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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support wildlife conservation sites in Lincolnshire.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra published its updated protected sites Environment Act target delivery plan on the 16 July to support the improvement of protected sites here.

The Government supports wildlife conservation sites in Lincolnshire through Natural England and its partners. Natural England protects and improves Sites of Special Scientific Interest across Lincolnshire, including developing a Protected Sites Strategy for The Wash. Countryside Stewardship agreements support farmer-led habitat management, while Landscape Recovery Projects including Lincolnshire Wash, Lincoln & Witham, and Boothby Wildlands create connected habitats. Natural England also supports development of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy to guide future conservation investment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that water companies support those on the Priority Services Register during emergency incidents.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Under the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2022 (SEMD), water companies must identify and prioritise vulnerable customers during supply interruptions. They must maintain a Priority Services Register (PSR) to identify those needing extra support in emergencies, including priority access to alternative water supplies. Ofwat provides PSR guidance, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate regulates compliance with SEMD.

During sustained or large-scale water supply incidents, Defra regularly engages with water companies. Support for vulnerable customers, including those on PSR, is routinely discussed, and companies must demonstrate that appropriate arrangements are in place.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support biodiversity in Epping Forest constituency.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government supported Essex County Council to develop the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which includes Epping Forest. Essex LNRS, brings together local stakeholders to agree priorities for nature recovery and supports groups and individuals to target action where there is greater benefit for biodiversity.

Natural England (NE) works closely with the City of London Corporation which owns and manages much of Epping Forest. NE recently provided support in securing major agri-environment agreements that fund habitat restoration, including for ancient trees and wood pasture. NE is also monitoring the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation to inform key actions to protect it.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access for consumers to water supply during extremely warm weather in a) Epping Forest constituency and b) England and Wales.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Water companies in England are responsible for maintaining water supplies in all weather conditions. If supplies fail, they can deploy emergency measures, including mobile water tankers and bottled water stations. Under the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2022 (SEMD), companies must support vulnerable customers and maintain Priority Service Registers to target alternative supplies. Consumers are encouraged to use water responsibly during extreme heat. During drought, companies should implement their Statutory Drought Plans to maintain secure supplies and are expected to plan for resilience against a 1-in-500-year drought. Drought Plans should align with Water Resources Management Plans, ensuring secure, sustainable supplies.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that water companies communicate effectively with consumers during maintenance work projects.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS) requires companies to provide at least 48 hours' notice for planned supply disruptions lasting longer than four hours. Last year this Government doubled or more the financial penalties companies must pay to affected customers if they fail to meet GSS standards. Ofwat also requires water companies in England and Wales to communicate upcoming maintenance work and infrastructure projects transparently, focusing on accessibility, timeliness, and customer-led approaches.

If customers believe their water company has not communicated effectively, they can contact the Consumer Council for Water or use the alternative dispute resolution system.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to enable small rural communities to access funding for flood prevention from the proceeds of the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Levy.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) which include locally elected members, can use their Levy to fund flood resilience projects that are locally important, guided by local priorities and business plans. This includes projects that benefit small rural communities.

Recently, RFCCs have heavily supported Property Flood Resilience (PFR) projects, particularly in smaller rural communities where investment in larger engineered solutions is not always viable.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to improve the (a) health and (b) welfare of farmed animals.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

In December 2025, Defra published The Animal Welfare Strategy for England, a comprehensive package of reforms designed to enhance the lives of millions of animals, including farmed animals. This Government continues to make progress towards delivering the commitments set out in the strategy. The Department supports livestock farmers to improve disease prevention and biosecurity through existing initiatives, such as the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help improve consistency of local authority implementation of The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy for England, Defra will continue work with local authorities to ensure that enforcement is consistent and effective.

To improve consistency and encourage best practice, Defra works with the Local Government Animal Welfare Group and National Companion and Exotic Animal Welfare Panel to encourage a coordinated and consistent approach to enforcement across local authorities.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations within the (a) meat and (b) dairy industry.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Animal and Plant Agency (APHA), as the national regulator for farmed animal welfare in Great Britain, undertakes proactive and reactive inspections on farms to monitor compliance with legislation. Official veterinarians of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are present in all approved slaughterhouses to monitor and enforce welfare requirements at slaughter. The APHA and FSA investigate all potential animal welfare non-compliances that come to their attention and appropriate action is taken against anyone who breaks the law.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve the publication of farmed animal welfare inspections; and if she will consider extending transparency requirements across farmed animal sectors, including work carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the importance of transparency where it relates to the welfare of farmed animals. The Government publishes the Multi Annual National Control Plan (MANCP) Annual Reports which includes national data on inspections, including work carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to train UK-based sheep shearers ahead of the closure of Seasonal Shearer Visas in 2027.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra continues to work with British Wool ahead of the 2027 shearing season to build domestic shearing capacity and to encourage promotion, take-up and delivery of domestic shearing training programmes.

During each of the last five years (2021-2025) British Wool has invested an average of £134,000 net costs in providing shearing training for between 798 and 898 people at skill levels ranging from beginners through to highly proficient commercial shearers.

The department recognises the continued challenges that the industry faces each year in sourcing sufficient numbers of trained shearers.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the end of Seasonal Shearer Visas in 2027 on sheep welfare.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The department recognises that the annual shearing of sheep is essential to managing the health and welfare of the UK flock of around 30m sheep, and the continued challenges that the industry faces each year in sourcing sufficient numbers of trained shearers.

The department is also aware that shearers from countries such as Australia and New Zealand share skills and expertise with UK sheep farmers in addition to supporting the health and welfare of the UK flock.

Visa concessions are a matter for the Home Office.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps are being taken to ensure that Cider and Perry products have an appropriate amount of fruit juice to protect the quality of these drinks in the UK.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has no plans to change the rules governing juice content in cider and perry. Mid-range juice content ciders remain the most popular with consumers and are the most typical form of cider served on draught and in cans. We recognise the importance of both traditional craft ciders and mid-range juice content ciders in supporting a dynamic and innovative market and maintaining consumer choice.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans has she got to reduce the quotas next year that are set for (a) mackerel (b) whitebait and (c) sand eels.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK Government works with international partners to set annual catch limits for shared fish stocks, informed by the best available scientific advice on the state of those stocks. When setting fishing opportunities for 2027, we will continue to balance the requirements of the Fisheries Act and Joint Fisheries Statement.

For mackerel, no decisions have been made on fishing opportunities for 2027. The relevant coastal States, including the UK, will consider the scientific advice when it becomes available and discuss catch limits and management measures during the annual autumn negotiations.

The term ‘whitebait’ may be used to describe a range of small and young fish species, including forage fish. Any decisions on catch limits or management measures will therefore depend on the stock concerned. Since March 2024, the UK Government has prohibited the fishing of sandeels within English waters and, from 2021, the UK has not allocated its sandeel quota to be fished.

