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Beaches
Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a) bathing and (b) non-bathing beaches are (i) measured and (ii) not measured for (A) beach and (B) water quality standards; whether each beach which is measured met each standard at its last inspection; and what plans there are to strengthen the (1) monitoring and (2) standards. [84096]
Ian Pearson: Bathing waters are identified according to the criteria set by the 1976 EC Bathing Water Directive (1976/160/EEC). There are 405 identified coastal bathing waters in England, which are monitored in accordance with the Directive during the bathing season, which runs from mid-May to the end of September. In 2005, 98.8 per cent. of these met the mandatory standards of the Bathing Water Directive, with only five waters failing to meet the minimum requirements. There are also nine identified inland bathing waters in England, all of which met the mandatory standards. A list of these sites is presented in Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC) Detailed Summary of 2005 Survey Results United Kingdom, which has been placed in the Library of the House. It is also available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/quality/bathing/pdf/report05.pdf
The monitoring of water quality and the meeting of water quality standards is not required at sites which do not meet the directive’s criteria for a bathing water.
With regard to the strengthening of monitoring and other standards, a revised Bathing Water Directive was recently adopted by the EU and entered into force in March 2006. This revised version will bring a closer focus on the protection of public health and tighter water quality standards to identified bathing waters by 2015.
The duty to clear litter and refuse under section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, only applies to ‘relevant land’ above the high water mark. However, beach quality standards are an important element of the international Blue Flag Award administered in the UK by ENCAMS (Environmental Campaigns), and of the UK-wide ENCAMS Seaside Award scheme recognising clean, safe and well-managed beaches.
Each year local authorities can apply for a Blue Flag or Seaside Award, or both, for any of their beaches. Each application, which is assessed by an independent panel of judges, must satisfy rigorous criteria which covers a broad range of factors pertaining to the management of the beach. The applications for 2006 are as follows:
| Number | |
| (1)
Two failures due to water quality testing technicalities.
(2) 150 seaside award only applications plus 79 joint blue
flag/seaside award
applications. | |
A
full list of Blue Flag Award beaches (including marinas) can be found
at http://www.seasideawards.
org.uk/bf_list.asp. For seaside awards, the link is
http://www.seasideawards.org.uk/list.asp
Southwold Pier gained a Blue Flag England and Boulevard Beach, Blackpool gained a Seaside Award England. They are not showing on the website due to ongoing building work which has over-run its schedule.
Monitoring and standards for beaches will be strengthened in a new Quality Coast award scheme, developed by ENCAMS and supported by Defra, that will replace the seaside awards for applications from the end of this year. This scheme will provide a broader framework for beach operators to assist in managing the needs of different users and the beach environment. Local environmental quality standards will be a key component of the award, and will be monitored using survey methodology based on the Local Environmental Quality Survey of England which also forms the basis for street cleansing best value performance indicators BV199A-D.
Biofuel Crops
Mr. Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs why energy aid top-up grants for biofuel crops are not available to crops grown on set aside land. [85311]
Barry Gardiner: The 45 per hectare Energy Aid payment was introduced by the European Commission in 2004 as part of the Common Agricultural Policy reform, to encourage the production of biofuels. At the time, certain energy crops grown on set-aside land were eligible for the set-aside payment.
The Commission has given a commitment in its Biomass Action Plan to review the implementation of the payment by the end of this year.
Bovine Tuberculosis
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many problem herds were involved in his Department’s pilot study of the gamma interferon bovine tuberculosis test; and how many cattle (a) there were in each herd, (b) tested positive to the standard intradermal skin test, (c) tested positive to the standard intradermal skin test and showed visible lesions or were bacteriologically positive, (d) were inconclusive to the standard intradermal skin test, (e) were inconclusive to the standard intradermal skin test and subsequently slaughtered, (f) were inconclusive to the standard intradermal skin test, were subsequently slaughtered and showed visible lesions or were bacteriologically positive, (g) tested negative to the standard intradermal skin test but positive to the gamma interferon tuberculosis test and (h) tested negative to the standard intradermal skin test but positive to the gamma interferon tuberculosis test and, on slaughter, showed visible lesions or were bacteriologically positive. [70954]
Mr. Bradshaw: An initial report providing an analysis of the data from the field study should be published shortly, once it is finalised.
In line with standard practice, the report will be freely available, but I have asked my officials to ensure the hon. gentleman receives a copy as soon as it is ready.
