Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Mann Excerpts

Thursday 24th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Paice]

The latest statistics we have are from a survey done in February. As I have said, there will be a further report shortly, but the latest statistics show that 25% of farmers had already taken measures under the campaign and that another 50% plan to do so in the near future.

[John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

8. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the Health Protection Agency’s investigation of the potential for mushroom composting to cause or exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

[The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice)]

The local primary care trust has been investigating the concerns that the hon. Gentleman has raised previously about possible health impacts from the mushroom composting plant in his constituency. I understand that its report is due in the next few weeks.

[John Mann]

If the report says there is a link of any kind, will the Minister act immediately to ensure that the health and well-being of my constituents and others is immediately protected?

[Mr Paice]

I cannot forecast what might come out in the report, so I am not going to make any commitments as to what the Government might do afterwards, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that, as I am sure he is aware, the preliminary findings of the PCT investigation show no links between the mushroom composting plant and incidences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the locality.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Paice]

My hon. Friend puts his finger on a key regulation for which I cannot find any sensible justification. Nevertheless, it is in place, but I plan to speak to the relevant commissioner about it in Luxembourg next week.

[John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

T5. Will there be any cuts in taxpayers’ subsidies to farmers in 2011 and in the consequential four years?