The UK Government recognises the ecological importance of forage fish species, including sprat, herring and sandeel, for the role they play as a food source within the marine ecosystem and that their function and role should be considered when setting fishing opportunities.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the scope of the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan being developed by her Department will cover legumes such as peas, lentils and fava beans.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Horticulture Sector Growth Plan is sector-led, using sector expertise to create evidence-based plans that set out a clear vision and pathway to deliver growth. Sector expert groups have determined the remit of the Horticulture plan based on their industry expertise.

Fresh peas and beans grown as horticultural crops are within the scope of the Plan. Legumes and pulses cultivated as arable crops, requiring processing or not for direct human consumption, are more aligned with the arable sector, and their interests will be considered through work with the arable sector.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the restoration of (a) habitats, (b) species, (c) woodlands and (d) peatlands in Yeovil constituency.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government has supported Somerset Council to develop the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which covers Yeovil. The Somerset LNRS will help groups and individuals target action to help nature recover and support locally and nationally important species and habitats, such as woodlands and peatlands.

Within the Yeovil constituency boundary, there are currently 480 live agri-environment agreements. Catchment Sensitive Farming advisers work closely with farmers, providing tailored advice, specialist consultancy and support for capital grants to improve water and air quality, reduce flood risk and enhance farmland habitats.

Woodland restoration is supported through a range of measures, including support for the development of Woodland Management Plans, alongside targeted capital funding for habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements, increased woodland diversity, and measures to address pests, diseases, and other threats to woodland resilience.

Peatland restoration works across England are carried out by local peatland partnerships, such as The Somerset Peatland Partnership, who are involved in managing any peatlands in the Yeovil constituency.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 April 2026 to Question HL16697 on Agriculture: Reservoirs, what assessment she has made of whether the current rate of large raised reservoir construction is sufficient to meet future agricultural water demand.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises that improved agricultural water resilience, is essential. The Environment Agency's (EA) National Framework for Water Resources 2025 sets out the future water needs of key sectors, including agriculture, to inform long-term water resources planning.

The Government is supporting the development of new farm reservoirs. The EA supported Water Resources East to publish new Farm Reservoir Guidance. Local Resource Options studies are also enabling small groups of farmers and growers to identify local projects including irrigation reservoirs.

Government recently announced funding of up to £15m through a new Water Management Grant for on-farm reservoirs.

We're also making changes through the planning system to make it easier for farmers to build on-farm reservoirs through express support for domestic food production in the revised National Planning Policy Framework and by bringing forward the publication of revised planning practice guidance on these to September.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support farmers to improve water resilience through on-farm reservoirs.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises that improved agricultural water resilience, is essential. The Environment Agency's (EA) National Framework for Water Resources 2025 sets out the future water needs of key sectors, including agriculture, to inform long-term water resources planning.

The Government is supporting the development of new farm reservoirs. The EA supported Water Resources East to publish new Farm Reservoir Guidance. Local Resource Options studies are also enabling small groups of farmers and growers to identify local projects including irrigation reservoirs.

Government recently announced funding of up to £15m through a new Water Management Grant for on-farm reservoirs.

We're also making changes through the planning system to make it easier for farmers to build on-farm reservoirs through express support for domestic food production in the revised National Planning Policy Framework and by bringing forward the publication of revised planning practice guidance on these to September.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with abattoirs and livestock producers in the South West on the use of non-stun slaughter and its implications for animal welfare.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I have various meetings with representatives of the livestock sector to discuss a range of issues.

All animals must be stunned before slaughter to make them unconscious and insensible to pain. The only exception to this is when animals are slaughtered in accordance with religious rites, for the food of Muslims and Jews. The government would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter but respects the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, what legislative vehicle she plans to use for any ban on the carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs; and when she plans to bring that legislation forward.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, when any ban on the use of carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs will take effect, including any proposed transition period for the industry.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of using carbon dioxide (CO₂) to stun pigs before slaughter on animal welfare; and whether she plans to phase out the use of CO₂ stunning.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is the timeline of phasing out the use of carbon dioxide gas as a method of slaughtering pigs.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, when the consultation on banning the use of carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs will open; and how long it will be open for.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, when she plans to publish a response to the consultation on banning the use of carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she will publish the consultation on banning the use of carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs promised in the animal welfare strategy.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, on 20 May 2026 to PQ UIN 613.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when her Department plans to publish a response to the public consultation on Water Efficiency Standards in the Building Regulations (2010), which closed on 16 December 2025.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Department is taking steps to mitigate water demand from new housing developments in water stressed regions. Policy amendments considering the tightening of Water Efficiency Standards in Building Regulations have been tested through a public consultation which ran from September to December 2025.

The Government response, to be jointly issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is expected in Summer 2026. The response will set out how we will tighten water efficiency standards in new homes to protect water stressed regions. As well as a plan to enable non-potable water, including rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse, in all new homes over the next 10 years.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her department provides to local authorities on making appropriate allowance for licensed dog home boarding businesses that are in the process of changing premises when scheduling inspections and applying licensing conditions.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations (2018) local authorities may vary a licence following an application by the licence holder and inspect premises as part of the process for granting or renewing licences.

Where a licence holder seeks to change premises, the relevant local authority inspector would need to ensure compliance with the licensing conditions. The decision whether to vary or issue a new licence is the responsibility of the local authority. After varying or issuing a licence, local authorities will decide on an individual basis the timing of mid-term or renewal inspections.

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 number of livestock slaughtered without prior stunning in abattoirs in the South West.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Food Standards Agency carries out a periodic Slaughter Sector Survey, which includes information on different stunning methods and the number of animals each method was used for, plus the number of animals slaughtered without prior stunning. The Survey covers slaughterhouses operating in England and Wales, but doesn’t present regional data separately.

During the week for the 2024 Survey, 97% of poultry and 85% of red meat animals were stunned before slaughter. The 2024 Survey Report can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farm-animals-slaughter-sector-survey-2024. The 2026 Survey will be published later this year.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of data centres on (a) local water availability, (b) chalk streams and (c) other sensitive waterways.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Most data centres source their water from public water supply. Water companies are not required to provide businesses with water if this risks supply to households or would impact their environmental protection obligations. Data centres should embed water efficiency in their design, consider the type of cooling technology being selected and the location of the data centre to protect water supplies and the local water environment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the report Sustainable Alternatives to Culled Chicks as Captive Raptor and Reptile Feed published by the Vegetarian Society UK on 4 June 2026.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government will consider the Vegetarian Society UK’s report on alternative feed sources for raptors and reptiles as part of its work to work towards seeing an end the practice of culling male laying hen chicks.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that water companies do not delay (a) housing developments, and (b) commercial developments as a result of a failure to upgrade relevant infrastructure.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is ensuring water infrastructure supports housing delivery and environmental resilience. Water companies have a statutory duty to maintain secure water supplies and must plan for future housing through their Water Resources Management Plans. A record £104bn is being invested between 2025 and 2030 in the water sector, including nine new reservoirs.

