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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: EU Law | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Tue, 17/01/2017 - 00:00

The UK remains a member of the EU until we leave, with full rights and obligations of membership. This includes transposing EU legislation into UK law.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is aware of the following directives relating to the Department’s responsibilities for which transposition is planned:

Directive

Tittle

2013/51/EURATOM

Directive 2013/51/EURATOM of 22 October 2013 laying down requirements for the protection of the health of the general public with regard to radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption.

2014/97/EU

Commission Implementing Directive 2014/97/EU of 15 October 2014 implementing Council Directive 2008/90/EC as regards the registration of suppliers and of varieties and the common list of varieties.

2014/96/EU

Commission Implementing Directive 2014/96/EU of 15 October 2014 on the requirements for the labelling, sealing and packaging of fruit plant propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production, falling within the scope of Council Directive 2008/90/EC.

2014/98/EU

Commission Implementing Directive 2014/98/EU of 15 October 2014 implementing Council Directive 2008/90/EC as regards specific requirements for the genus and species of fruit plants referred to in Annex I thereto, specific requirements to be met by suppliers and detailed rules concerning official inspections.

2015/412/EU

Commission Directive 2015/412/EU of 11 March 2015 amending Directive 2001/18/EC as regards the possibility for the Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their territory.

2015/996/EU

Commission Directive (EU) 2015/996 of 19 May 2015 establishing common noise assessment methods according to Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

2015/1480/EU

Commission Directive (EU) 2015/1480 of 28 August 2015 amending several annexes to Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the rules concerning reference methods, data validation and location of sampling points for the assessment of ambient air quality.

2015/1787/EU

Commission Directive (EU) 2015/1787 of 6 October 2015 amending Annexes II and III to Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption.

2015/2193/EU

Commission Directive (EU) 2015/2193 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from medium combustion plants.

2015/2203/EU

Commission Implementing Directive EU) 2015/2203 of 25 November 2015 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to caseins and caseinates intended for human consumption and repealing Council Directive 83/417/EEC

2016/11/EU

Commission Implementing Directive 2016/11 of 5 January 2016 amending Annex II to Council Directive 2002/57/EC on the marketing of seed oil and fibre plants.

2016/317/EU

Commission Implementing Directive (EU) 2016/317 of 3 March 2016 amending Council Directives 66/401/EEC, 66/402/EEC, 2002/54/EC, 2002/55/EC, 2002/56/EC and 2002/57/EC as regards the official label of seed packages.

2016/2284/EU

Commission Implementing Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Labour Mobility | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Tue, 17/01/2017 - 00:00

As of the 10th of January 2017, there are three individuals in the redeployment pool.

Outcomes from the 66th meeting of the International Whaling Commission | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Ministerial Statements

Tue, 17/01/2017 - 00:00

I was unable to attend last year’s meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC66) on the 24-28 October 2016 in Slovenia but there was a strong UK delegation present.

This meeting marked the 70th anniversary of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling and the 30th anniversary of the global moratorium on commercial whaling. I am happy to report that all UK objectives for this meeting were achieved and, as always, the UK worked tirelessly behind the scenes to influence and support crucial decisions intended to improve the conservation and welfare of cetaceans. The UK also ensured its long standing opposition to commercial whaling and whaling under Special Permit (scientific whaling) was made clear at every appropriate opportunity. As with previous meetings, there was the need for careful negotiation at times but overall the dialogue was constructive despite the fundamental differences in views.

I was pleased that a number of important Resolutions were adopted. In particular, IWC adopted a Resolution on the need for action to address the alarming decline in the critically endangered Vaquita. In line with the agreed position of EU Member States, the UK voted in support of the proposal. This was aligned with the UK’s negotiating position and represents a good outcome. The Vaquita, a small cetacean found in Mexico, is under significant pressure from bycatch driven by the illegal trade in the Totoaba. With an estimated population size of only 59 individuals, action is needed now and so I was encouraged that Parties were able to put aside their disagreements on whether the scope of the IWC extended to small cetaceans in order to make this important statement.

I was also encouraged to see decisions taken on further modernisation of the organisation through institutional and governance improvements agreed by consensus, and the expansion of research efforts into important threats to cetaceans such as contaminants passed by a vote. These are important steps forward. In line with the agreed position of EU Member States, the UK supported both of these proposals. This was aligned with the UK’s negotiating position and represents a good outcome.

Reflecting on previous unsuccessful proposals for “small-type coastal whaling”, Japan proposed a process for intersessional dialogue to address issues relating to fundamental differences of positions within the IWC. An informal process to discuss such issues was established. The UK will maintain a careful watching brief on this matter.

