House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Minutes of Proceedings
Session 2013–14
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and its associated bodies.
Current membership Miss Anne McIntosh (Conservative, Thirsk and Malton) (Chair) Richard Drax, (Conservative, South Dorset) Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour, Poplar and Limehouse) Mrs Mary Glindon (Labour, North Tyneside) Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (Labour, South Shields) Iain McKenzie (Labour, Inverclyde) Sheryll Murray (Conservative, South East Cornwall) Neil Parish (Conservative, Tiverton and Honiton) Ms Margaret Ritchie (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down) Mr Mark Spencer (conservatives, Sherwood) Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat, Brecon and Radnorshire)
The following members were also members of the Committee during this Session.
Thomas Docherty (Labour, Dunfermline and West Fife) George Eustice (Conservatives, Camborne and Redruth) Barry Gardiner (Labour, Brent North) Dan Rogerson (Liberal Democrat, North Cornwall)
Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No. 152. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk.
Publications The reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the Internet at www.parliament.uk/efracom
Committee staff The current staff of the Committee are David Weir (Clerk), Dr Anna Dickson (Second Clerk), Sara Priestley (Committee Specialist—Environment), Clare Genis (Senior Committee Assistant), Lisa Stead (Committee Assistant), Sayeda Begum (Committee Support Assistant), and Hannah Pearce (Media Officer).
Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, House of Commons, 14 Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NB. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 5774; the Committee’s e-mail address is: [email protected]. Media inquiries should be addressed to Hannah Pearce on 020 7219 8430.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Tuesday 14 May 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
George Eustice Sheryll Murray Barry Gardiner Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie
In the temporary absence of the Chair, Barry Gardiner was called to the Chair for part of the meeting.
1. Draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
RSPCA (supplementary) ACPO (supplementary) Elissa Gravells
Chair’s Draft Report (Draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report from the Committee, HC 95, Session 2013-14.
2. Food Contamination
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Food Contamination be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
FSA (second supplementary) Greencore Group PLC Zoo Track Systems
Mr James Fairbairn, Freeza Meats; and Catherine Brown, Chief Executive, Rt Hon. Lord Rooker, Chair, Mr Steve Wearne (interim) Director, Food Safety, and Mr Andrew Rhodes, Director, Operations, Food Safety Authority, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 15 May 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 15 May 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
George Eustice Neil Parish Barry Gardiner Ms Margaret Ritchie
1. Future programme
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into CAP Implementation and Food Security.
2. Triennial Review The Committee met privately with officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 21 May 2013 at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 21 May 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish Barry Gardiner Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Mary Glindon Dan Rogerson
1. Flood Funding
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Bovine TB
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Wild animals in circuses Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to Wild Animals in Circuses be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Jolyon Jamieson Andrew Lewis RSPCA Captive Animals’ Protection Society Born Free Foundation Trading Standards Institute John Dineley
Fédération Mondiale du Cirque Feld Entertainment Inc Dr Ted Friend European Circus Association Animal Defenders International Classical Circus Association Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain Alexander Lacey and Martin Lacey Jnr Rona Brown’s Movie Animals
4. Food contamination Ordered, that written evidence relating to Food Contamination, submitted by the Food Safety Agency Ireland, be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Joanna Darmanin, Head of Cabinet, Bernard Van Goethem, Director of Directorate G (Veterinary and International Affairs), Koen Van Dyck (Head of Unit of Unit G4 (Food, Alert Systems and Training), DG Health and Consumers (SANCO), and Jacqueline Minor, Head of the European Commission Representation in the UK, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 4 June 2013 at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 4 June 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie
1. Food contamination Ordered, that further evidence relating to Food Contamination, submitted by the Food Standards Agency, be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
2. Bovine TB Chair’s Draft Report (Vaccination against Bovine TB) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Second Report from the Committee, HC 258, Session 2013- 14.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 June 2013 at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 11 June 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish George Eustice Ms Margaret Ritchie Barry Gardiner
1. Fisheries
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Food Contamination David Heath MP, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Defra, and Andrew Rhodes, Director of Operations, Food Standards Agency, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 12 June 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 12 June 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
George Eustice Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie
1. Declaration of interests Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck declared no interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992.
