the Royal Navy, when I commanded several vessels and was the officer of the watch of the Royal Navy’s largest-ever warship....
I will, but may I finish my point first, because I think that the hon. Gentleman will be likely to agree with me?
After 2018, all bets are off, and several things could happen when the money is paid off. The Government will no longer have to pay VAT so, at...
I will, but may I finish my point first, because I think that the hon. Gentleman will be likely to agree with me?
After 2018, all bets are off, and several things could happen when the money is paid off. The Government will no longer have to pay VAT so, at...
Mining is part of the north-east’s industrial heritage, and in my constituency alone there are more than 100 former mines. Lead, tin and coal mining shaped my local area. The hon. Member for Falkirk (Eric Joyce) made miners abroad the focus of his speech, and I should make it clear...
Mining is part of the north-east’s industrial heritage, and in my constituency alone there are more than 100 former mines. Lead, tin and coal mining shaped my local area. The hon. Member for Falkirk (Eric Joyce) made miners abroad the focus of his speech, and I should make it clear...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research commissioned by his Department into the health and welfare implications of permanent housing of dairy cattle is (a) currently under way and (b) planned.
[129457]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research commissioned by his Department into the health and welfare implications of permanent housing of dairy cattle is (a) currently under way and (b) planned.
[129457]
DEFRA has funded a project entitled ‘AW1026: A study to investigate the management and welfare of continuously housed dairy cows’. The final report has been submitted and it is anticipated that it will be published early in the new year. DEFRA has not published any calls for further research on the health and welfare implications of permanent housing of dairy cattle.
That is a valuable point. There have been a number of references to the dairy industry, and to small dairy farmers all over the United Kingdom. It should be borne in mind that very few small dairy farmers deal directly with the supermarkets. They nearly always negotiate through a dairy...
That is a valuable point. There have been a number of references to the dairy industry, and to small dairy farmers all over the United Kingdom. It should be borne in mind that very few small dairy farmers deal directly with the supermarkets. They nearly always negotiate through a dairy...
I am very pleased to be able to contribute to this debate, and I commend the Government on introducing these measures and making such good progress with the Bill.
There is general agreement among Members that effective measures to protect producers in supermarket supply chains are long overdue, and that the...
I am very pleased to be able to contribute to this debate, and I commend the Government on introducing these measures and making such good progress with the Bill.
There is general agreement among Members that effective measures to protect producers in supermarket supply chains are long overdue, and that the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much land has been lost from farming and agriculture in (a) England, (b) the North West and (c) Cumbria in each of the last 10 years.
[128369]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much land has been lost from farming and agriculture in (a) England, (b) the North West and (c) Cumbria in each of the last 10 years.
[128369]
The total area on commercial1 agricultural holdings in England, the North West region and Cumbria for each of the last 10 years are show in the following table. The areas have remained largely unchanged over the past decade.
| Area
(hectares) | |||
| England | North
West and
Merseyside | Cumbria | |
| 2002 | 9,000,367 | 874,521 | 453,355 |
| 2003 | 9,077,666 | 888,108 | 457,304 |
| 2004 | 9,065,061 | 886,710 | 455,471 |
| 2005 | 9,168,414 | 895,398 | 460,165 |
| 2006 | 9,220,534 | 926,581 | 478,291 |
| 2007 | 9,173,625 | 908,244 | 461,668 |
| 2008 | 9,212,205 | 919,755 | 468,608 |
| 2009 | 8,976,477 | 901,308 | 465,540 |
| 2010 | 8,887,287 | 878,791 | 450,697 |
| 2011 | 8,915,247 | 884,916 | 454,152 |
| 2012 | 8,985,135 | n/a | n/a |
| n/a
= These areas are not yet available as the detailed geographical
dataset is yet to be produced for the 2012 June Survey
results. 1 Commercial holdings are those with significant levels of farming activity. These significant levels are classified as any holding with more than 5 hectares of agricultural land, 1 hectare of orchards, 0.5 hectares of vegetables or 0.1 hectares of protected crops, or more than 10 cows, 50 pigs, 20 sheep, 20 goats or 1,000 poultry. |
My Lords, I, too, thank my noble friend for introducing this timely debate. The new and substantial reforms to university funding have had some unpredicted effects on applications
and admissions. We do not yet have reliable data on enrolments but we know that application figures, though down by just over...
My Lords, I, too, thank my noble friend for introducing this timely debate. The new and substantial reforms to university funding have had some unpredicted effects on applications
and admissions. We do not yet have reliable data on enrolments but we know that application figures, though down by just over...
I thank the right hon. Lady for that answer. Does she agree that, first and foremost, we need to have in mind the people who suffered the horror of sexual abuse as children? It takes great courage to come forward, and that is something that we must encourage and support...
I thank the right hon. Lady for that answer. Does she agree that, first and foremost, we need to have in mind the people who suffered the horror of sexual abuse as children? It takes great courage to come forward, and that is something that we must encourage and support...
I hope to answer those points in my speech, in the time available to me. If I do not, I will of course write to the hon. Gentleman and answer those questions in full.
I want to talk about the financial situation in the national health service. We have already guaranteed...