I was disappointed that Japan announced its intention to begin a new 12 year programme of whaling under Special Permit in the North Pacific. In collaboration with other EU Member States, the UK will ensure a strong coordinated statement is made in response to this announcement. The UK will continue to oppose the issuing of Special Permits on the basis that there is no justification for lethal scientific research on whales. I was, however, pleased that a Resolution was passed that should help strengthen the role of the IWC in considering Special Permits, albeit not by consensus. In line with the agreed position of EU Member States, the UK voted in support of the proposal. This was aligned with the UK’s negotiating position and represents a good outcome.

A proposal brought forward by Japan, Cambodia and Ghana to create a fund to strengthen the capacity of Governments of Limited Means to participate in the IWC did not achieve consensus. Because consensus could not be reached with Parties, EU Member States were instructed to abstain from the vote. A number of other anti-whaling countries also abstained. The Resolution passed which is an acceptable outcome for the UK; although we will keep the development of the fund under close scrutiny to ensure appropriate safeguards and restrictions are in place.

Once again I am pleased to report that the UK, in line with the agreed position of EU Member States, voted in favour of establishing a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary. Unfortunately the proposal failed to gain the three-quarters majority required for adoption. This will be re-tabled at the next meeting in 2018, which was announced as being hosted by Brazil.

Finally, I was pleased that the UK led work to progress the consideration of non-hunting threats to cetacean welfare was well received. A number of important recommendations were proposed to allow this important and groundbreaking work to continue. These were agreed by consensus meaning the UK can continue working closely with NGOs and academia to move this to the next stage.

In conclusion, this was a successful meeting and the UK made clear its continued strong opposition to commercial and scientific whaling. We now turn our attention to building for the 2018 meeting in Brazil, and will be working very closely with civil society in order to continue developing and delivering tangible improvements to the conservation and welfare of cetaceans globally.

On 23 June, the EU referendum took place and the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the European Union and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. Within IWC, until exit is concluded, the UK will continue to operate as part of the EU. Once we leave the EU, we will regain the ability to speak and vote independently at IWC and will be able to form broader coalitions to promote the conservation of whales and cetaceans.

This statement has also been made in the House of Lords: HLWS417

Agriculture: Subsidies | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Mon, 16/01/2017 - 00:00

As at close of business 11 January, 45 out of 922 eligible farm businesses in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency have not received their Basic Payment Scheme 2016 payment.

Sheep Meat: Exports | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Mon, 16/01/2017 - 00:00

The US authorities are conducting the necessary steps to formally lift their restrictions on exports of EU lamb to the US. Defra is working with the US authorities to ensure exports of lamb from the UK can commence as quickly as possible once the restrictions have been lifted.

Livestock: Homeopathy | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Mon, 16/01/2017 - 00:00

All veterinary medicines, including homeopathics, that make medicinal claims (treatment or prevention of disease) must provide data to demonstrate their efficacy and require a full marketing authorisation in order to be sold in the UK. Guidance on the efficacy data required to gain a marketing authorisation is provided by the European Medicines Agency.

There are currently no homeopathic veterinary medicines authorised with medicinal claims.

The veterinary homeopathic products on the market have all been registered either through the homeopathic registration scheme or are on the ‘Grandfather list’. These products are not permitted to make medicinal claims.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Historic Buildings | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Fri, 13/01/2017 - 00:00

Grants for the restoration of historic buildings (HE2) form part of the new Countryside Stewardship scheme. Plans for the 2017 application round of Countryside Stewardship, including for HE2, will be announced in the New Year.

No historic building grants were offered under the first round of agreements under this new scheme, which started in 2016. Before applying for a historic building grant, applicants need to agree with Natural England a specification tailored to the particular circumstances of the site. Separate funding to develop specifications is available as part of the scheme.

We are already funding the maintenance of traditional farm buildings under Countryside Stewardship. The predecessor scheme, Environmental Stewardship, has already provided funding of over £48 million for the maintenance and restoration of historic farm buildings.

When assessing applications for restoring or maintaining historic buildings the contribution to other objectives including landscape and wildlife and educational access are taken into account.

Agriculture: Migrant Workers | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Thu, 12/01/2017 - 00:00

Defra is very aware that migrant workers from other EU countries will be one of the complex issues that will have to be resolved as part of our exit negotiation and future relationship with the EU.

We are currently working with colleagues across government to understand the issues and explore options.

Whales: Conservation | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Thu, 12/01/2017 - 00:00

The transit of whale meat through UK and EU ports remains a point of concern for the UK. Alongside other EU Member States, we have continued to push the European Commission to look at the scope for collective action within the EU.

This is a complex issue involving complying with international trade rules, however, leaving the EU will present us with an opportunity to consider this issue from a different perspective.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Credit Unions | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Thu, 12/01/2017 - 00:00

I can confirm my department currently does not have the facility to allow staff to join a credit union through payroll deductions. Staff can still make arrangements to contribute to a credit union via direct debit.