2. Draft National Policy Statement for Hazardous Waste
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Flood Funding The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 19 June 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 19 June 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Iain McKenzie Ms Margaret Ritchie
1. Ofwat The Committee considered this matter.
2. Tree Health
Ordered, That written evidence relating to Tree Health, submitted by Horticultural Trades Association, be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
3. Food Contamination The Committee considered this matter.
4. Wild Animals in Circuses The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 June 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 26 June 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Iain McKenzie George Eustice Sheryll Murray Barry Gardiner Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Mary Glindon Dan Rogerson
1. Tree Health Resolved, That the Committee visit York on 12 September in connection with inquiries into Tree Health and Flood Funding.
2. Genetically Modified Organisms The Committee considered this matter.
3. Written evidence Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to Flood Funding and Rural Communities be reported to the House for publication:
Defra
Pitchup.com
4. Tree Health
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Tree Health, be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Jim Pratt Confor
Jamie Dewhurst, Horticultural Trades Association, Managing Director J+A Growers, Caroline Harrison and Chris Inglis, Chair, Nursery Producers Group, Confor, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 2 July 2013 at 2 pm
Tuesday 2 July 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray George Eustice Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie Dan Rogerson
Managing Flood Risk
The Chair’s Draft Report (Managing Flood Risk) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Third Report from the Committee, HC 330, Session 2013-14.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 3 July 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 3 July 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray George Eustice Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie
1. Comprehensive Spending Review Ordered, That correspondence relating to the CSR from the Secretary of State be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
2. National Adaptation Programme The Committee considered this matter.
3. Primates as pets The Committee considered this matter.
4. Food Contamination Ordered, That written evidence relating to Food Contamination, submitted by ABP Foods, be reported to the House for publication on the internet
5. Wild Animals in Circuses
The Chair’s Draft Report (Wild Animals in Circuses) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fourth Report from the Committee, HC 553, Session 2013-14.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 10 July 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 10 July 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Iain McKenzie Mrs Mary Glindon Sheryll Murray George Eustice Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Dan Rogerson
1. Food Contamination
The Chair’s Draft Report (Food Contamination) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fifth Report from the Committee, HC 141, Session 2013-14.
2. Water Bill The Committee considered this matter.
3. Triennial Review The Committee considered this matter.
4. CAP reform: implementation The Committee considered this matter.
5. Wild Animals in Circuses The Committee considered this matter.
6. Chinese Lanterns The Committee considered this matter.
7. Camelford water pollution incident 1988 The Committee considered this matter.
8. Fisheries The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 16 July 2013 at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 16 July 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Neil Parish Ms Margaret Ritchie Sheryll Murray
1. Rural Communities
The Chair’s Draft Report (Rural Communities) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Sixth Report from the Committee, HC 602, Session 2013-14.
2. Water Bill The Committee considered this matter.
3. Hazardous Waste Strategy Ordered, That a letter from the Secretary of State relating to the Hazardous Waste Strategy be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
4. CAP reform: implementation The Committee considered this matter.
5. Future programme The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Brussels in Autumn 2013.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 17 July 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 17 July 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Neil Parish Iain McKenzie Ms Margaret Ritchie
1. CAP reform: implementation
The Committee considered this matter
2. Natural England The Committee considered this matter
3. Food Standards Agency The Committee considered this matter
4. Natural Environment White Paper The Committee considered this matter
[Adjourned till Wednesday 4 September 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 4 September 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
George Eustice Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie
1. Dangerous Dogs The Committee considered the following petitions to the House concerning dog control orders:
Petition from residents of Bolton West;
Petition from residents of Wythenshawe and Sale East;
Petition from residents of Bolton;
Petition from residents of the UK;
Petition from residents of Stretford and Urmston;
Petition from residents of Washington and Sunderland West;
Petition from residents of Scunthorpe County;
Petition from residents of Lewisham East; and
Petition from residents of Blackpool South
Draft Special Report (Draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the First Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
2. CAP reform: implementation The Committee was briefed in private by officials from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): Sarah Hendry, Director, Rural Development, Sustainable Communities and Crops; Amy Holmes, Deputy Director, CAP reform negotiations; John Fitzpatrick, Deputy Director, CAP implementation; Andrew Robinson, Deputy Director, Rural Development Programme; John Roberts, Deputy Director, CAP direct payments policy; and Stephen Harris, team leader, Agri- environment team.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 4 September 2013 at 2.30 pm
12 September 2013
The Chairman, Mrs Mary Glindon, Sheryll Murray, Neil Parish and Dan Rogerson visited York in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Tree Health and Plant Biodiversity, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 26 June.
