Written questions by Lake.

Food and Rural Affairs, what the amount of seeds imported into the UK from non-EU countries was by weight in each year since 2020.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the volume of seed imported into the UK via online marketplaces in each year since 2020.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what the amount of seeds imported into the UK from EU countries was by weight in each year since 2020.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has considered the potential impact of the re-introduction of the Places of Destination scheme on the home garden seed sector.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with (a) veterinary bodies and (b) EU counterparts on the financial implications for pet owners of the ending of EU recognition of UK pet passports.

On 22 April the EU brought in new rules affecting those travelling with pets from third countries such as Great Britain (GB) into the EU. Defra has engaged with the European Commission to understand how they are implemented, and how this impacts those travelling from GB to the EU. Ministers have regular conversations with a variety of stakeholders, including veterinary associations, on pet travel. Ahead of the EU’s changes, Defra contacted stakeholders, including the British Veterinary Association, the British Small Animal Vets Association, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to update them on the changes. The UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area. Instead of the current process of getting an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) each time they travel, pet owners will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU. Until an agreement with the EU is reached, owners will still need an AHC for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they are travelling from GB to an EU country. AHC fees are set by veterinary surgeons or veterinary practices and are a private matter between individual practices and their clients, and neither the RCVS, the UK regulator of the veterinary profession, nor Defra intervene in the level of fees charged.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she intends to incorporate the Innate Health Assessment of dog breeds in future statutory licensing conditions for dog breeders.

The Innate Health Assessment tool has been created by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare to tackle suffering caused by extreme physical body shapes in dogs. This voluntary tool can be used by breeders, dog owners or prospective dog owners to check any dog’s innate health characteristics and their suitability to breed and/or acquire, regardless of breed or type. The Government published its Animal Welfare Strategy on 22 December 2025, outlining plans to take coordinated action to improve the welfare of pets. This includes the commitment to end the low welfare breeding of dogs and to launch a consultation on dog breeding reform. Defra recognises the importance of genetic health in dogs and supports education of owners and breeders to promote responsible breeding.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of data on the impact of flooding on social housing tenants.

In January 2025 the Environment Agency commissioned an independent review of Property Flood Resilience (PFR). The review identified gaps and opportunities to grow the PFR market, resulting in a new action plan for all relevant parties to take forward. The National Housing Federation (NHF) representing 600 housing associations who provide nearly 2.7 million homes formed part of the review’s Leadership Group. The review found that there is growing awareness among housing associations of the increasing flood risk and noted they already have access to a comprehensive Flood Toolkit. Social landlords however face several challenges including data gaps, securing temporary accommodation and ensuring residents have access to the right advice and support. The review recommended that social landlords develop clear and coordinated strategies to prepare for and mitigate flood risk for their tenants and homes aligning PFR measures with wider work to improve energy efficiency, building safety and decency. The NHF has committed to delivering several actions over the next five years to strengthen members’ flood readiness.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many Equidae were recorded as leaving the UK via (a) Dover, (b) Cairnryan, (c) Holyhead, (d) Harwich and (e) other ports since the ban on live exports to slaughter and fattening was brought into force.

The table below contains the number of Export Health Certificates (EHC) dispatched for the export of Equidae from 22/07/2024 to date. Each EHC issued is for the export of one equine. The point of exit and purpose of movement are not recorded as the Export Health Certificate Online System (EHCO) does not capture that information. DateNumber of EHCs Dispatched for the Export of Equines2024Jul904Aug2307Sep2342Oct3334Nov2422Dec1714Total130232025Jan1697Feb1739Mar1948Apr1451Total6835Grand Total19858

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with counterparts in the Welsh Government on improving equine identification and traceability.

The Government recognises the importance of engaging with Devolved Governments on a regular basis. Defra officials hold regular monthly meetings with Welsh Government to discuss improvements to equine identification and traceability; there is also an open channel of communication between officials to deal with shared issues in a timely manner.