EU Trade: Import Duties | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 00:00

In leaving the EU, we will need to update the terms of our WTO membership where, at present, our commitments are currently contained in the EU’s schedule. We recognise the need to work with the EU and with other WTO Members in order to ensure a smooth transition which minimises the disruption to our trading relationships with other WTO Members, including developing country Members and our closest trading partners.

As the Secretary of State for International Trade said in his Written Ministerial Statement on 5th December “the Government will prepare the necessary draft schedules which replicate as far as possible our current obligations”. We do not intend to alter the scope of concessions currently enjoyed by WTO members. While this is largely a technical process, there are a number of areas where we will need to consult with other WTO members.

EU Trade: Import Duties | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 00:00

The EU currently notifies over 120 tariff rate quotas in agriculture and a further 19 non-agriculture tariff rate quotas. There can be several tariff rate quotas within a single sector such as beef or sugar, for different products and different countries which export to the EU and UK. We do not currently assess tariff rate quotas by economic value: they are defined and administered according to the volume rather than the value of imports. All tariff rate quotas which other countries use to export to the UK, however, will be important to them, and important to the industry affected.

EU Trade: Subsidies | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 00:00

The most recent notification for the EU domestic support in agriculture is for the marketing year 2012/13.

The total aggregate measure of support notified was €5.9bn. This is overwhelmingly market price support which is only calculated for the EU as a whole and not for individual member states. The products with the largest notified support are:

Product

Aggregate Measure of Support

Butter

€2,743m

Common wheat

€1,865m

Skimmed milk powder

€1,145m

Wine

€696m

Milk

€192m

Ethyl alcohol

€82m

Sugar

€59m

Bee keeping

€43m

Olive oil

€18m

Fibre flax and hemp

€7m

Dairy Farming: Health Education | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 00:00

We meet regularly at Ministerial and official level with representatives of the industry to discuss key issues and opportunities for the UK dairy sector.

I am aware of concerns regarding recommendations on the consumption of dairy products in the Eatwell Guide produced by Public Health England (PHE) in March 2016. PHE has prepared a report detailing the approaches, methods and decisions made in developing the Eatwell Guide. The report “From Plate to Guide: What, why and how for the Eatwell model” is available on the PHE website.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Equality | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 00:00

Clare Moriarty (Permanent Secretary) is the diversity champion on Defra’s departmental board.

The Government introduced diversity champions as part of the Talent Action Plan (TAP) commitment to have champions in all departments. The Government uses diversity champions to provide an overall insight for all protected characteristics, including LGBT, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender, Disability, Social Mobility, Age, Carers, Gender Reassignment etc.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Yorkshire and the Humber | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Tue, 10/01/2017 - 00:00

Information on the total amount of current and capital expenditure on services by organisation in Yorkshire and the Humber is publicly available on gov.uk as part of the Country and Regional Analysis statistical release. This information covers 2011-12 through to 2015-16 and can be found at the following web link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/country-and-regional-analysis-2016

Information specifically on spend on staffing in Yorkshire and the Humber can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Food: Trade Promotion | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Tue, 10/01/2017 - 00:00

Defra is working with the Department for International Trade to deliver a shared International Action Plan, launched in October, to drive exports of British food and drink. This will be supported by a campaign under the ‘Food is GREAT’ pillar to encourage UK producers, throughout the supply chain, to export more and to build global recognition of UK excellence in food and drink.

Food: Prices | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Tue, 10/01/2017 - 00:00

Year on year food prices have continued to fall, with a 2% fall over the last 12 months, according to the most recent official Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures released on 13 December. General inflation is 1.2 per cent, up from 0.9 per cent in October. Food prices rose by 0.4% in the month to November 2016. However, overall, food prices have fallen by 7% since their peak in February 2014.

Commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices are known to be the most important drivers of retail food price inflation.

This Government is committed to tackling poverty and disadvantage and to delivering real social reform, and we believe that economic growth and employment offer the best route to give people a better future. Household spend on food by households with the lowest 20% income is included in the Living Cost of Food Survey (LCFS) and has remained constant at around 16.5% for a number of years. The Government helps the most vulnerable afford and have access to nutritious food though initiatives such as the Healthy Start scheme and Free School Meals, and through the welfare system.

Cats: Sales | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Mon, 09/01/2017 - 00:00

As part of the review of animal establishment licensing schemes, the Government is proposing to remove the licence exemptions in the Pet Animals Act 1951. These exemptions are for those in the business of selling either pedigree animals that have been bred by them or the offspring of an animal that has been kept by them as a pet, for instance, the offspring of their non-pedigree pet cat. We will be publishing our ‘Next Steps’ document on the proposals shortly.

Members: Correspondence | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Mon, 09/01/2017 - 00:00

We received the letter to which the hon. Member for Wolverhampton South West refers on 22 December, and you can expect a reply imminently.