Wednesday 9 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Iain McKenzie Mrs Mary Glindon Sheryll Murray Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck
1. Dangerous Dogs Resolved, That the Chair table amendments on the Committee’s behalf to the Anti- social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill.
2. Food Contamination Draft Special Report (Food Contamination: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Fifth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the Second Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
3. Bovine TB Draft Special Report (Vaccination against Bovine TB: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Second Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the Third Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
4. Managing Flood Risk Draft Special Report (Managing Flood Risk: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Third Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the Fourth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 15 October 2013 at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 15 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Neil Parish Iain McKenzie Ms Margaret Ritchie
CAP reform: implementation Miss Anne McIntosh, Richard Drax and Neil Parish, declared a pecuniary interest in relation to the Committee’s inquiry as set out in the Register of Interests.
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to CAP Implementation be reported to the House for publication:
Christine Beaumont-Rydings TFA Mrs Susan Atkinson J M Greensit
Food and Drink Federation Ramblers UK Industrial Sugar Users Group Central Association of Agricultural Valuers National Parks England Open Spaces Society CLA National Environment Research Council RSPB NFU Wildlife Trusts
Dr James Jones; Abi Bunker, RSPB, David Baldock, Institute for European Environmental Policy and Paul Wilkinson, Wildlife Trusts, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 16 October 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 16 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Sheryll Murray
1. Correspondence The Committee noted a letter from the Prime Minister on progress with rural broadband.
The Committee agreed to write to the Secretary of State seeking clarification about legislation to reduce the collagen: protein ratio in mince beef.
2. Food Security The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Biodiversity Offsetting The Committee discussed this matter.
4. Wild Animals in Circuses Draft Special Report (Wild Animals in Circuses: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Fourth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the Fifth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
5. CAP Implementation Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to CAP Implementation be reported to the House for publication:
Soil Association
Natural England
6. AoB The Committee discussed its future work programme.
7. Tree Health Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to Tree Health be reported to the House for publication:
Woodland Trust Confor and Horticultural Trade Association
Harry Cotterell, President, Country Landowners and Business Association, Don Pendergrast, Plant Health Adviser, National Farmers Union, and Simon Pryor, Natural Environment Director, National Trust; Dr Hilary Allison, Policy Director, Woodland Trust, Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape, Wildlife Trusts, and Mike Wood, UK Forestry Policy Officer, RSPB, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 22 October 2013 at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 22 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie
1. Tree Health Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from the Government.
2. Departmental Annual Report The NAO briefed the Committee privately on this matter.
Bronwyn Hill, Permanent Secretary, Peter Unwin, Director General, Policy Delivery Group, Ian Trenholm, Chief Operating Officer, and Gurdip Juty, Acting Finance Director, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 23 October 2013 at 2.30 pm
Wednesday 23 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish
1. Ofwat The Committee discussed this matter
2. Biodiversity Offsetting The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Rural Communities Draft Special Report (Rural Communities: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Sixth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the Sixth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
4. CAP reform: implementation Ordered, that written evidence received from Defra relating to CAP Implementation be reported to the House for publication.
Peter Kendall, President and Martin Haworth, Director of Policy and Communications, NFU; Mark Grimshaw, Chief Executive, Rural Payments Agency, Dave Webster, Chief Executive, Natural England, and Jo Broomfield, CAP Delivery Programme Director, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 29 October 2013 at 2 pm
Tuesday 29 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Neil Parish Iain McKenzie Ms Margaret Ritchie
1. Rural Communities Resolved, That the Committee seek a Back Bench Business Committee debate on its report on Rural Communities and the Government response thereto.
2. Departmental Annual Report Rt. Hon Owen Paterson, Secretary of State, Bronwyn Hill, Permanent Secretary, Peter Unwin, Director General, Policy Delivery Group, and Ian Trenholm, Chief Operating Officer, Defra, gave oral evidence.
