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 January 2026 (HL13504), why a farmer or landowner is required to bear the cost of the unlawful dumping of waste by an unidentified third party on their land.

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

We recognise the financial burden that clearing fly-tipped waste places on landowners. However, central Government generally does not compensate victims of non-violent crime. It is important not to create a perverse incentive for some people to dump, or facilitate the dumping of, waste.

However, where there is sufficient evidence, fly-tippers can be prosecuted and, on conviction, a cost order can be made by the court so that a landowner’s costs can be recovered from the perpetrator.

We are working with a wide range of interested parties through the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group, such as the National Farmers Union (NFU), to promote and disseminate good practice, including how to prevent fly-tipping on private land.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that local authorities pay compensation to motorists whose vehicles are damaged by potholes.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 places a statutory duty on highway authorities to maintain public highways.

Dealing with compensation claims due to defects such as potholes on the highway network is entirely the responsibility of the relevant highway authority.

The Department cannot comment on individual claims for vehicle damages arising from alleged defects on the highway. Such matters are for resolution between the claimant and the relevant highway authority.

Where parties cannot agree, it is for the court to determine whether the local highway authority has met its duty under Section 41 and exercised reasonable care in maintaining the highway.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to limit commercial fishing for mackerel any further.

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

Negotiations among coastal States on a Total Allowable Catch of mackerel are ongoing for 2026. The UK has set an interim quota of 47,523 tonnes to allow fishing on the stock. Defra expects to review the quota later in the year to take into account the conclusion of the negotiations.

Found: The Assisted Dying Service as envisaged in the amendments tabled by Lord Birt would introduce new concepts