British Sugar Factory, York
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what representations he has received on the impending closure of the British Sugar factory in York in 2007; [84304]
(2) what discussions he has had with British Sugar on the implications for farmers in North Yorkshire of the closure of the sugar factory in York; [84305]
(3) what assessment he has made of the implications for local farmers of the closure of the British Sugar factory, with particular reference to the cost of transporting sugar beet to factories. [84306]
Barry Gardiner: In addition to a meeting which my noble Friend, Lord Rooker, the Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food had with the National Farmers’ Union on 12 July, we are receiving a number of correspondence cases about the implications for growers in the area concerned.
British Sugar has written to us explaining the background to its decision and informing us that it is currently in discussion with the National Farmers’ Union on these issues and with its own staff about the employment consequences at the factory itself. We have asked to be kept informed about progress.
Coastal Defences
Mr. Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how the funds earmarked for sea coastal defences in (a) Clacton-on-Sea and (b) Holland-on-Sea have been allocated; and what assessment he has made of the balance of priorities between river and sea flood defences in Essex. [84301]
Ian Pearson: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10 July 2006, Official Report, column 1402W.
From April 2006, all local authority flood and coastal erosion capital improvement projects are funded by direct grant aid from Defra. Defra funding is allocated to individual capital improvement projects across the country through a priority scoring system, which looks at the benefits of potential projects compared with the costs. River and sea defences are treated equally within this process.
Environment Agency budgets for coastal and fluvial funding are drawn up in September, for spending in the following financial year. These figures are based upon asset and watercourse inspections and historical levels of expenditure. There may, in some years, be raised levels of expenditure depending on situations such as storm damage, high rainfall events and varying levels of weed growth in watercourses. Where repairs to damage sustained are above the budgeted level, these works are funded from within the overall area maintenance budget by reprioritising programmed works.
Common Agricultural Policy
Mr. Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total amount paid under the Common Agricultural Policy to (a) limited companies and (b) individuals was in the most recent year for which figures are available. [82794]
Barry Gardiner: Details relating to payments made to both limited companies and individuals can be found on the following website:
www.rpa.gov.uk/about.rpa/CAP payments for EAGGF 2003-04
Data relating to the EAGGF 2004-05 is being prepared and will be available on the RPA website in the near future.
Mr. Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farmers in the UK received Common Agricultural Policy subsidies of (a) 0 to 5,000, (b) 5,000 to 50,000 and (c) more than 50,000 euros in (i) 2003-04,(ii) 2004-05 and (iii) 2005-06. [82795]
Barry Gardiner: The number of farmers in England can be found on the following website for the EAGGF year 2003-04.
www.rpa.gov.uk/about.rpa/CAP payments for EAGGF 2003-04
Data relating to the EAGGF year 2004-05 is being prepared and will be available on the RPA website in the near future.
Analysis for the EAGGF year 2005-06 will not be available until after the year closes in October 2006.
Please note that all the above data is prepared in sterling as this is the required reporting currency to the EC.
Comprehensive Spending Review
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) the Treasury and (b) the Cabinet Office regarding the pre-comprehensive spending review report; and if he will make a statement. [82845]
Barry Gardiner: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has had and will continue to have wide ranging and regular discussions with the Chief Secretary about preparations for the 2007 comprehensive spending review, as a matter of key importance to Defra’s medium and long-term planning.
Credit Unions
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if his Department will provide information and membership forms for credit unions to its employees. [79940]
Ian Pearson: The Government welcome the contribution made by the various savings institutions in providing for greater choice and diversity in the financial services sector.
The Government’s guiding principles are to ensure impartiality and to help create a level playing field for all providers of financial services in order that their specific attributes can be properly harnessed.
It would therefore be inconsistent for a Government Department to favour credit unions above other financial institutions.
Employees are of course free to join in credit unions if they meet their relevant membership criteria and Departments may provide appropriate levels of support if employees wish to set up a credit union.
Departmental and Agency Staff
Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff employed by (a) his Department, (b) the Rural Payments Agency, (c) the Countryside Agency, (d) the Environment Agency and (e) English Nature have been previously employed in (i) agriculture and (ii) a related industry. [85136]
Barry Gardiner: Records of the previous employment of members of staff are not held electronically and therefore if the information requested was available, it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Publications
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what draft Bills have been produced by his Department since October 2005; how many were (a) examined and (b) are planned to be examined by (i) a Departmental Select Committee and (ii) a Joint Committee; which draft Bills are still to be produced by his Department; when each is expected to be published; how many clauses each has; and if he will make a statement. [81296]
Barry Gardiner: No draft Bills have been published since October 2005.