3. CAP Implementation Rt. Hon Owen Paterson, Secretary of State, Ian Trenholm, Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Hendry, Director, Rural Development, Sustainable Communities and Crops, Martin Nesbit, Acting Director General, Strategy, Evidence and Customer (previously Director EU, International and CAP Reform) and Amy Holmes, Acting Director, EU, International and CAP Reform, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 30 October 2013 at 2.30 p.m.
Wednesday 30 October 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Sheryll Murray
1. Liaison Committee Resolved, That the Committee submit a memorandum on its work during Session 2012-13 to the Liaison Committee.
2. Food Contamination Resolved, That correspondence with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on food contamination be reported to the House for publication.
3. CAP reform: implementation The Committee took evidence from George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers Association, James Bailey, Federation of Yorkshire Commoners and Moorland Graziers; and Harry Cotterell, President, CLA, and George Winn- Darley, Moorland Association representative for the North York Moors.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 5 November 2013 at 2.30 p.m.
Tuesday 5 November 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Ms Margaret Ritchie Sheryll Murray Mr Mark Spencer Neil Parish
1. Declaration of interests Mr Mark Spencer declared his interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992, as follows:
Remunerated employment, office, profession etc
Partner in CH Spencer and Son (farmers). Address: Spring Lane Farm, Mapperley Plains, Notts. I receive benefit in kind from the farm of £5-10,000 per annum in the form of payment of telephone, heating and council tax of my family home.
Land and Property
Spring Lane Farm, Sherwood. Rental income received.
Floralands Garden Centre (of which I am an unremunerated director) and house, Sherwood. Rental income received.
Shareholdings
Floralands Ltd (garden centre).
Miscellaneous
Unremunerated member of Nottinghamshire County Council.
2. CAP Implementation Ordered, That written evidence submitted by George Winn Darley relating to CAP Implementation be reported to the House for publication.
Richard Macdonald, Chair of the Farming Regulation Task Force Implementation Group, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 12 November 2013 at 2.30 p.m.
Tuesday 12 November 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish Jim Fitzpatrick
1. Declaration of interests Jim Fitzpatrick declared his interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992, as follows:
Remunerated employment, office, profession etc
Fee for survey from ComRes, 4 Millbank, London, SW1P 3JA:
July-August 2012, £75 for parliamentary panel survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 19 October 2012)
October-November 2012, £75 for parliamentary panel survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 4 December 2012)
November-December 2012, £75 for parliamentary panel survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 9 January 2013)
January 2013, £75 for parliamentary panel survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 14 March 2013)
February-March 2013, £75 for parliamentary panel survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 27 March 2013)
April 2013, £75 for survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 8 April 2013)
April 2013, £75 for survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 10 June 2013)
June 2013, £75 for survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 4 July 2013)
August 2013, £75 for parliamentary panel survey. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 13 September 2013)
Fees for surveys from Ipsos Mori, 79-81 Borough Road, London SE1 1FY:
October 2012, fee of £150 for face-to-face survey. Hours: 75 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 17 October 2012)
December 2012, fee of £150 for parliamentary survey. Hours: 1 hr. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 9 January 2013)
October 2012, fee of £150 for face-to-face survey. Hours: 75 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 17 October 2012)
December 2012, fee of £150 for parliamentary survey. Hours: 1 hr. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 9 January 2013)
September 2013, fee of £200 for survey. Hours: 75 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 26 September 2013)
Fees from YouGov, 50 Featherstone St, London EC1Y 8RT, for online surveys:
July 2012, fee of £70. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 20 September 2012)
May 2013, fee of £70. Hours: 30 mins. Payment donated to charity. (Registered 10 June 2013)
Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality
Name of donor: LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games)
Address of donor: One Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LN
Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: Two tickets for technical rehearsal, dinner and reception on 25 July 2012 (no value available), and two tickets for athletics events with a total value of £590 on 10 August 2012
Date of receipt of donation: 25 July and 10 August 2012
Date of acceptance of donation: 25 July and 10 August 2012
Donor status: company, registration no 05267819
(Registered 23 August 2012)
Overseas visits
Names of donor:
1)TNT Post UK, 1 Globeside Business Park, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Bucks SL7 1HY
2)Post NL, Prinses, Beatrixlaan 23, 2595 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
Amount of donation (or estimate of the probable value):
1)Return flight to the Netherlands, hotel accommodation and some transport costs; total £509.18
2)Transport and some meals; total £244.11
Date of visit: 21-24 February 2013
Purpose of visit: visit as part of Industry and Parliament Trust Fellowship
(Registered 14 March 2013)
Miscellaneous
Member of Public Policy Committee of the RAC Foundation, 89-91 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS; unremunerated. (Registered 8 February 2013)
3. Tree Health Ordered, That written evidence submitted by the Institute of Chartered Foresters relating to Tree Health be reported to the House for publication.