Defra’s Water Delivery Taskforce brings together key partners, including MHCLG, to identify and resolve water constraints that risk delaying development, and to oversee delivery. The Taskforce has already helped unblock 10,000s of homes in Oxford, Cambridge, and North Sussex through targeted interventions and improved coordination.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the financial impact of the recent outbreak of bluetongue virus on livestock farmers; what financial support is available to affected farmers; whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) providing assistance towards the cost of bluetongue vaccination programmes and (b) making compensation or other financial support available to farmers for (i) livestock losses, (ii) reduced productivity and (iii) other costs arising from the disease.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government recognises that the current bluetongue outbreak is placing significant pressures on livestock keepers. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) is now endemic in England, and we do not routinely cull animals affected by BTV-3, but where that occurs compensation is payable. No other bluetongue compensation or financial support is currently in place.

Vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing the impacts of disease in susceptible animals and as with other endemic diseases where there are safe and effective vaccines available, this is a commercial decision for livestock keepers in consultation with their veterinarian. Defra continues to work closely with industry, veterinary professionals and manufacturers to support vaccine availability. We also support Industry organisations, including the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board and Ruminant Health & Welfare, who are leading the Battle Bluetongue campaign to promote vaccination and provide practical advice to livestock keepers on assessing risk and protecting their businesses from the impacts of disease. The Battle Bluetongue webpages include vaccine cost calculators and a vaccine decision making tool. The campaign reflects the important role of individual livestock keepers and the wider industry in managing bluetongue risk and building resilience to disease. Defra keeps the impacts of bluetongue under review and continues to work with industry and veterinary partners to support effective disease control measures.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve access to nature in a) Romford and b) other constituencies where over 20% of properties are located more than 15 minutes’ walk away from green and blue spaces.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to improving access to nature through measures set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, including National River Walks, National Forests and an Access to Nature Green Paper. We are also using the new 15-minute access data to help target action towards areas with poorer access to green and blue space.

Through the Pride in Place Programme, Harold Hill East in Havering will now receive up to £20 million. A neighbourhood Board will work with the community to decide how this funding is spent, which could include investments in parks and green spaces. In Romford, Raphael Park and Cottons Park have received Green Flag Awards in 2026, a recognised accreditation setting the national standard for green spaces across the UK.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish the membership and remit of the water delivery taskforce.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Water Delivery Taskforce was established in Spring 2025 to unblock growth constrained by water and wastewater capacity, while maintaining and strengthening environmental protections.

As Minister for Water, I chair the Water Delivery Taskforce. The taskforce brings together key representatives from government departments and the water sector. Its core membership includes representation from: Defra, MHCLG, OxCam, EA, Ofwat, DWI, NE, NISTA, DBT and Water UK. This supports coordinated, sector-wide action.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of improved access to nature on the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the important role that access to nature plays in supporting physical health, mental wellbeing and wider quality of life. As set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, we are committed to improving access to nature through a range of measures, including creating nine National River Walks, establishing three new National Forests and publishing an Access to Nature Green Paper.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans her department has for implementing the reforms to the microchipping system announced in 2024.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy for England, the Department is committed to working with the pet microchipping sector to improve the effectiveness of the microchipping regime, including by improving the accuracy and accessibility of pet microchip records and strengthening oversight of microchip databases.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Access to Nature Green Paper will be published.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government committed in the 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan to bringing forward an Access to Nature Green Paper. This will explore options for improving and expanding access, test potential approaches, and gather robust evidence before any decisions are taken.

A timetable for publication has not yet been confirmed.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on consumers of the gap in Alternative Dispute Resolution provision in the water sector following the Consumer Council for Water's withdrawal from adjudication and the end of the WATRS/CEDR scheme in April 2026.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government plans to introduce alternative arrangements to enable people who are unable to access deposit return centres to reclaim deposits paid on drinks containers.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Exchange for Change have been working closely with DRS scheme operators overseas to understand how to make the scheme as accessible as possible. Their website and contact details can be found here.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Deposit Return Scheme on people who rely on online grocery deliveries and are unable to purchase food and drink in person.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The impact on people who rely on online grocery deliveries was considered in our Deposit Return Scheme Equality Impact Assessment, which can be found here.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve the responsiveness of the abstraction licensing system.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is acting to create a more dynamic abstraction licensing system. We plan to bring abstraction and impoundment regulation into the Environmental Permitting Regulations, providing a more flexible legislative framework.

The Environment Agency (EA) supports innovative approaches to abstraction that ensure the rights of other abstractors are protected, while safeguarding the environment. The EA are also developing digital systems to enable more responsive abstraction management.

Defra and the EA are facilitating an MHCLG funded trial of smart agricultural abstraction in Cambridge this year. The pilot provides real-time monitoring of water flows to farmers, enabling them to time their abstraction when more water is available.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will conduct a comparative assessment of the level of grants provided to horticultural growers and the costs of modern horticultural water infrastructure.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the importance of resilient water infrastructure for horticultural growers and continues to support investment through available grant schemes. We keep all our schemes under review and engage regularly across different sectors to ensure support remains effective.

Defra also engages closely with horticultural stakeholders, including through the development of the sector-led Horticulture Growth Plan, to understand the challenges growers face and ensure our support meets the sector’s needs.

While we have no current plans to undertake a separate comparative assessment, we will continue to consider evidence from growers on investment needs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the number of housebuilding developments currently delayed or blocked due to local water scarcity, and how the construction timelines of the nine planned reservoirs will align with the Government’s housebuilding targets.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra’s Water Delivery Taskforce brings together key partners, including MHCLG, to identify and resolve water constraints that risk delaying development. Where stakeholders identify water capacity issues constraining growth, the Taskforce acts to find solutions.

Water companies have a statutory duty to maintain secure water supplies and must plan for future housing through their Water Resources Management Plans. A record £104 billion is being invested between 2025 and 2030 in the water sector, including nine new reservoirs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential benefits of introducing a mandatory water-disclosure requirement for data centres.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The data centre sector is expected to grow in the coming year, and Defra is working across Government to determine how to increase water efficiency and reduce data centre water demand, considering the available and emerging evidence on water use in data centres.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of data centres on water supplies in the East of England.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The data centre sector is expected to grow in the coming year, and Defra is working across Government to determine how to increase water efficiency and reduce data centre water demand, considering the available and emerging evidence on water use in data centres.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has considered a statutory automatic redress mechanism for consumers who lose access to Alternative Dispute Resolution due to regulatory or administrative failure.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure continuity of Alternative Dispute Resolution provision in the water sector during future changes to regulatory arrangements.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has issued to water companies on handling complaints that had reached the adjudication stage before the withdrawal of the WATRS scheme.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many consumer complaints were affected by the discontinuation of the WATRS adjudication scheme before a replacement provider became operational.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the timetable is for restoring full Alternative Dispute Resolution provision in the water sector; and which body will deliver it.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All previous complaints that were being handled by the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman on behalf of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) before the withdrawal of CCW’s adjudication service were progressed to conclusion.

