Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many ground-mounted solar projects have been (1) permitted, and (2) built on grades 3a and 3b agricultural land since 2020; and what is the total acreage of those projects.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system). Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

As of the end of September 2024, ground-mounted solar PV panels covered an estimated 21,200 hectares. This amounts to around 0.1% of the land area of the UK. The government does not hold information on the number of ground-mounted solar projects that have been permitted and built on different agricultural grades, or the number of acres of grade 1 and 2 land which has been built on since 2020.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many ground-mounted solar projects have been (1) permitted and (2) built on grades 4 and 5 agricultural land since 2020; and what is the total acreage of those projects.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system). Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

As of the end of September 2024, ground-mounted solar PV panels covered an estimated 21,200 hectares. This amounts to around 0.1% of the land area of the UK. The government does not hold information on the number of ground-mounted solar projects that have been permitted and built on different agricultural grades, or the number of acres of grade 1 and 2 land which has been built on since 2020.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many ground-mounted solar projects have been (1) permitted, and (2) built on grades 1 and 2 agricultural land since 2020; and what is the total acreage of those projects.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system). Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

As of the end of September 2024, ground-mounted solar PV panels covered an estimated 21,200 hectares. This amounts to around 0.1% of the land area of the UK. The government does not hold information on the number of ground-mounted solar projects that have been permitted and built on different agricultural grades, or the number of acres of grade 1 and 2 land which has been built on since 2020.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of farmland is currently used by ground-mounted solar panels; and what estimate they have made of the percentage of farmland used by ground-mounted solar panels by 2050.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system). Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

As of the end of September 2024, ground-mounted solar PV panels covered an estimated 21,200 hectares. This amounts to around 0.1% of the land area of the UK. The government does not hold information on the number of ground-mounted solar projects that have been permitted and built on different agricultural grades, or the number of acres of grade 1 and 2 land which has been built on since 2020.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many acres of grade 1 and 2 agricultural land have been built on since 2020.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system). Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

As of the end of September 2024, ground-mounted solar PV panels covered an estimated 21,200 hectares. This amounts to around 0.1% of the land area of the UK. The government does not hold information on the number of ground-mounted solar projects that have been permitted and built on different agricultural grades, or the number of acres of grade 1 and 2 land which has been built on since 2020.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 14 May (HL Deb cols 2301), what assessment they have made of the results of the Green Homes Finance Accelerator programme, and what plans they have to take forward and scale up any of its initiatives.

Answered by Baroness Curran

The Green Home Finance Accelerator programme, supports the development of innovative green finance products and services that help homeowners cover the upfront cost of decarbonising their homes.

Following a competitive process, 26 projects were awarded funding to research and develop their product over a six-month Discovery Phase. 13 projects were successful in securing a share of approximately £16 million to pilot their products with homeowners across the UK until June 2025. The results of the pilot phase for each project will be published later in the year and the Government will use the findings of these to inform future policy development.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to produce a warm homes plan, as set out in the Labour Party Manifesto 2024; and when they expect to publish it.

Answered by Baroness Curran

The Government will publish a Warm Homes Plan in due course, this will set out how we will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future.

As the first step towards the Warm Homes Plan, the Government has committed an initial £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency, with £1bn of this allocated to 2025/2026.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 15 May (HL7063–7), what plans they have to monitor the amount and types of land that solar panels are installed on in the future.

Answered by Baroness Curran

The Department currently monitors the geographical location of solar developments through the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD). We plan to broaden the scope of this database to provide information on the area and types of agricultural land used by existing solar projects and those in the planning pipeline.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 14 May (HL Deb cols 2301), what plans they have to introduce low-interest loans for landlords to install energy efficiency measures, similar to schemes in Scotland.

Answered by Baroness Curran

Private finance can play a key role in helping us achieve our decarbonisation ambitions. As part of the Government’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan, officials are exploring the role of incentives and private finance for households to support homeowners, including landlords, with the upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades and low carbon energy technology. This includes engaging with the finance sector on the potential for low-interest loans.

After the spending review, we will be publishing the Warm Homes Plan which will set out further details.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 14 May (HL Deb cols 2301), what plans they have to introduce property-linked finance for energy efficiency improvements.

Answered by Baroness Curran

The Government recognises the important role that private finance can play in supporting with the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements and low carbon heating. We are reviewing property-linked finance schemes implemented in countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada. We will continue to explore options for working with the private sector, including banks and building societies, to scale up private finance and support owners and businesses to future-proof their buildings.