Resolved, That the Committee write to the Secretary of State on this matter.
4. Natural England Resolved, That the Committee hold a pre-appointment hearing with the Government’s preferred candidate to be Chair of Natural England.
5. CAP Reform: Implementation The Committee discussed this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 20 November 2013 at 2.30 p.m.
Wednesday 20 November 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Mary Glindon Neil Parish Jim Fitzpatrick Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer
1. Declaration of interests Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck declared her interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992, as follows:
Sponsorships
(b) Support in the capacity as an MP: Name of donor: Unison Labour Link Address of donor: 140-150 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6TH Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: £2,101.82 for printing and £1,052.96 for direct mailing Date of receipt: 20 May 2013 Date of acceptance: 20 May 2013 Donor status: trade union
2. Non-human primates The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Flood insurance The Committee discussed this matter.
4. Food contamination Ordered, That correspondence from the Secretary of State relating to Food Contamination be reported to the House for publication
5. CAP reform: implementation Ordered, That written evidence submitted by George Winn-Darley relating to CAP Reform: Implementation be reported to the House for publication.
6. Departmental Annual Report Ordered, That written evidence submitted by Defra relating to the DAR be reported to the House for publication.
7. Food Security The Committee discussed this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 27 November 2013 at 2.30 p.m.
Wednesday 4 December 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie Mr Mark Spencer
1. Non-human primates Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the keeping of non-human primates as pets.
2. Food Security Ordered, That Professor Brian Revell be appointed a Specialist Adviser to assist the Committee in its inquiry into Food Security.
3. Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in England 2014-2020
The Chair’s Draft Report (Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in England 2014-2020) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Seventh Report from the Committee, HC 745, Session 2013-14.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 4 December 2013 at 2.00 p.m.
Wednesday 4 December 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie Mr Mark Spencer Sheryll Murray Roger Williams
1. Declaration of interests Mr Roger Williams declared his interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992, as follows:
Remunerated employment, office, profession etc Payment of £75 received from ComRes, Four Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, for participation in opinion survey. Hours: 45 mins. Paid to Brecon & Radnorshire Liberal Democrats.
Land and Property Half share in farmland at Tredomen Court, Wales. Half share in three houses in Tredomen, Brecon, from which rental income is received. Half share in a house in Exmouth, Devon, from which rental income is received.
Shareholdings Partner in R. H. Williams; a farming partnership.
2. Natural England The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Ofwat: Price Review and Water Bill The Committee discussed this matter.
Mr Mark Spencer declared an interest as set out in the register of Members’ interests.
Cathryn Ross, Chief Executive Officer, Ofwat, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 11 December 2013 at 2.30 p.m.
Wednesday 11 December 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer
1. Thames tideway tunnel Resolved, That the Chair respond in writing to the consultation.
2. Natural England Andrew Sells, the Government’s preferred candidate to be Chairman of Natural England, gave oral evidence.
The Chair’s Draft Report (Appointment of Chairman of Natural England) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Eighth Report from the Committee, HC 890, Session 2013-14.
3. Water Bill The Committee discussed this matter.
.
[Adjourned till Wednesday18 December 2013 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 18 December 2013 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie Mr Mark Spencer Sheryll Murray Roger Williams
1. Tree Health Ordered, That written evidence submitted by Defra relating to Tree Health be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
2. Food Security Ordered, That written evidence relating to Food Security be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Professors John Beddington and Tim Benton.
3. Water Bill The Committee considered this matter.
4. Defra Annual Report and Accounts
The Chair’s Draft Report (Departmental Annual Report 2012-13) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Ninth Report from the Committee, HC 741, Session 2013-14.