Under the new arrangement, if a customer complaint has not been resolved through discussion with their water company or through support from CCW, customers should be referred by their water company to the water company’s independent adjudication service. Customers will continue to benefit from the same protections and safeguards in place under the previous arrangement. Those contracted to provide this independent service for water companies will provide impartial decisions until the new Water Ombudsman is established.

The new Ombudsman will strengthen customer protections in the water sector by providing an impartial and legally binding dispute resolution service in the sector, in line with other regulated sectors. This will ensure that vulnerable customers and their complaints are properly safeguarded.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the section on Flood and Coastal Risk Management Investment Programme 2026-2029 in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority's document entitled NISTA Major Projects Annual Report 2025-26 data, updated on 13 July 2026, what is the scope of the new programme that commenced on 1 April 2026.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The scope of the 2026-2029 Floods and Coastal Erosion Management Investment programme remains unchanged from previous Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programmes. It includes the construction of new flood and coastal defences, the refurbishment and maintenance of existing flood assets, and Natural Flood Management such as planting trees, restoring rivers and creating wetlands. The programme also covers improvements to flood warnings and forecasting, surface water flood risk projects, and the funding of Environment Agency teams to ensure delivery. This is funded through Grant-in-Aid funding for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of mandating year-round quality monitoring at designated bathing waters for sewage, pollution, and other harmful contaminants; and whether she will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 to extend protections to all water users.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) monitors designated bathing waters during the bathing water season for E. coli and intestinal enterococci, indicators of faecal contamination. The EA monitors bathing waters more frequently than the statutory minimum sampling requirements.

In November 2025, Defra introduced greater flexibility to bathing season dates through reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations 2013, enabling the opportunity for monitoring periods to better reflect local use. Defra and the EA are assessing how this could work in practice, including the impacts of changes to season lengths.

We continue to consider whether to expand "bather" to include other water users.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking with the Environment Agency to monitor levels of a) E. coli and b) other harmful bacteria in the River Great Ouse.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) monitors the River Great Ouse for a range of ecological and chemical parameters, including biological and physico-chemical elements, specific pollutants and priority substances.

There are currently no designated bathing waters on the River Great Ouse. It is therefore not routinely monitored for E. coli or intestinal enterococci as part of the statutory bathing water monitoring programme. At designated bathing waters, the EA monitors these bacteria as indicators of faecal contamination and potential risks to human health. Anyone can apply to designate a bathing water and the current application window is open until 15 October 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent support her Department has provided to farmers affected by Bluetongue virus in West Dorset constituency.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for livestock keepers who are dealing with the impacts of this disease.

Defra, working closely with APHA, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), The Pirbright Institute and industry partners, has taken a range of actions to support the sector.

This includes, ensuring farmers receive timely information and practical guidance, implementing and maintaining control measures based on the latest scientific and veterinary advice, and increasing testing capacity. Information has been shared through regular disease alerts, social media updates, weekly communications to livestock keepers and a programme of industry webinars. The Battle Bluetongue campaign, running with industry partners since early 2025, continues to urge farmers to work with their private vet to vaccinate their animals.

With vaccination, the only viable long-term control measure, Defra is also working closely with the VMD and other partners to monitor vaccine availability and support continuity of supply. Including by working with vaccine companies to make available additional stocks to farmers over the autumn.

England and Wales have both been BTV restricted zones since November 2025. This supports farmers by allowing free movement of animals within the zones, including to market where they are not showing clinical signs of disease.

This Government also works closely with industry, veterinary professionals and farming welfare organisations to ensure that affected farmers have access to the latest welfare support. Details can be found on Wellbeing support for farmers and through the Rural Payments Agency helpline on (03000 200 301).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether financial and practical support will be provided to farms affected by the bluetongue outbreak.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for livestock keepers who are dealing with the impacts of this disease.

Defra, working closely with APHA, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), The Pirbright Institute and industry partners, has taken a range of actions to support the sector.

This includes, ensuring farmers receive timely information and practical guidance, implementing and maintaining control measures based on the latest scientific and veterinary advice, and increasing testing capacity. Information has been shared through regular disease alerts, social media updates, weekly communications to livestock keepers and a programme of industry webinars. The Battle Bluetongue campaign, running with industry partners since early 2025, continues to urge farmers to work with their private vet to vaccinate their animals.

With vaccination, the only viable long-term control measure, Defra is also working closely with the VMD and other partners to monitor vaccine availability and support continuity of supply. Including by working with vaccine companies to make available additional stocks to farmers over the autumn.

England and Wales have both been BTV restricted zones since November 2025. This supports farmers by allowing free movement of animals within the zones, including to market where they are not showing clinical signs of disease.

This Government also works closely with industry, veterinary professionals and farming welfare organisations to ensure that affected farmers have access to the latest welfare support. Details can be found on Wellbeing support for farmers and through the Rural Payments Agency helpline on (03000 200 301).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent support her Department has provided to farmers affected by Bluetongue virus.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for livestock keepers who are dealing with the impacts of this disease.

Defra, working closely with APHA, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), The Pirbright Institute and industry partners, has taken a range of actions to support the sector.

This includes, ensuring farmers receive timely information and practical guidance, implementing and maintaining control measures based on the latest scientific and veterinary advice, and increasing testing capacity. Information has been shared through regular disease alerts, social media updates, weekly communications to livestock keepers and a programme of industry webinars. The Battle Bluetongue campaign, running with industry partners since early 2025, continues to urge farmers to work with their private vet to vaccinate their animals.

With vaccination, the only viable long-term control measure, Defra is also working closely with the VMD and other partners to monitor vaccine availability and support continuity of supply. Including by working with vaccine companies to make available additional stocks to farmers over the autumn.

England and Wales have both been BTV restricted zones since November 2025. This supports farmers by allowing free movement of animals within the zones, including to market where they are not showing clinical signs of disease.

This Government also works closely with industry, veterinary professionals and farming welfare organisations to ensure that affected farmers have access to the latest welfare support. Details can be found on Wellbeing support for farmers and through the Rural Payments Agency helpline on (03000 200 301).

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Year Two Fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme will be published.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Illustrative pEPR fees for Year 2 (2026/27) were published on Gov.uk in December 2025. PackUK intends to publish confirmed fees for Year 2 and issue Notices of Liabilities to liable producers by the end of November 2026. This follows the final deadline of 1 September 2026 for producers to submit any corrections to their data, so that invoices and fees can be calculated.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure the improvement of water companies’ developer services.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

For the current Price Review period (PR24) Ofwat introduced a new incentive of ‘developer services measure of experience’, and water companies now face financial and reputational penalties for underperforming in this area.

