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Neonicotinoids | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Defra has supported a range of research relevant to improving understanding of the effects of neonicotinoids (and other pesticides on bees). Recently completed work includes studies on: quantifying the exposure of bumblebees to neonicotinoids and mixtures of pesticides (commenced 2013); interpreting pesticide residues in honeybees (published 2015); using radio-frequency identification devices to assess effects of pesticides on foraging bees (commenced 2013); and protection goals for bee colonies (commenced 2015).

Pests | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

Defra holds an animal health research budget of around £15m in 2016/17 of which around £0.5m specifically relates to a new and emerging disease sub-programme. Defra holds a plant health research budget of around £4m in 2016/17 which is prioritised according to threats listed in the plant health risk register. The exact size of future research investment is not confirmed and will be dependent on the nature and extent of future risks.

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

Exiting the EU gives us an unprecedented opportunity to design a domestic agriculture policy fit for the 21st century, reducing the regulatory burden on agricultural businesses, and supporting resilience and growth.

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

Leaving the EU provides a unique opportunity to deliver policy outcomes more efficiently and release farmers from red tape.

Defra will publish a Green Paper shortly, which will set out a new vision for the food and farming industry outside of the EU. Through this we will consult widely in order to develop a clear strategy with a focus on a common sense approach that works for our farmers.

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

The average clean cattle price in 2016 for Northern Ireland was 319.37 pence/kg and the price in GB was 330.59 pence/kg.

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

Claimants were asked to contact the Rural Payments Agency with any queries on their Basic Payment Scheme 2015 payments throughout 2016. As of 12th January 2017 there are 2,397 claims still under review.

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

Public policy targets between 2010 and May 2015 under the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government are held by the National Archives http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20151013142002/http://transparency.number10.gov.uk/business-plan-pdf/10

Public policy targets since 2015 are included in Defra’s Single Departmental Plan which includes manifesto commitments. This plan was last updated in September 2016 and will be updated at regular intervals. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defra-single-departmental-plan-2015-to-2020/single-departmental-plan-2015-to-2020

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

British seafood companies have not sought a meeting with Ministers about this issue, nor have Ministers raised this issue with the Icelandic Ambassador and the Department has not modelled the impact of the strike on UK seafood businesses. The international trade section of Seafish, the UK-wide industry levy funded Non-Departmental Public Body, provides information to domestic seafood processors on overseas markets should they require assistance on identifying alternative sources of supply.

Bovine Tuberculosis | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Written Answers

TB reactors disclosed on affected farms are removed and compensation is paid for any cattle compulsorily slaughtered as a result of TB. Farmers are given full support and guidance throughout this process.

The Government is taking strong action to deliver a long-term plan to eradicate the disease and protect the future of our dairy and beef industries. Our comprehensive strategy includes strengthening cattle testing and movement controls, improving biosecurity on farm and when trading, and badger control in areas where TB is rife.

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

As of the 12th January, for BPS 2015 there are 24 claims waiting on the completion of probate and a further 52 claims waiting on the resolution of other proceedings

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Children from St. Wenn and Mylor Bridge primary schools launch Rocket Cars as part of the Bloodhound programme

Cllr Andrew Wallis - Fri, 13/01/2017 - 16:48

 

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The Children from St. Wenn and Mylor Bridge primary schools with teachers and the course Rocketeers.

Following on from my ‘who doesn’t want to build a Rocket Car’ post, part of the second day of the course had was about running the classes and the racing with children involved. No better way of learning than having real children to teach what we had learned the previous day.

Two primary schools came, St. Wenn and Mylor Bridge. In total there were 20 children eager to design and launch their Rocket Car. It was amazing to see how engaged these children were to learn about aerodynamics, how rockets worked and how a better shape can make a car go faster. It was so much fun, I think they actually forgot they were learning something!

After they had designed, cut and shaped their Rocket Cars it was time to launch them. You could not help by smile where you heard squeals of delight as each Rocket Car shot off down the 50m track.

For me, it was an amazing couple of days. Best of all is I qualified and now can help run some of the race events planned in Cornwall which will result in one primary and one secondary going to the national finals.

Huge thanks to the Bloodhound Team trainers, who were brilliant. Thanks also go to Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre who were our hosts and were brilliant too. 

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Categories: Local Politics

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

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.

The Bloodhound programme and building a Rocket Car from a block of foam

Cllr Andrew Wallis - Thu, 12/01/2017 - 09:23

Who doesn’t want to build a Rocket Car? I certainly do, and I was really pleased (understatement) to be able to undertake the Rocket Car Accreditation Training that will enable me to teach young people how to build and launch their own Rocket Car. In fact, I have never been so excited over a bit of foam before!

My bit of foam..

From a bit of foam, I turned it into this thing (if I do say so myself) of beauty that is my Rocket Car.

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Number 11

Day-one of our training which saw 30 adults being as excited as a child on Christmas Day and about to start the training on how to build a Rocket Car. Our two instructors were great, both part of the Bloodhound programme team. They talked us through the must-nots, and how far you could go in sculpting your Rocket Car as the were a few parameters you could not go past, but other than that, you had a free reign.

You started by either drawing on paper, or the block of foam and then cut away the excess and then shaped with sandpaper to the design you want. No blueprint, you just used your imagination and whatever aerodynamics skill you had. There were so many different designs being built. You could not help but marvel at some of the designs. But the questions on everyone’s lips were will it go fast, or at least faster than someone else!

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Tables full of rocket cars!

And then there was the rockets to fit into the cars. These were very cool and we learnt how to arm them and how not to have a misfire.

Once our cars were ready, it was off to the track to have a little friendly competition to see how fast our Rocket Cars could go down a 50m track. Before we could launch our cars, we all learned how to set up the speed capture equipment and how the car rockets were ignited. As we will have to do this for real when we work with the young people.

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Setting up the speed capture kit

And then it was the races and how my Rocket Car reached a speed of 40.25mph over 50m!

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I cannot wait till day two of the training…

Categories: Local Politics

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

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.

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