.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 8 January 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 8 January 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Ms Margaret Ritchie Iain McKenzie Mr Mark Spencer
1. Flooding Resolved, That the Committee hold a one-off evidence session on the recent floods.
2. Fisheries Ordered, That ministerial correspondence relating to Fisheries be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
3. CAP implementation Ordered, That ministerial correspondence relating to CAP implementation be reported to the House for publication on the internet
4. Food Security The Committee considered this matter.
5. Elliott review Professor Chris Elliott, author, Professor Pat Troop and Gary Copson, subject experts, Review of the integrity and assurance of supply chains, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 15 January 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 15 January 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Ms Margaret Ritchie Jim Fitzpatrick Mr Mark Spencer Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Roger Williams Neil Parish
1. Correspondence The Committee discussed this matter.
2. Tree Health The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Food Security Professor Tim Benton, University of Leeds and Professor Ian Crute, Chief Scientist, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 22 January 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 22 January 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish Jim Fitzpatrick Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer Iain McKenzie Roger Williams
1. Keeping of Primates Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Keeping of Primates be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
AAP, Sanctuary for Exotic Animals Animal Defenders International Animal Protection Agency Animal Welfare Party Ape Alliance Ash Veterinary Surgery Born Free Foundation British Veterinary Association British Veterinary Zoological Society Professor Hannah M Buchanan-Smith Nedim C Buyukmihci Captive Animals’ Protection Society Care for the Wild International Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emergent Disease Foundation Eurogroup for Animals European Alliance of Rescue Centres and Sanctuaries (EARS) Dr Kay H Farmer Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Humane Society International/UK Professor Phyllis C Lee Terry Manwaring Professor William C McGrew Christopher Moiser Monkey World Name withheld Name withheld Neotropical Primate Conservation OneKind Pet Industry Federation Primate Society of Great Britain
Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association Dr Lisa Riley RSPCA Elizabeth Tyson Wetheriggs Animal and Conservation Centre Wild Futures
6. Food Security
Resolved, That the Committee consider food consumption and waste as part of a separate inquiry.
Resolved, That the Committee visit the South West in March in connection with this inquiry.
7. Committee press notices The Committee discussed this matter.
8. Winter Floods Paul Leinster, Environment Agency, Cllr Mike Jones, LGA, and Dan Rogerson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 29 January 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 29 January 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer Iain McKenzie Roger Williams
1. Food and Environment Research Agency Ordered, That correspondence received from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the future of the Food and Environment Research Agency be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
2. Future Programme Resolved, That the Committee inquire into waste management.
3. Primates as pets Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Primates as Pets be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Douglas Richardson IPPL
4. Winter floods
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Food Security
Professor Sir John Beddington, Special Adviser to the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, and former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 5 February 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 5 February 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Sheryll Murray Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Neil Parish Mary Glindon Roger Williams Iain McKenzie
1. Winter Floods Ordered, That correspondence received from the Environment Agency be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
2. Primates as pets Rachel Hevesi, Director Wild Futures, Ros Clubb, RSPCA, and Mike Seton, Senior Veterinary Officer City of London Corporation; Dr Alison Cronin, Director, Monkey World, Andrew Greenwood, Member BVZS and Partner in International Zoo Veterinary Group, British Veterinary Zoological Society, and Dr Lisa Riley, Primatologist and independent consultant in animal welfare; and Lord De Mauley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 12 February 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 12 February 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer Sheryll Murray
1. Winter floods
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Winter Floods.
2. CAP Implementation Draft Special Report (Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in England 2014-20: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2013-14), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Seventh Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the Seventh Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
3. Food Security Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Food Security be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
John Innes Centre International Meat Trade Association Professor Simon Blackmore
Peter Kendall, President, NFU, Tom Taylor, CEO, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Andrew Large, Chief Executive, British Poultry Council; Andrew Opie, Director of Food Policy, British Retail Consortium, David Croft, Director of Quality and Technical, Waitrose; Dr Julian Little, Chair, Agricultural Biotechnology Council, Mr Paul Mullan, Managing Director, Germains Seed Technology and Calum Murray, Lead Technologist, Sustainable Agriculture and Food, Technology Strategy Board, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 February 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 26 February 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Iain McKenzie Mr Mark Spencer
In the temporary absence of the Chairman, Jim Fitzpatrick was called to the Chair for part of the meeting.
1. Primates as Pets Ordered, That written evidence received from Blue Cross relating to Primates as Pets be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
2. Insurance for Flooding Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Insurance for Flooding.
3. Winter floods
Ordered, That written evidence received from ADA relating to Winter Floods be reported to the House for publication on the internet
Miss Anne McIntosh and Neil Parish declared an interest as set out in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.