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Developer-services-measure-of-experience-D-MeX-PC-definition-4.pdf

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to strengthen origin labelling requirements for pork products.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Country of origin information is required for certain products, including fresh and frozen pig meat. It is also required for all prepacked food where its omission would be misleading to consumers.

Under existing rules, food that is not classed as of UK origin cannot be sold or labelled as being British. Processed foods (such as bacon and sausages) and composite foods that are made in the UK, are British.

We continue to monitor how origin information is presented and the commitments supermarkets have made, and are considering what more can be done to help consumers make informed choices.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that domestic egg producers are not adversely impacted by imported eggs produced to different (a) welfare and (b) production standards.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All agri-food products must comply with the UK sanitary and phytosanitary standards and wider import requirements in order to be placed on the UK market. Government will always consider whether overseas goods benefit from an unfair advantage and any impact on UK producers. Where necessary, the Government will use the full range of powers at Government’s disposal, including permanent quotas, exclusions and safeguards.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to improve access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts for (a) people with cystic fibrosis and (b) other vulnerable groups.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra provides the public with access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts, as well as associated health advice, through the Check Air Quality webservice. This information is available to everyone, and specific advice is provided for people with lung or heart conditions.

Defra is continuing to improve the way air quality information is communicated to ensure information reaches the people that need it the most. Last week Government launched a new air quality alert service which allows people to select an area relevant to them, and receive an alert by SMS or email when air pollution is measured or forecast to be high. This will help people who are more susceptible to harm from air pollution, and those who care for them, make informed decisions about reducing exposure during periods of poor air quality.

The Department also works with a range of partners including local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency and health charities to support clearer public messaging on air pollution and health. This includes establishing the Air Pollution Awareness Coalition (APAC); a cross-sector coalition to improve public understanding of air pollution and support action to reduce harm.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of whether current pig supply-chain arrangements enable producers to receive a fair share of the final retail value of pork products.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government has not made a specific assessment of the share of the final retail value of pork products received by producers.

However, the Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025, which came into force for all contracts in August this year, support fairer and more transparent relationships between producers and purchasers in the pig supply chain.

While the Regulations do not set pig prices, they require contracts to include clear pricing provisions and greater transparency on how prices are determined. This helps producers make informed business decisions and provides greater certainty over contractual terms.

Anyone with concerns about compliance should contact the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA), which is responsible for enforcing the Regulations. ASCA also operates an anonymous ‘in-confidence’ channel for producers who do not wish to share their personal details: [email protected].

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of not endorsing the findings of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee on the UK's legal standing.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This United Kingdom Government is committed to the effective implementation of its international obligations.

The UK recognises the important role played by the Compliance Committee in making recommendations to promote effective implementation of the Aarhus Convention. Decisions under the Convention are a matter for the Meeting of the Parties (MoP), acting through the Convention's established processes.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the government will set out a timeline for the introduction of the Clean Water Bill.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Clean Water Bill was announced as part of the second Parliamentary session in the King’s Speech on 13 May. The Bill will implement many of the reforms outlined in the Government’s ‘New Vision for Water’ White Paper, published on 20 January. The Bill will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the barriers to adoption of agricultural robotics by small and medium-sized farms.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra recognises that small and medium-sized farms can face barriers to adopting any new technology, including high upfront costs, access to finance, skills requirements, uncertainty over returns, connectivity constraints, and integrating new technologies into existing farm businesses. Through the Farming Innovation Programme and ADOPT, Defra is supporting innovation, testing and adoption.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that farmers in Buckinghamshire can benefit from Government funding in agricultural robotics.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is supporting the development and adoption of agricultural robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme. Through this programme, farmers, growers, foresters, researchers and businesses across England, including in Buckinghamshire, can apply for funding to develop, test and adopt innovative robotic and automated technologies that improve productivity, sustainability and resilience.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent estimate has she made of the number of dog owners who may seek withdrawal of their certificate of exemption because they do not believe that their dog is an XL Bully type.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is continuing to develop a withdrawal process so that owners who no longer believe that their dog meets the legal definition of an XL Bully type can apply to have their certificate of exemption withdrawn. Further details will be shared once the process has been finalised.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has been made of out of hours environment agency staff to respond to blue tongue virus reports.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Responsibility for responding to reports of bluetongue virus rests with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Where required, the Environment Agency (EA) supports APHA on regulatory, waste management and pollution prevention issues, including ensuring that any waste arising from disease control activities is managed in accordance with the law. The EA maintains a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week incident response capability across England, enabling timely response to incidents that present serious or significant risks to the environment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of a national policy framework for the long-term maintenance of Natural Flood Management schemes delivered by local authorities.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that natural flood management (NFM) measures remain effective over the long term. Projects funded through the Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management investment programme are expected to have appropriate maintenance plans and funding arrangements in place. The Government also expects all risk management authorities and other asset owners to invest in ongoing maintenance and repairs where necessary.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on what date was the Farming Directorate created.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Defra Farming Directorate was established on 2 March 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support businesses at risk of flooding but ineligible for Flood Re insurance.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Businesses in flood risk areas should seek out the best insurance quotes available to them and may benefit from using an appropriate broker. There are a range of insurance products available, including the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) Commercial Property scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises, and parametric insurance products.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve air quality; and what steps she is taking with devolved administrations on this issue.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We are taking forward the measures set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan to further improve the quality of the air we breathe and reduce the impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment. This includes delivering actions to reduce emissions from transport, domestic burning, agriculture and industry, alongside implementing the Environment Act PM2.5 targets.

Air quality policy is a devolved matter, but air pollution does not respect administrative boundaries. The UK Government therefore works closely with the devolved governments through the Common Framework to coordinate action, share evidence and support delivery of measures that reduce harmful emissions and concentrations of air pollutants across the United Kingdom.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made (a) of the risks to human health and wildlife posed by microplastics and (b) the extent to which artificial grass and pitches contribute to the level of microplastics entering surface water and rivers.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra carried out a research project on intentionally added microplastics and published an Option Appraisal on 12 May 2025. This project assessed the impacts of intentionally added microplastics emissions, the risks they pose both to human health and the environment, and included a socio-economic assessment of different policy options, including restricting primary microplastics in line with the EU.

Defra welcomed the findings of the report, which provides important analysis of the UK-specific emissions of, and policy options for, intentionally added microplastics, and which recognised artificial grass sports pitches as an important source.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what figures the Government holds on the availability of bluetongue vaccinations across a) the nation and b) Oxfordshire.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are working closely with manufacturers and other partners to monitor availability and support continuity of supply across Great Britain, including Oxfordshire. Defra and VMS have taken proactive regulatory action to expedite the import of authorised Northern Ireland and European Union-authorised BTV-3 vaccines, helping to increase vaccine availability in Great Britain. As a result, several million additional vaccines have been made available through August and into autumn.