I hope to answer those points in my speech, in the time available to me. If I do not, I will of course write to the hon. Gentleman and answer those questions in full.
I want to talk about the financial situation in the national health service. We have already guaranteed...
I absolutely take on board the point that some children are allergic to cow’s milk. I am sure that is an issue the Minister could address when he sums up.
I absolutely take on board the point that some children are allergic to cow’s milk. I am sure that is an issue the Minister could address when he sums up.
It might be, but it could be treated differently down here, too. The problem I have with devolving some of the taxation that the hon. Gentleman would want devolved is that, as we know, the Scottish
Government have a huge hole in their budget. So in terms of their priorities...
It might be, but it could be treated differently down here, too. The problem I have with devolving some of the taxation that the hon. Gentleman would want devolved is that, as we know, the Scottish
Government have a huge hole in their budget. So in terms of their priorities...
My hon. Friend makes a good point. I congratulate him on chairing the all-party group. We need to bring to the attention of the world what is needed, with biotechnology. We have a moral duty not only to look after the environment but to feed people. As there is more...
My hon. Friend makes a good point. I congratulate him on chairing the all-party group. We need to bring to the attention of the world what is needed, with biotechnology. We have a moral duty not only to look after the environment but to feed people. As there is more...
Yes. My hon. Friend raises a good point. What needs to be brought in is not only a policy, but co-financing, because each member state would then pay for its own agricultural policy, and might not be quite so keen on throwing money away on strange projects, as some countries...
Yes. My hon. Friend raises a good point. What needs to be brought in is not only a policy, but co-financing, because each member state would then pay for its own agricultural policy, and might not be quite so keen on throwing money away on strange projects, as some countries...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that two companies have vaccines which are ready to go if they can only obtain approval and licensing? Will he please make this a fast-track incident because this horrible virus has a great impact on farms, especially as regards those ewes and cows which have very deformed offspring?
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that two companies have vaccines which are ready to go if they can only obtain approval and licensing? Will he please make this a fast-track incident because this horrible virus has a great impact on farms, especially as regards those ewes and cows which have very deformed offspring?
I entirely agree with the noble Baroness that the effects of this disease on young calves and lambs are horrifying. We understand that a number of pharmaceutical companies are developing vaccines which we expect to become commercially available for livestock keepers if, in consultation with their vets and considering their management practices, they think will be of benefit.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of (a) dairy cows and (b) beef cattle in (i) the UK, (ii) England, (iii) Scotland, (iv) Wales, (v) Northern Ireland and (vi) each county in England in (A) 1997,...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of (a) dairy cows and (b) beef cattle in (i) the UK, (ii) England, (iii) Scotland, (iv) Wales, (v) Northern Ireland and (vi) each county in England in (A) 1997,...
[holding answer 29 October 2012]: I have arranged for the information requested to be placed in the Library of the House.
Quality assurance work is currently being carried out on historic country and county level bovine tuberculosis statistics, including the number slaughtered as a result of contracting tuberculosis, and these are not all currently available. These will be published during the next few months.
Great Britain statistics are available at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/landuselivestock/cattletb/national/
The number of cattle compulsorily slaughtered for bovine tuberculosis in 2012 so far (January to July inclusive) is:
| Number | |
| England | 15,705 |
| Wales | 5,426 |
| Scotland | 198 |
County level population data for 1997 is not readily available, so 1995 has been presented instead.
The population data for 2007 and 2010 is sourced from the Cattle Tracing Scheme administrative data, rather than statistical data as in earlier years. County data for 2010 relates to commercial holdings only, whereas earlier years relates to all holdings. The data is broadly comparable over time, though the impact of changes may be greater in some counties.
DEFRA does not have responsibility for the production and publication of livestock population statistics for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The coalition Government should not take any lessons from the Labour party on economic management. We all know that we had the biggest bust in living memory under the previous Government, that under them the country was running a structural deficit long before the banks went bust and that since...
The coalition Government should not take any lessons from the Labour party on economic management. We all know that we had the biggest bust in living memory under the previous Government, that under them the country was running a structural deficit long before the banks went bust and that since...
The hon. Gentleman invites me to stray well outside the scope of the debate, but I take his point on board and will take it back to the Department. My offices speak and meet with the VOA regularly, and I will ensure that that matter is considered.
A specific point on...
The hon. Gentleman invites me to stray well outside the scope of the debate, but I take his point on board and will take it back to the Department. My offices speak and meet with the VOA regularly, and I will ensure that that matter is considered.
A specific point on...
I have given notice of my intention to oppose the Question that Clause 23 stand part of the Bill. However, as the Minister has explained, Clause 23 will now be removed. I shall also speak to Amendment 155EZB.
When I read the speech made by the Prime Minister on 22 October,...
I have given notice of my intention to oppose the Question that Clause 23 stand part of the Bill. However, as the Minister has explained, Clause 23 will now be removed. I shall also speak to Amendment 155EZB.
When I read the speech made by the Prime Minister on 22 October,...
