Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of the estimated costs arising from an amendment agreed to by the House of Lords to the Agriculture Bill; and if so, (1) how, and (2) whether they publish that estimate.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Government's assessment of the estimated costs of Lords Amendment 18 to the Agriculture Bill was published in the explanatory notes to the Lords Amendments to that Bill.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for any delay in dealing with the Agriculture Bill and the Fisheries Bill for preparations for (1) the UK’s departure from the transition period at the end of December, and (2) businesses adjusting to the new regimes.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
We are working to ensure that essential Parliamentary business can continue as far as possible during this period.
With reference to the Agriculture Bill, the Government remains committed to reforming English agricultural policy, so that we can reward our farmers and land managers for protecting our environment, improving animal welfare and providing a supply of healthy, home-grown produce. We know that farmers and land managers need as much certainty as possible. The Government will reflect on any delays to Parliamentary business and legislation and provide more information in due course.
The Government remains committed to progressing the Fisheries Bill. The Bill will allow us to manage our fisheries more sustainably and appropriately after the transition period. As with agriculture, however, we know that fishers need certainty. This is why the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 will convert the body of EU law in force at that time into retained EU law, appropriately amended by statutory instruments. We continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure they are informed and prepared.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their advice in the No Deal Technical Guidance, Taking your pet abroad if there’s no Brexit Deal, published on 24 September, what progress they have made in their discussions with the EU on pet passports; and what advice they plan to provide to owners by the end of November.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
On 6 November 2018 Defra released updated guidance on pet travel to Europe after Brexit which advised pet owners to contact their vet at least four months before travel – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
This information was issued to the public in a press release statement, as well as being placed on GOV.UK and sent out to pet carriers and other key stakeholders. Official Veterinarians have been contacted separately by email and further information will be published on GOV.UK.
When further details are available about pet travel into and out of the UK, they will be published on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to convert EU Regulation 1907/2006 into UK law; and, if so, (1) whether the UK will attempt to maintain co-operation with the European Chemicals Agency, and (2) whether a body will assume the role of the European Chemicals Agency in regulating and registering chemical substances.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Regulation (EC) No 1102/2008 will be repealed with effect from 1 January 2018 by EU Regulation 2017/852.
This regulation will be directly applicable in the UK, and as an EU member, we will also make secondary legislation to set enforcement rules for the new requirements later this year. This will enable the UK to meet its global commitment to reducing the harmful impact of mercury as a signatory of the UN’s Minamata Convention on mercury.
The Government will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in the field of chemicals regulation in the best interests of both the UK and the EU. It would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations at this stage.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to convert EU Regulation 1102/2008 into UK law; and, if so, whether a body will assume the role undertaken by the European Commission for reviewing ongoing research activities and ensuring compliance by the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Regulation (EC) No 1102/2008 will be repealed with effect from 1 January 2018 by EU Regulation 2017/852.
This regulation will be directly applicable in the UK, and as an EU member, we will also make secondary legislation to set enforcement rules for the new requirements later this year. This will enable the UK to meet its global commitment to reducing the harmful impact of mercury as a signatory of the UN’s Minamata Convention on mercury.
The Government will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in the field of chemicals regulation in the best interests of both the UK and the EU. It would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations at this stage.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to convert EU Regulation 511/2014 into UK law; and, if so, which UK body will assume the role undertaken by the European Commission for determining best practice regarding genetic material and ensuring the continued progress towards the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Repeal Bill will make sure the whole body of existing EU environmental law continues to have effect in UK law. This will provide businesses and stakeholders with maximum certainty as we leave the EU.
The Secretary of State currently has responsibility for ensuring progress towards the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol, including promoting best practices, and this will continue after EU exit. Best practices are one way for users of genetic resources to demonstrate compliance and, where recognised on the international level, to build confidence in our national regime. Recognition of best practices will therefore remain an important part of our implementation. No decision has yet been taken on which UK body will assume this function.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to convert EU Regulation 995/2010 into UK law; and if so, whether the UK will continue to recognise monitoring organisations for timber and timber products that previously served the UK market but which are located outside the UK.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
The Repeal Bill will ensure the whole body of existing EU environmental law continues to have effect in UK law. This will provide businesses and stakeholders with maximum certainty as we leave the EU.
No decision has yet been taken on the approach to UK recognition of monitoring organisations for timber and timber products that previously served the UK market but which are located outside the UK.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to publish a 25-year plan to boost productivity and growth in the food and drink sectors; and whether this will include consideration of any negative consequences of increased alcohol production.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Our aim is to publish the 25 year Food and Farming Plan around the end of the year. The plan will have a strong focus on the potential for our world leading food and farming sector, including the alcoholic drinks industry, to create jobs and deliver economic growth. The issue of alcohol related harm is complex and multi-faceted, and we have regular discussions with Public Health England and the Department of Health on this and other areas of common interest.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether plans to support productivity and growth in the food and drink sectors are in conflict with other Government priorities to reduce obesity and alcohol-related harm.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
There is no conflict between plans to support growth and productivity in the food and drink industry with other Government priorities relating to obesity and alcohol related harm. We want to expand UK food and drink production so that we can displace imports and increase our exports. We aim to see more consumers benefit from access to our world-beating, high quality and nutritious food.
Asked by: Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have sought advice from bodies such as Public Health England on their plans to support productivity and growth in the food and drink sectors.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
We have regular meetings with the Department of Health and Public Health England to discuss issues of common interest, including our plans to support productivity and growth in the food and drink sectors.