The industry-led Battle Bluetongue campaign, supported by the UK Government, has also been encouraging vaccine uptake and raising awareness of the benefits of vaccination since its launch in 2025.

Vaccination remains the most effective and viable long-term control measure against bluetongue. Defra continues to urge keepers of susceptible animals to speak to their private veterinarian about vaccination and to place orders as early as possible.

Alongside vaccination, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency support disease surveillance, testing, prompt reporting of suspected cases, control measures designed to limit the spread of infection and clear guidance for livestock keepers to help reduce the spread and impact of the disease.

Farmers do not need to wait for test results to confirm BTV before accessing veterinary support for animals with disease symptoms.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information from individual farm animal welfare inspections is routinely published, and what assessment she has made of whether those arrangements provide adequate public scrutiny of animal welfare standards.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government understands the importance of transparency in relation to the welfare of farmed animals. Multi Annual National Control Plan (MANCP) reports include national data on the number of farm inspections completed by APHA, the welfare scores from those inspections and any subsequent enforcement action are reported at a national level. From 2026 Local Authority inspections will also be included in this report. This Government considers that this provides sufficient overview of animal welfare enforcement data.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what data her Department collects on (a) animal welfare breaches identified during farm inspections and (b) subsequent enforcement action taken; and whether she plans to publish those data.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government understands the importance of transparency in relation to the welfare of farmed animals. Multi Annual National Control Plan (MANCP) reports include national data on the number of farm inspections completed by APHA, the welfare scores from those inspections and any subsequent enforcement action are reported at a national level. From 2026 Local Authority inspections will also be included in this report. This Government considers that this provides sufficient overview of animal welfare enforcement data.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of Plant-Based Health Professionals' document entitled Reaping the Benefits of Plant-Rich Diets: The Ten Point Plan.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in her previous role as Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, met with Plant Based Health Professionals UK and some of their partners in June 2026 to discuss the Ten-Point Plan for plant-based diets. This Government will continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including Plant based Health Professionals UK as we explore opportunities to improve access to healthy and affordable diets for all.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of setting up a process allowing the revocation of exemption certificates on owners who no longer believe that their dog is an XL Bully type.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is continuing to develop a withdrawal process so that owners who no longer believe that their dog meets the legal definition of an XL Bully type can apply to have their certificate of exemption withdrawn. Further details will be shared once the process has been finalised.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent estimate has she made of the cost of the process to allow the revocation of exemption certificates for owners who no longer believe that their dog is an XL Bully type.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is continuing to develop a withdrawal process so that owners who no longer believe that their dog meets the legal definition of an XL Bully type can apply to have their certificate of exemption withdrawn. Further details will be shared once the process has been finalised.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of fish-eating birds on inland fish populations; how predation by fish-eating birds is considered alongside other factors affecting the health and abundance of fish populations in rivers; and whether she plans to review licensing and management arrangements relating to population control for fish-eating birds.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra, the Environment Agency and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science assessed the range of pressures affecting English Atlantic salmon stocks in 2025. This considered predation by fish-eating birds, seals and other fish alongside wider pressures such as climate change, water quality and habitat degradation. We are now prioritising actions relating to water quantity and habitats which should make fish stocks more resilient against predation.

Under current legislation and Defra policy, Natural England issue licences to take action where cormorant predation is impacting fisheries, balanced with the latest information on cormorant populations to ensure that action is sustainable. Licensed control of cormorants continues to be appraised and revised by Natural England so it is proportionate and meets fishery protection needs.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 6 July 2026 to Question 15097 on Badgers: Animal Welfare and Disease Control, if she will take steps to record official figures on the number of badger deaths resulting from baiting.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Wildlife crimes, including badger baiting, are not ‘notifiable’ crimes. This means police forces are not required to report figures on badger baiting to the Home Office and therefore there are no official statistics or identifiable trends relating to this crime. Any decision to make such offences notifiable sits with the Home Office rather than Defra. Regardless of notifiable status, badger persecution is a UK wildlife crime priority and Defra is providing £530,000 in this financial year for the National Wildlife Crime Unit which helps prevent and detect wildlife crimes such as the horrific act of badger baiting.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made in discussions with the EU on simplifying pet travel arrangements as part of the EU-UK Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Securing less burdensome arrangements for non-commercial pet travel remains a UK Government priority. As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, which will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper.

Instead of getting an Animal Health Certificate each time they travel, pet owners will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU.

Discussions on the SPS agreement are progressing, and Defra has committed, with the EU, to conclude negotiations before the next UK-EU Summit. Whilst negotiations are ongoing, we are unable to provide further details on delivery timelines for multiuse pet passports.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on measures to reduce food price inflation.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Ministers and Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs have many discussions with their counterparts across Government on a variety of issues, which have included discussions on food price inflation. The department is actively monitoring food price inflation as part of this Government’s focus on Cost of Living pressures.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the lack of adequate feed for cattle on milk volumes.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

While no data is held on the short-term potential impact of recent drought and heatwave conditions on grazing and silage production for UK dairy farms, Defra continues to work closely with the sector to maintain an over-view of grass growth and availability of silage and other forages. The UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group reviews and analyses information for the main UK agricultural sectors including on weather conditions, livestock feed availability and prices, markets and levels of production. We continue to monitor the situation for forage availability through this and other routes.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if it intends to bring forward secondary legislation to bring the Animal (Low Welfare Activities) Act 2023 into force.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given to the hon. Member for Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy on 14th July, PQ UIN 15936.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what action the Government is taking to improve bluetongue vaccination supply and distribution across a) the nation and b) Oxfordshire.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are working closely with manufacturers and other partners to monitor availability and support continuity of supply across Great Britain, including Oxfordshire. Defra and VMS have taken proactive regulatory action to expedite the import of authorised Northern Ireland and European Union-authorised BTV-3 vaccines, helping to increase vaccine availability in Great Britain. As a result, several million additional vaccines have been made available through August and into autumn.

The industry-led Battle Bluetongue campaign, supported by the UK Government, has also been encouraging vaccine uptake and raising awareness of the benefits of vaccination since its launch in 2025.

Vaccination remains the most effective and viable long-term control measure against bluetongue. Defra continues to urge keepers of susceptible animals to speak to their private veterinarian about vaccination and to place orders as early as possible.

Alongside vaccination, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency support disease surveillance, testing, prompt reporting of suspected cases, control measures designed to limit the spread of infection and clear guidance for livestock keepers to help reduce the spread and impact of the disease.