My Lords, a rehabilitation revolution will be welcome. Where I have criticisms, they are intended to be constructive this afternoon and in the further consideration of these clauses, because I want to see that revolution work. My first concern, as other noble Lords have indicated, is that the rhetoric around...
My Lords, a rehabilitation revolution will be welcome. Where I have criticisms, they are intended to be constructive this afternoon and in the further consideration of these clauses, because I want to see that revolution work. My first concern, as other noble Lords have indicated, is that the rhetoric around...
I entirely agree with my right hon. Friend. He is absolutely right: it is a tragedy not only for the cattle, but for the farmer, and it is also a great tragedy for badgers.
The figure that is hardest to ascertain is how many badgers catch this disease every year. I...
I entirely agree with my right hon. Friend. He is absolutely right: it is a tragedy not only for the cattle, but for the farmer, and it is also a great tragedy for badgers.
The figure that is hardest to ascertain is how many badgers catch this disease every year. I...
In following the hon. Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart), let me say that I was disappointed at an attempted politicisation of this debate, which has so far been incredibly cross-Bench and non-partisan. What Members are doing today is putting the issue first. This is not about...
In following the hon. Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart), let me say that I was disappointed at an attempted politicisation of this debate, which has so far been incredibly cross-Bench and non-partisan. What Members are doing today is putting the issue first. This is not about...
I will not comment on particular instances of the husbandry practices of farmers and how they keep their herds. All I can say is that there is some evidence that water troughs, particularly those kept at ground level, can be a source of the disease and that some farmers do...
I will not comment on particular instances of the husbandry practices of farmers and how they keep their herds. All I can say is that there is some evidence that water troughs, particularly those kept at ground level, can be a source of the disease and that some farmers do...
Some people who keep cattle are saying, “I can’t put up with this any more,” so they sell their cows and buy a plough, with the result that more wheat is being grown, which is not what we want for the landscape.
Some people who keep cattle are saying, “I can’t put up with this any more,” so they sell their cows and buy a plough, with the result that more wheat is being grown, which is not what we want for the landscape.
Let me make some further progress. DEFRA cites the EU prohibition on the vaccination of cattle against TB as the reason why studies to date
“cannot provide a definite figure for vaccine efficacy when administered to cattle under field conditions in the UK”.
Vaccinated cows can test positive for TB when using...
Let me make some further progress. DEFRA cites the EU prohibition on the vaccination of cattle against TB as the reason why studies to date
“cannot provide a definite figure for vaccine efficacy when administered to cattle under field conditions in the UK”.
Vaccinated cows can test positive for TB when using...
I am afraid that is a point of disagreement, which is why I believe there is a role for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to examine the state of the science. Members of that Committee can use their role to encourage the Government to use good relations with...
I am afraid that is a point of disagreement, which is why I believe there is a role for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to examine the state of the science. Members of that Committee can use their role to encourage the Government to use good relations with...
In Shropshire in 1997, 47 cows were slaughtered as a result of bovine TB. Last year, more than 2,000 were slaughtered. There has been a huge increase in the disease in my constituency and throughout Shropshire.
I have spent a lot of time with many of my Shropshire dairy farmers and...
In Shropshire in 1997, 47 cows were slaughtered as a result of bovine TB. Last year, more than 2,000 were slaughtered. There has been a huge increase in the disease in my constituency and throughout Shropshire.
I have spent a lot of time with many of my Shropshire dairy farmers and...
I ask colleagues to imagine a bowl of fresh green salad, but rather than sprinkling it with the salad dressing of their choice, I would like them to imagine sprinkling it with some diseased badger urine—urine from a badger that has lesions in its kidneys, which sadly is commonly the...
I ask colleagues to imagine a bowl of fresh green salad, but rather than sprinkling it with the salad dressing of their choice, I would like them to imagine sprinkling it with some diseased badger urine—urine from a badger that has lesions in its kidneys, which sadly is commonly the...
I am delighted to be called to speak, but of course disappointed that we are under such time restriction. I suppose it is a symptom of how engaged Members are with the subject that they want to get on their feet and speak about it.
I draw Members’ attention to my...
I am delighted to be called to speak, but of course disappointed that we are under such time restriction. I suppose it is a symptom of how engaged Members are with the subject that they want to get on their feet and speak about it.
I draw Members’ attention to my...
I have been a livestock farmer for two decades, so I am familiar with the difficulties that cattle farmers in particular face: the eradication of brucellosis, the threat of BSE, the arrival of foot and mouth and now, of course, TB. I am familiar with the challenges both financial and...
I have been a livestock farmer for two decades, so I am familiar with the difficulties that cattle farmers in particular face: the eradication of brucellosis, the threat of BSE, the arrival of foot and mouth and now, of course, TB. I am familiar with the challenges both financial and...
Let me be absolutely clear: we will use every tool in the box to bear down on bovine TB. That is why we are not going to reject something that has been shown by experimental evidence to be efficacious as part of the answer, as some would have us do....
Let me be absolutely clear: we will use every tool in the box to bear down on bovine TB. That is why we are not going to reject something that has been shown by experimental evidence to be efficacious as part of the answer, as some would have us do....
Showing results 1301 - 1400 of 3,218 in 3.74 seconds.