Found: they wished to discuss with the Secretary of State, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Baroness Hayman

Found: Baroness Hayman of Ullock Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Seacole Building 2 Marsham Street

Found: Baroness Hayman of Ullock Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Seacole Building 2 Marsham Street

Found: Baroness Hayman of Ullock Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Seacole Building 2 Marsham Street

Found: Baroness Hayman of Ullock Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Seacole Building 2 Marsham Street

Found: Baroness Hayman of Ullock Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Seacole Building 2 Marsham

Found: Emily Miles: Baroness Hayman has written to all the airports.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 10 September 2024 (HL567), and with reference to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) article Economic statistics classifications and developments in public sector finances: April 2025 published on 22 May, why they do not consider Malvern Hills Trust to be a public body, and how they reconcile their Answer with the decision by the ONS to classify the Malvern Hills Trust to the local government subsector.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

It is Defra’s understanding that the Malvern Hills Trust is not a public body. This is based on the Cabinet Office’s guide to the classification of public bodies, which includes a helpful but brief definition in these terms: ‘A public body is a formally established organisation that is publicly funded to deliver a public or government service, though not as a ministerial department. The term refers to a wide range of public sector entities.’

The 1884 Private Bill that established Malvern Hills Trust also does not suggest that it would be classified as a public body.

More information on what constitutes a public body can be accessed in the Cabinet Office guide, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-bodies-reform (copy attached).

Defra does not hold information on the Office for National Statistics’ classification of the Malvern Hills Trust.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will provide guidance or support to existing county councils with council farm estates to explore placing those estates into trusts or alternative legal entities to safeguard their integrity and management continuity following their plans for local government reorganisation.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.

We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered legislative changes to allow newly formed or reorganised local authorities, including unitary and combined authorities, to be designated as smallholding authorities in order to maintain the protections provided under sections 38 and 39 of the Agriculture Act 1970.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.

We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that economies of scale and the viability of council farms are maintained where county councils are reorganised; and whether they have considered placing such estates under the management of a strategic authority or consolidated trust structure.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.

We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of local government reorganisation and the English Devolution White Paper on the future of county council-owned council farms, particularly with regard to their statutory role as smallholding authorities under the Agriculture Act 1970.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.

We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the abolition or restructure of county councils on council farm tenants under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, including the impact on succession rights.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.

We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they anticipate that the number of equipped council farms is likely to fall as a result of their proposed local government reorganisation, and if so, what plans they have to ensure continued access to residential starter and progression holdings for new entrants into the farming sector.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 5 February the government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area.

During the local government reorganisation process, it is expected that assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils. There is a suite of general continuity regulations for local government reorganisation made under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which ensure smooth transfer to new unitary councils. These general regulations provide transitional and supplementary arrangements, so that the councils can undertake specific functions to enable a successful move to the single tier of local government. These provisions relate to continuity of services and functions, staffing, local authority plans and schemes, transfer of assets, property and reserves, and can include farm estates. We will review and if necessary update relevant legislation to ensure that powers currently designated to county councils are provided to new unitary councils.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of local government reorganisation on council farms. Although local government reorganisation may impact who administers farming tenancies, it will not alter council farm tenants' succession rights.

We are committed to working with colleagues across Government, and with the LGA and its sector support group to ensure councils have the information, tools and expertise to develop the solutions that are right for their area, so new authorities are set up for success. I am happy to meet Noble Lords at any point to discuss local government reorganisation, and Baroness Hayman and I stand ready to meet Baroness Rock to discuss the issues she has raised.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how responsibility for animal welfare policy is divided between (a) his Department, (b) the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and (c) the Home Office; and who the lead ministers are.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for technology policy around the development, validation and uptake of alternative testing methods, led by Lord Vallance. The Home Office is responsible for regulation of the use of animals in research under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which is the legislation that protects animals used for scientific purposes, led by Lord Hanson. Defra is responsible for enacting and enforcing the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which outlines the basic duty of care for animals, led by Baroness Hayman. Defra also develops and implements specific animal welfare regulations, such as animal transport.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent engagement he has had with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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

Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Defra Animal Welfare Minister, periodically meets with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Most recently the Minister met both the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) at a visit to Chester Zoo on 22 May 2025, ahead of the launch of the new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain and also hosted an Animal Welfare Strategy development roundtable, which BIAZA attended. Defra officials also have regular meetings with BIAZA.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 12 May (HL7055), which sites are being considered for the potential ten new reservoirs; and on what timescale they intend that the new reservoirs should become operational.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The following new reservoir sites (with a capacity above 10 million litres per day) have been identified in water company’s latest statutory water resources management plans, with their capacity and expected completion date provided in the table below.