Farmers do not need to wait for test results to confirm BTV before accessing veterinary support for animals with disease symptoms.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to prevent symptoms of the Bluetongue virus, alongside vaccinations.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are working closely with manufacturers and other partners to monitor availability and support continuity of supply across Great Britain, including Oxfordshire. Defra and VMS have taken proactive regulatory action to expedite the import of authorised Northern Ireland and European Union-authorised BTV-3 vaccines, helping to increase vaccine availability in Great Britain. As a result, several million additional vaccines have been made available through August and into autumn.

The industry-led Battle Bluetongue campaign, supported by the UK Government, has also been encouraging vaccine uptake and raising awareness of the benefits of vaccination since its launch in 2025.

Vaccination remains the most effective and viable long-term control measure against bluetongue. Defra continues to urge keepers of susceptible animals to speak to their private veterinarian about vaccination and to place orders as early as possible.

Alongside vaccination, Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency support disease surveillance, testing, prompt reporting of suspected cases, control measures designed to limit the spread of infection and clear guidance for livestock keepers to help reduce the spread and impact of the disease.

Farmers do not need to wait for test results to confirm BTV before accessing veterinary support for animals with disease symptoms.

Found: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) should discuss with Ofwat how it will

Found: We had right of replies from DEFRA, but they were mostly towards our concerns.

Found: Defra The Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97

Found: (Defra) has generated a sustained programme of research, capacity building

Found: They have been supported by Innovate UK primarily through the Defra ADOPT3 initiative. 6.

Found: Contracting Party to the International Treaty on Plant Gene tic Resources for Food and Agriculture, with Defra

Found: observation that she does not come from a health and social care background; I think she currently holds a DEFRA

Found: person who you will be asking the questions of and who will be carrying the can will be the relevant DEFRA

Submit Evidence (by 21 Oct 2026)

In its latest advice to the government, the CCC said that climate change is already disrupting life in the UK and said that the UK’s national approach to climate adaption is “not fit for purpose”. It has also argued that the government’s third National Adaptation Plan (NAP3) is not adequately preparing the UK for climate change.  

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether her Department monitors the amount of food waste generated by its offices each month.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office monitors food waste in line with the Greening Government Commitments.

Data is collected through existing estate and facilities management arrangements and reported to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration his Department has given to the potential merits of implementing the recommendation from the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance's report on 'Water use in AI and Data Centres' to mandate comprehensive and location-based water reporting for data centres.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

BIST engages regularly with DEFRA and the Environment Agency to ensure data infrastructure does not compromise public water supply resilience. The Government supports efficient cooling technologies, including closed-loop systems and alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting.

AI Growth Zone applicants must provide water plans and confirmation of feasibility from the relevant water supplier. Data centre developers progressing through the NSIP regime must assess impacts on water resources through Environmental Impact Assessments, while national planning policy embeds sustainable water use and resource efficiency in decision-making.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department monitors the amount of food waste generated by its offices each month.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government Property Agency and HM Revenue and Customs record the amount of food waste generated in their offices which the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and many other departments occupy. This information is then reported to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as part of the Greening Government Commitment Framework.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure school canteen food is locally sourced.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government remains committed to our ambition that half of all food served in public settings is either locally sourced or certified to higher environmental standards, and we are open to considering all lawful means of achieving this.

The school food standards allow school chefs and cooks creative freedom to adapt to the preferences of the children at their school, source seasonal or local food, and take advantage of price fluctuations. Presently, schools can voluntarily follow the government buying standards for food and catering, which includes advice around sourcing their school food.

The National Procurement Policy Statement already sets expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards that we think high-quality British producers are well-placed to meet.

The department is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as they develop the Good Food Cycle vision.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the risk of simultaneous production collapse across two or more global breadbasket regions.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government closely monitors risks to UK and global food security, including the possibility of simultaneous shocks affecting major food-producing regions. The National Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security, published earlier this year, noted that collapse of production in two or more breadbasket regions could significantly increase global food prices and affect the UK's ability to import food.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' work with industry and across Government to monitor risks to global food production, markets and UK food security. We also work with governments and international agencies to strengthen food security risk analysis, early warning and effective response in vulnerable countries. Through this work we are helping to build a more resilient global food system, including through investment in climate-resilient agriculture and crops that can better withstand future shocks.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what research his Department has conducted on supermarket pricing in recent years.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department has considered supermarket pricing evidence through its work on the Price Marking Order, including a 2023 consumer survey and public consultation on unit pricing, which showed strong support for helping consumers identify best value. It has also considered Competition and Markets Authority findings on price marking and promotions, which informed recent updates to improve the consistency, visibility and transparency of pricing information. We recently updated the PMO in October 2025 to increase standardisation and transparency across a greater range of goods. These came into effect in April this year.

Additionally, Defra monitors food price inflation and publishes regular statistical reports using sources including the Office for National Statistics. Its in-house econometric model assesses how food supply chain cost changes affect consumer prices, including supermarket prices.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what steps her Department is taking to support the Serious Fraud Office in tackling waste crime.

Answered by Andy Slaughter - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The SFO investigates a small number of the most serious and complex cases of suspected fraud, bribery and corruption, often involving thousands of victims, multiple jurisdictions and international corporates.

Waste crime does not fall within this remit and therefore is not considered by the Attorney General’s Office in the course of superintending and sponsoring the work of the SFO.

These cases are typically investigated and prosecuted by the Environment Agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of data centre expansion on water shortages.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade works with DEFRA, the Environment Agency and industry to ensure the growth of this critical national infrastructure does not compromise the resilience of public water supplies.

Data centres use just 0.2% of England’s non-household water, equivalent to one-fifth of one per cent, and an even smaller share of total water use.

A 2025 techUK–Environment Agency survey found that 51% of surveyed sites use closed-loop cooling systems, which recirculate water rather than continually drawing fresh supplies. The Government supports the wider adoption of efficient cooling technologies and alternative water sources, including rainwater harvesting.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which organisations have (a) had departmental Civil Servants seconded to HMRC and the Valuation Office since July 2024 and (b) seconded organisational staff to HMRC and the Valuation Office in that period.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Since July 2024, HMRC civil servants have been seconded to the following organisations:
• Gambling Commission
• Office for Environmental Protection
• St Helena Government
• Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)
• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Nesta
• Pubs Code Adjudicator
• TaxAid
• Resolution Foundation
• Bank of England
• London School of Economics
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
• GCHQ
• University College London (UCL)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR)
• St James's Palace
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Falkland Islands Government
• Alexander Mann Solutions
• UK Government Investments
• Isle of Man Government
• Arts Council NI
• HMG Gibraltar
• Financial Ombudsman Service

The VOA seconded out civil servants to:
• HM Treasury
• LocatEd (then an arms-length body of the Department for Education).

