Written questions by Ingham.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the safety of the veterinary medicines Librela and Solensia.

All veterinary medicines, including Librela and Solensia, are subject to rigorous scientific assessment before approval to ensure their benefits outweigh risks when used as authorised. Once approved, they are continually monitored through pharmacovigilance to ensure this remains the case. Available data show that reported adverse events are uncommon, occurring in approximately 1–10 animals per 1,000 treated. Reports include cases involving use with other medicines, off‑label use, or events later attributed to other causes. Following in‑depth review of all available evidence, including for Librela, the Department is satisfied that the overall benefits of these products continue to outweigh the risks for the vast majority of animals. As with all medicines, risks exist, and monitoring will continue, with further action taken if new evidence warrants it.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of farrowing crates on the welfare of pigs.

We remain firmly committed to maintaining and improving animal welfare and want to work closely with the farming sector to deliver high standards. Defra’s statutory welfare Code of Practice for Pigs states that the aim is for farrowing crates to no longer be necessary and for any new system to protect the welfare of the sow as well as her piglets. Whilst the farrowing crate reduces the risk of piglet mortality, it also restricts sow movement, preventing her from turning around and performing normal behaviours such as nest building. The use of farrowing crates for pigs is an issue we are currently considering very carefully.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Rural England Prosperity Fund will receive funding for 2025-2026.

The Autumn Statement on 30 October confirmed Defra’s budgets for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Funding allocations for individual programmes for the next financial year will be determined through the department’s business planning exercise. The Department are working closely with the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government and will update on the Rural England Prosperity Fund in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many people have accessed financial support through the (a) Property Flood Resilience grant and (b) Flood Recovery Framework in Stafford constituency.

Defra currently has two active Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Grant schemes running, one for Storm Babet from October 2023 and a second for Storm Henk from January 2024. Staffordshire County Council are participating in both. PFR Grant schemes run for 18 months. Final data on the number of properties receiving Defra PFR grants after Storms Babet and Henk will not be available until both the schemes close later in 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the defences against flooding in rural areas.

All flood and coastal risk management investment schemes are carefully assessed to make sure they benefit the most people and property. As I announced on 13 November, additional financial support will be provided to rural communities, recognising the significant impact of flooding on farmers. £50 million will be distributed to internal drainage boards (IDBs), and £60m will be paid to farmers impacted by last year’s severe weather: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.