Announcements on future legislation and future draft legislation which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny will be indicated in the Queen's Speech.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his practice is regarding meeting, discussing and taking into account the views and opinions of (a) private individuals and (b) representatives of organisations when drawing up and framing legislation to be introduced by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [81297]
Barry
Gardiner: Defra is committed to
strengthening its stakeholder engagement and developing a relationship
of trust and confidence with customers, partners and other
stakeholders. The Department always seeks a full range of views when
drawing up and framing legislation. Consultation is a key part of the
policy-making process, both informal and formal. The Department holds
regular
meetings with representatives of the principal stakeholder groups for
our policy areas, actively seeking the involvement of minority groups,
and with relevant experts. Organisations and individuals can also
contribute to the Department's formal consultations which abide by the
Code of Conduct on Consultation. Known stakeholders are alerted to the
fact that a formal consultation is taking place, with key stakeholders
contributing to the content of the consultation document. All
contributors should receive an acknowledgement from the Department, and
may be invited to further discuss their comments. As required by the
Code, the Department then gives feedback on the responses received and
on how the consultation process influenced the policy
decision.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will list the Deposited Papers placed in the Library by his Department since 2000; and when each was published. [81299]
Barry Gardiner: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Departmental Select Committee Recommendations
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what actions have been taken by his Department to implement Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee recommendations since the 2001-02 session; and if he will make a statement. [78839]
Barry Gardiner: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the Government do make clear in its response to Select Committee Reports whether or not the Committee's recommendations are accepted.
Departmental Staff
Roger Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many disabled staff in his Department received support through the Access to Work scheme (a) in each of the last five years and (b) in 2006-07. [82226]
Barry Gardiner: Defra does not hold information centrally on the use of the Access to Work scheme. Managers access the scheme directly and liaise with their local service provider.
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 June 2006, Official Report, column 152W, on departmental staff, how many members of staff in his Department had two or more periods of sick leave of less than five days in 2003 and 2004. [84030]
Barry Gardiner: Information on sickness absence in DEFRA in 2003 and 2004 at the level of detail requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Electrical Appliances (Stand-by Mode)
Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his most recent estimate is of the annual level of UK carbon emissions resulting from electrical appliances being left in stand-by mode. [84073]
Ian Pearson: The most recent analysis of the energy consumption of equipment in households and commercial properties was undertaken by DEFRA’s Market Transformation Programme (MTP) last year. This estimated that the level of carbon emissions resulting from electrical appliances left in stand-by mode was just over one million tonnes of carbon per annum.
The report, ‘Estimated UK standby Electricity Consumption in 2004 (BNXS36)’ can be found at: http://www.mtprog.com/ApprovedBriefingNotes/BriefingNoteTemplate.aspx?intBriefingNoteID=393
MTP is currently in the process of updating this information.
Fly-tipping
Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the estimates for fly-tipping incidents recorded by Flycapture were for 2005-06. [85709]
Mr. Bradshaw: Results from Flycapture, the national fly-tipping database, for the first year showed that an average of over 88,500 fly-tipping incidents per month were reported in the period April 2004 to March 2005.
Data for 2005-06 are currently being analysed and will be published shortly. No estimates are available.
Genetically Modified Organisms
Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under what circumstances the biotechnology company, organisation or person holding a consent to market a genetically modified organism (GMO) would be considered an “operator” under the terms of the Environmental Liability Directive; and whether the marketing consent holder would be liable for environmental harm arising from the use of a licensed GMO by doctors, veterinarians or farmers. [84479]
Ian Pearson: The definition of an ‘operator’ in the Environmental Liability Directive means that a biotechnology company and an organisation marketing a genetically modified organism (GMO) would be regarded as an operator for the purposes of the Directive.
Under the Directive, operators are, in principle, liable for environmental harm caused by their own actions. However, the way that this liability will apply in practice will be dependent in part on decisions following the outcome of the consultation on transposition of the Directive, which the government will be conducting later this year.
Whether any individual marketing consent holder would be liable for environmental harm arising from the use of a licensed GMO would be dependent on the individual circumstances of the case, in particular the nature of the relationship between the consent holder and the user, and how the environmental damage occurred.
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