Asked by: Jim Dickson (Labour - Dartford)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the scope of the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan being developed by her Department will cover legumes such as peas, lentils and fava beans.
Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Horticulture Sector Growth Plan is sector-led, using sector expertise to create evidence-based plans that set out a clear vision and pathway to deliver growth. Sector expert groups have determined the remit of the Horticulture plan based on their industry expertise.
Fresh peas and beans grown as horticultural crops are within the scope of the Plan. Legumes and pulses cultivated as arable crops, requiring processing or not for direct human consumption, are more aligned with the arable sector, and their interests will be considered through work with the arable sector.
Asked by: Jim Dickson (Labour - Dartford)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to review the operation of assessed household charges where a household is unable to have a water meter fitted.
Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra recognises the importance of fair charges for households that are unable to have a water meter fitted. Currently, water companies have the ability to charge by water meters on a mandatory basis in areas designated as water stressed.
Defra is committed to working with Ofwat to ensure to ensure a smooth rollout of 10.4m smart water meters over the next five years (2025-30) and is considering the recommendations made by the Independent Water Commission and the 'Learning from experience' report from Baringa to ensure vulnerable customers are protected during the rollout.
Asked by: Jim Dickson (Labour - Dartford)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will have discussions with food retailers on ending the use of cages for hens.
Answered by Angela Eagle - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Department remains firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to continue working closely with all stakeholders to deliver high standards. The major retailers have pledged to stop selling shell eggs from caged hens by the end of 2025, with some retailers extending that pledge to products containing liquid or processed egg.
Asked by: Jim Dickson (Labour - Dartford)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what data his Department holds on the number of households whose water billing is decided by the Assessed Household Charge in Dartford.
Answered by Emma Hardy - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is an independent body that represents water consumers and can provide advice and support on water-related issues, including assessed charges.