In addition to the nine sites above, work is already underway on Portsmouth Water’s Havant Thicket reservoir, as set out in the company’s WRMP19. This will supply an expected 21 Ml/d, with a latest forecast completion date of 2031-32.

The one reservoir enlargement is set out below.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 20 March (HL5459 and HL5460), whether assessments of samples for disposal at sea are determined by cost to the applicant or best available evidence.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Before material is disposed of at sea, Defra bodies follow OSPAR guidelines for assessing contaminant levels in samples. Cefas use the best available evidence when providing advice to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on contaminant levels in such samples. Assessments required may vary depending on the type of material and historic use of a site from which any material is dredged. Assessments are only used when the evidence they provide is necessary to determine if a material is suitable for disposal at sea, and this avoids disproportionate costs for applicants. The MMO then consider this evidence when determining applications to dispose of material at sea.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 20 March (HL5458 and HL5459), in what circumstances the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) would insist that bioassays are undertaken; and how many times in the past five years CEFAS has required such bioassays, and for which disposal licences.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Cefas cannot insist that specific assessments are undertaken to support disposal licence applications as Cefas holds no regulatory power in that regard. Cefas can instead advise that certain assessments are undertaken or that certain licensing decisions are made, but decision-makers are not obliged to adhere to Cefas recommendations. Cefas does not collect data on how often certain assessments are recommended, however there are likely no examples of a bioassay or other ecotoxicological assessment being recommended in the past five years. Whilst such assessments can be recommended in line with the OSPAR guidelines, there may be significant costs associated for disposal applicants and there are currently no such assessments which have been validated by the MMO. Necessary assessments are still undertaken to determine if material is suitable for disposal at sea. The MMO assess applications on a case by case basis, and will request specific information from applicants where relevant and necessary to making a decision. Cefas is exploring the use of potentially more cost-effective assessments such as Microtox.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 11 March (HL5255), what assessment they have made of the disposal of waste into Beachy Head East and Beachy Head West marine conservation zones.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

There are two registered disposal sites within the Beachy Head Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). All material is assessed and classified as safe for marine disposal under OSPAR and London Convention and Protocol standards, with regular sediment testing required.

For all licences to dispose of dredged material within the Beachy Head MCZs, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consult with technical advisors Cefas. The MMO request samples to be collected at the dredge site, and establish the contaminants to test for. This testing has shown the risk to the marine environment from contaminants in the dredged material is low. The applicant must undertake robust monitoring, including further sampling and monthly disposal reporting to the MMO, throughout the duration of a licence. This ensures that the material meets the standards and remains suitable for continued sea disposal at the relevant disposal site. MCZ assessments for both disposal sites concluded that the risk to MCZ conservation objectives from disposal is likely to be low. This robust framework ensures that disposal activity does not compromise the conservation objectives of the MCZ.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 20 March (HL5461), how many marine disposal sites there are, and how many are monitored each year.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

There are 727 marine disposal sites in total. Of these, 251 are open, 432 are closed, and 44 are disused.

Before a disposal site is designated, an applicant must submit a disposal site characterisation report to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), or evidence to satisfy the MMO that the area is suitable for disposal. In addition, all sediment being disposed of to sea is regularly sampled and analysed, with continued disposal requiring sign off from the MMO. Monthly disposal volumes are reported to the MMO in line with OSPAR requirements.

The MMO, in conjunction with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), also undertakes an annual Disposal Site Monitoring programme. The programme sets out how sites are monitored based on location, activity level, public interest, age of current monitoring data for the area, and frequency of site usage.

Found: Answering member: Baroness Hayman of Ullock | Department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Found: BARONESS HAYMAN BARONESS PENN 274_ After Clause 136, insert the following new Clause— “Funding energy

Science and Technology in Agriculture APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Committee Room 21, Palace of Westminster In attendance: Charlie Dewhirst MP (Chair) Baroness Hayman

Nutrition for Development APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: (Labour) The Baroness Goudie (Labour) Monica Harding MP (Liberal Democrat) The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman

Nutrition for Development APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: (Labour) The Baroness Goudie (Labour) Monica Harding MP (Liberal Democrat) The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: APPG Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases : Parliamentary Delegation to Ethiopia, May 2024 Baroness Hayman

Small Modular Reactors APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Apologies:  Chi Onwurah MP;  Baroness Hayman;  Rt. Hon.

