Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jane Hunt and Steve Barclay

Thursday 9th May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Steve Barclay]

The first thing I would mention is the £4.5 billion of investment in the Thames tideway tunnel over the past eight years, which is going to significantly improve the water quality of the River Thames. Alongside that, we are stepping up inspections, with a fourfold increase in inspections; we are tackling bonuses in companies that are guilty of pollution; and we are taking much tougher enforcement action, with the biggest ever prosecution of water firms by the Environment Agency. A whole range of actions, coupled with the plan for water, is bringing additional investment into the sector and taking a catchment by catchment approach.

[Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con)]

7. What recent progress his Department has made on improving air quality.

--- Later in debate ---

[Steve Barclay]

I am happy to look at the specific issue that the hon. Gentleman raises in relation to the UN, but we are clear about the importance of food production, food security and backing our farmers. It is left-wing councils around the country that are banning meat and acting contrary to the interests of many of our farmers.

[Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con)]

T5. What can be done to improve compensation payments for cattle farmers following a TB outbreak?