European Union: Environmental Policy Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Lord Framlingham
Main Page: Lord Framlingham (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Framlingham's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
European Union: Environmental Policy
Lord Framlingham Excerpts(7 years, 11 months ago)
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Lord Gardiner of Kimble
My Lords, it is right that the noble Lord mentioned flooding. That is why we have record sums of capital investment: £2.5 billion in flooding investment, as well as a record £1 billion investment in maintenance. That is an example of the UK Government investing strongly in our defences.
Lord Framlingham (Con)
My Lords, given that a number of rather nasty tree diseases in Europe are just awaiting their opportunity to get into this country, will the Minister use the opportunity that Brexit provides to strengthen our import controls to make sure those diseases do not get in?
Lord Gardiner of Kimble
My Lords, I should declare an interest: as Minister for Biosecurity I take these matters very seriously. Our preparations are much advanced. I have been working with the Chief Plant Health Officer and we are in a much better position. Of course we should use the opportunity to see what works in the national interest, and I shall be looking at this very carefully.