Written questions by Cooper.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to require the provision of sanitary waste bins in men's bathrooms.

The Government oversees policy and legislation with respect to the safe management of waste and litter as well as the protection of drains and sewers. It does not, however, have powers to compel the provision of sanitary bins in public toilets. The maintenance of public toilets is a matter for local authorities.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2024 to Question 10820 on Trapping, what his timetable is for banning the use of snares.

As stated in the reply to Question 10820, Defra is considering the most effective way to deliver this commitment and will be setting out next steps in due course. As outlined in our manifesto, we will bring an end to the use of snare traps in England.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to re-open water testing Laboratories that are Regulation 31 certified.

The water industry must comply with Regulation 31 and they cannot purchase and install a product from a supplier without first assuring themselves that the product has been approved or meets the requirements of Regulation 31. The Government recognises that it is critically important that there are effective procedures and regulatory oversight and the Drinking Water Inspectorate has been pro-actively supporting the industry towards accessing additional laboratory facilities and services with respect to Regulation 31 testing.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2024 to Question 6534 on Land Drainage: Property Development, whether he (a) has made and (b) plans to make an assessment of the potential regulatory burden of implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to require the formation of sustainable urban drainage systems.

A full regulatory impact assessment, including consideration of costs and benefits, would be prepared as part of any implementation of Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. No such assessment is available at this stage.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the increasing use of pea protein in food products.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. The Government continues to work closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to understand the steps that can be taken to ensure people with allergies have access to clear and accurate information. There are a large number of potential food ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction to sensitised people. The current 14 regulated allergens are recognised as being the most common and potent allergens of public health concern across Europe.The FSA is aware that pea protein allergy is an emerging area of concern and there are reports of adverse reactions to peas in the scientific literature. However, evidence on this is currently limited. The FSA is currently working with the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and other stakeholders on gathering information on hidden and emerging food allergens which will help in assessing the need for further research and work in this area. The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely but has no current plans to amend the 14 allergens list.The FSA continues to work to make it easier for people with food hypersensitivities (allergies, intolerances, and coeliac disease) to have access to clear and accurate information which is a fundamental part of their work. Its research can be found  here.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with the Food Standards Agency on listing pea protein as an allergen.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. The Government continues to work closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to understand the steps that can be taken to ensure people with allergies have access to clear and accurate information. There are a large number of potential food ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction to sensitised people. The current 14 regulated allergens are recognised as being the most common and potent allergens of public health concern across Europe.The FSA is aware that pea protein allergy is an emerging area of concern and there are reports of adverse reactions to peas in the scientific literature. However, evidence on this is currently limited. The FSA is currently working with the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and other stakeholders on gathering information on hidden and emerging food allergens which will help in assessing the need for further research and work in this area. The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely but has no current plans to amend the 14 allergens list.The FSA continues to work to make it easier for people with food hypersensitivities (allergies, intolerances, and coeliac disease) to have access to clear and accurate information which is a fundamental part of their work. Its research can be found  here.

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October to Question 6533 on Disposable Wipes: Plastics, on what date he plans to bring forward proposals to implement a ban on the sale of wet wipes containing plastic.

The Government is working together with the devolved governments to understand the issue, with a view to legislate to ban wet wipes containing plastic across the UK.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to reply substantively to the correspondence of 23 January 2024 from the Hon. Member for St Albans on behalf of her constituent, his Department’s reference MC2024/01885, relating to the revocation of registration of exempted dogs, .followed up on 22 March 2024, 9 July 2024 and 9 September 2024.

Correspondence MC2024/01885 is undergoing clearance processes and will be issued shortly. MC2024/01885 was one of a very large number of correspondences on this topic received by the department which contributed to delays in responses. Following dissolution of Parliament on 30 May, this case was closed and has been reopened following the election.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to prohibit the sale and use of wet wipes containing plastic.

This Government has called for the banning of the sale of wet wipes containing plastic.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to require sustainable drainage systems for new housing developments under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Planning policy requires that Sustainable Drainage Systems are included in all new major developments, unless there is clear evidence that this would be inappropriate. The Government is currently assessing how best to implement its ambitions on sustainable drainage, while also being mindful of the cumulative impact of new regulatory burdens on the development sector.