Dr Jean Venables, Chief Executive, Henry Cator, Chairman, and Tony Bradford, member of ADA Executive Committee (South West), Association of Drainage Authorities; Martin Whiting, Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management; Rob Cunningham and Martin Salter, Blueprint for Water Coalition, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 5 March 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 5 March 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Mr Mark Spencer Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Roger Williams Sheryll Murray
1. Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity
The Chair’s Draft Report (Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity) proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Tenth Report from the Committee, HC 469, Session 2013-14.
2. Food Security Ordered, That written evidence received from Ian Panton relating to Food Security be reported to the House for publication on the internet
Neil Parish, Mr Mark Spencer and Roger Williams declared an interest as set out in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.
Peter Melchett, Policy Director, Soil Association, Vicki Hird, Senior Campaigner, Friends of the Earth; Henry Robinson, President, CLA, Nick von Westenholz, Chief Executive, Crop Protection Association; Professor Melanie Welham, Director of Science, Dr Paul Burrows, Executive Director of Corporate Policy and Strategy, BBSRC, and Professor Sue Hartley, Director, York Environmental Sustainability Institute, University of York, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 March 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Tuesday 11 March 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Ian McKenzie Mr Mark Spencer Sheryll Murray
1. Food Security Resolved, That the proposed visit to the West Country in relation to Food Security be postponed.
2. Insurance for flooding Ordered, That written evidence received from Hiscox and the Council of Mortgage Lenders be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Aidan Kerr, Assistant Director, Head of Property, Fraud and Specialist Lines, Association of British Insurers, Graeme Trudgill, Head of Corporate Affairs, British Insurance Brokers Association, and Mark Weil, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh Ltd, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 March 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 26 March 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Neil Parish Jim Fitzpatrick Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Mary Glindon Mr Mark Spencer Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Roger Williams Sheryll Murray
1. Departmental Annual Report: Government response The Committee discussed this matter.
2. Waste management The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Winter floods The Committee discussed this matter. Ordered, That written evidence received from the following organisations be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Flood Hazard Research Centre F.N. Darlington Chris Ashton CIWEM William Symons Tom Balance Somerset County Council RSPB Local Government Association Ewan Larcombe BAM Nuttall ADA 4. Insurance for flooding Ordered, That written evidence received from BIBA be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
5. Food Security Resolved, That the visit to the West Country in relation to Food Security take place on 7-8 May. Ordered, That written evidence received from BBSRC be reported to the House for publication on the internet. George Eustice MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Mr Lindsay Harris, Deputy Director, Food Security and Food Standards, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 2 April 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 2 April 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer Iain Mc Kenzie
1. Correspondence The Committee discussed this matter.
2. Primates as Pets Ordered, That written evidence received from the following organisations be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Animal Protection Agency Wild Futures
3. Winter floods
Ordered, That written evidence received from the following organisations be reported to the House for publication on the internet: NFU Environment Agency Defra Hampshire County Council
Lord Chris Smith, Chairman, Paul Leinster, Chief Executive and David Rooke, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, Environment Agency; Rt Hon Owen Paterson, Secretary of State and Sonia Phippard, Director, Water and Flood Risk Management, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 9 April 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 9 April 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Jim Fitzpatrick Neil Parish Mrs Mary Glindon Ms Margaret Ritchie Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Roger Williams Iain McKenzie
1. Defra Mid-year Report The Committee discussed this matter.
2. Food Security Ordered, That written evidence received from Defra be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Winter Floods The Committee discussed this matter.
4. Waste Management The Committee discussed this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 30 April 2014 at 2.30 pm.
Wednesday 30 April 2014 Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Richard Drax Sheryll Murray Mrs Mary Glindon Neil Parish Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Mr Mark Spencer Iain McKenzie Roger Williams
1. Bovine TB The Committee discussed this matter.
2. Winter Floods The Committee discussed this matter.
3. Rural Payments Agency Miss Anne McIntosh, Neil Parish, Mr Mark Spencer and Roger Williams declared an interest as set out in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.
Mark Grimshaw, Chief Executive Officer, RPA and Ian Trenholm Director General and Chief Operating Officer, Defra, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 13 May 2014 at 2.30 pm.