During the same period, HMRC has received inward secondees from:
• the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)
• Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)
• Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
• Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

The VOA received inward secondees from:
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
• Department for Transport (DfT)
• HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
• Home Office (HO)
• Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Food Standards Agency (FSA)
• HM Land Registry
• Ministry of Defence (MOD)
• Legal Aid Agency
• HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
• HM Treasury
• LocatED

Found: nautical miles from the landward baseline of the territorial sea, and are commonly referred to as the Defra

Found: nautical miles from the landward baseline of the territorial sea, and are commonly referred to as the Defra

Found: Guidance on designing and constructing new builds to be smart-meter-ready [2026] Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: £1 million Defra European Resilience in Space – Earth Observation (ERS-EO) Participate in ESA’s ERS-EO

Found: paid [note 9] 2025-26: compensation paid [note 9] Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Education, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Education, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other Government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other Government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: other government departments (such as HM Revenue and Customs, HM Treasury, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: 2024: Farmers lost over £1 billion in arable crop income, mainly from an exceptionally wet winter (Defra

Found: able to review or analyse the findings within the Applicant’s original spreadsheet version of the Defra

Found: Pollution Prevention for Businesses guidance from the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Transport, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: Independent Office for Police Conduct

Found: 2025 Seconded & Temporary Staff IOPC - Independent Office for Police Conduct Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - NDA - Harwell 6 Transfer to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: for directing traffic to their service areas and impact their visibility, footfall and revenue. 22 Defra

Found: In the Tobacco and Vapes Act IA 79, we estimated the vape market size using sales data from a Defra

Found: Vape prevalence 91 DEFRA. 2025.

Found: In the Tobacco and Vapes Act IA 68, we estimated the vape market size using sales data from a Defra

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: Where animals with suspect clinical signs are reported, Defra funds the cost of diagnostic testing for

Found: You can view all of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) guidance and forms

Found: us at the Romsey Show, where you can find the local Land Use Advisor at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: APHA approves and inspects these premises on behalf of Defra, the Scottish Government and Welsh Government

Found: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Scottish Government Welsh Government The Bluetongue

Found: House, 8 Mint Walk CROYDON United Kingdom CR0 1EA Wider Public Sector 10005367 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: nautical miles from the landward baseline of the territorial sea, and are commonly referred to as the Defra

Found: nautical miles from the landward baseline of the territorial sea, and are commonly referred to as the Defra

Found: MMO and Defra are considering how best to engage with the EU to learn from existing octopus fisheries

Found: Next steps MMO will work alongside Defra policy colleagues to ensure the results of the survey and

Found: To protect plant health, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) sets policy and

Found: audits are carried out by, or on behalf of, UK authorities in: England – the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: The GM Inspectorate seed audit programme is undertaken on behalf of the Defra Varieties and Seeds Policy

Found: Note: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: Note: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: improvements to public access, and the access-related policies and priorities it periodically agrees with Defra

Found: Wight Maritime SAC Solent and Dorset Coast SPA For Ramsar sites, a decision has been made by Defra

Found: Environmental data Search the Defra data services platform for all kinds of environmental data.

Found: Environmental data Search the Defra data services platform for all kinds of environmental data.

Found: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) can start to consider applications for the

Found: CEX 9108 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) DEFRA (or EU issued) CITES export

Found: No status code is required N/A M 9028 Both Defra ivory registration number.

Found: Information already required in the Marketing Notice to the Defra Secretary of State (Defra Marketing

Found: Information already required in the Marketing Notice to the Defra Secretary of State (Defra Marketing

Found: You must do this by submitting a marketing notice to Defra in line with the requirements in the Genetic

Found: [email protected] www.gov.uk/apha APHA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: [email protected] www.gov.uk/apha APHA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Found: The Marine Management Organisation follows all Defra statistical policies.

Found: The Marine Management Organisation follows all Defra statistical policies.

Found: You can read about how Official Statistics in Defra comply with these standards on the Defra Statistics

Found: £1 million Defra European Resilience in Space – Earth Observation (ERS-EO) Participate in ESA’s ERS-EO

Found: 2024: Farmers lost over £1 billion in arable crop income, mainly from an exceptionally wet winter (Defra

Found: project is available at Surrey Hills National Landscape (AONB) Variation Project Second Consultation - Defra

Found: wider developments in the food supply chain and the GCA’s relationship with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Found:

Found: Expense Type Expense Area Supplier Transaction Number Net Amount VAT Amount Gross Amount Description Defra

Found: Supplier Transaction Number Net Amount VAT Amount Gross Amount Description Project Code Expenditure Type Defra

Found:

Found:

Found: Expense Type Expense Area Supplier Transaction Number Net Amount VAT Amount Gross Amount Description Defra

Found:

Found: Supplier Transaction Number Net Amount VAT Amount Gross Amount Description Project Code Expenditure Type Defra

Found: CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Association CPM Convection-permitting model Defra

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the announcement that Scotland has its first recorded case of bluetongue virus, what contingency measures it has in place to address this development, and what measures it will take to prevent any further outbreak of the disease. 

Answered by Fairlie, Jim - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands

Scottish Government has published, in partnership with Defra and Welsh Government, the GB Bluetongue Virus Disease Control Strategy. This strategy has been adapted by all three administrations to respond to the current circulation of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3).

As part of that strategy a localised Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was declared in parts of South-West Scotland on 20 August 2026 following the detection of BTV-3 on several holdings in that area. The zone imposes movement controls on susceptible animals to help contain undisclosed pockets of disease within the area whilst surveillance is undertaken. All affected farms were placed under official movement restriction while veterinary investigations are undertaken.

Several animal movement licences have been made available to allow movements on and off premises within the TCZ. These licences aim to provide a balance between disease prevention, and minimise impacts caused by the restrictions such as animal welfare and economic harm. These licences and further information can be found on Bluetongue movement restrictions for animals - Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease - gov…

Scottish Government also announced the tightening of some controls following a sudden and significant rise in cases in parts of England, reducing the time animals could travel from the free areas of Scotland to a Restricted Zone (RZ) and return again from four days to a single day. Animals arriving in the RZ must be unloaded after sunrise and loaded before sunset.

From 10 September 2026, certain BTV susceptible breeding animals traveling from a RZ area to Scotland to live must be vaccinated with any BTV-3 product and be PCR tested within seven days of the movement with negative results received prior to any movement. Only cattle vaccinated with a vaccine that prevents viremia would be exempt from any testing requirements.

Scottish Government will continue to engage with industry organisations to ensure the control strategy remains fit for purpose and it will be kept under constant review to ensure the right balance between disease control and movement restriction.

Vaccination remains our best long-term defence, and keepers are strongly encouraged to discuss this option with their vets and place vaccine orders now to ensure access to supplies. We continue to work together with other UK nations, manufacturers and distributors to ensure timely access to the vaccine, with more doses being brought in from continental Europe and additional supplies now in production.