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman 7. Pauline Latham MP 8.

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman 7. Pauline Latham MP 8.

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Vice-Chair Baroness Hayman also raised dengue and the need for global responsibility: “We cannot protect

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: In May, Vice-Chairs Tan Dhesi MP and James Sunderland MP and Members Patrick Grady MP, Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: elected as new Vice-Chairs, joining re-elected existing Vice-Chairs, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: are as follows: Present Lord Browne of Ladyton Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: are as follows: Present Lord Browne of Ladyton Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: elected as new Vice-Chairs, joining re-elected existing Vice-Chairs, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP , Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: In July, Baroness Hayman and I had a fascinating presentation and discussion with David Reddy and his

Energy Studies APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: MP, Anthony Browne MP, Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP, Alex Sobel MP, Anna McMurrin MP, Dunn MP and Baroness Hayman

Small Modular Reactors APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found:  Philip Eastment (Robin Millar MP’s Office) (PE) Apologies:  Ivan Baldwin, Bechtel  Baroness Hayman

Small Modular Reactors APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Director Simon Barber held on 18th May 2022 at 13:30 Attendees:  Virginia Crosbie MP  Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: The minutes of the meeting are as follows: Present Catherine West MP The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: The minutes of the meeting are as follows: Present Catherine West MP The Rt Hon the Baroness Hayman

Small Modular Reactors APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Penultimate Power UK APPG Members and other parliamentarians included:  Virginia Crosbie;  Baroness Hayman

Small Modular Reactors APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: (APPG Secretariat)  David Spencer – Barndoor Strategy (APPG Secretariat) Apologies  Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: United Against Rabies Forum of the Quadripartite (WOAH, WHO, FAO, UNEP), the Group’s Vice-Chair, Baroness Hayman

Small Modular Reactors APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Virtual via Microsoft Teams Attendees:  Virginia Crosbie MP  Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom  Baroness Hayman

Tidy Britain APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: MP (representative) (Chair of the Microplastics APPG) Abena Oppong-Asare MP (representative) Baroness Hayman

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: HoC, London Select members attended an event where Catherine West MP , Pauline Latham MP, Baroness Hayman

Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Baroness Hayman, Catherine West MP , Lord Crisp APPMG Annual Report 33 to hold a Parliamentary reception

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Yemen: Women and Girls, 7th March 2019 Baroness Hayman asked the Minister of State for the Foreign and

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Please find full text enclosed as appendix 107 Sierra Leone: Ebola, 30th October 2017 Baroness Hayman

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Please find full text enclosed as appendix 291 Neglected Tropical Diseases, 3rd April 2017 Baroness Hayman

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: , 14th October 2015, HoC, London Several members attended the event chaired by Baroness Hayman.

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: enclosed as appendix 337 Developing World: maternal and neonatal mortality, 15th January 2015 Baroness Hayman

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: full text enclosed as appendix 249 Health: neglected tropical diseases, 6th February 2014 Baroness Hayman

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: Tonge Lord Judd Cathy Jamieson MP Pauline Latham MP Pamela Nash MP Heather Wheeler MP Baroness Hayman

Found: ="govuk-table__cell">2025-03-21

Found: . • Private Secretary to Baroness Hayman. • Press Officer x 4. • Team Leader Farming and Food Sectors

Found: Return Nil Return Mary Creagh Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Baroness Hayman

Found: Political Editor, The Guardian Lunch No 40.00 Mary Creagh 2025-04-28 IKEA Dinner Yes 50.00 Baroness Hayman

Found: Return Nil Return Mary Creagh Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Baroness Hayman

Found: Authority Lunch No £10.00 Mary Creagh Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Baroness Hayman

Found: Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said: This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy

Found: Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman said:  This is a significant milestone in modernising how we manage

Found: Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Hayman said:   We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos

Found: Get emails about this page Documents 23 May 2025: letter from Baroness Hayman

Found: on Persistent Organic Pollutants (recast) ("the POPs Regulations”) agreement was sought by The Baroness Hayman

Found: Agreement was sought by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Baroness Hayman of Ullock to make