Every parliamentary written question tabled by Luke Myer this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential contribution of domestically produced polyhalite fertiliser to improving the resilience and security of fertiliser supplies for UK agricul
Polyhalite satisfies a proportion of the UK’s sulphur demand, but it is not a direct substitute for nitrogen or phosphate-based fertilisers. It can, however, be blended with other fertilisers to increase nutrient use efficiency and provide a balanced nutr...
Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to the Bathing Water Regulations on (a) fish spawning sites, (b) riparian rights and (c) the rights of (i) angling clubs and (ii) fishery owners; and if he will undertake a full consultation before making changes.
The consultation on the Bathing Water Regulations 2013 closed on 23 December 2024. Many organisations have called for the Regulations to be updated to reflect the modern ways in which the public uses bathing waters so that they continue to support public health outcomes. This Government published our formal response on 12 March 2025. The consultation results show a large majority in favour of the two wider reforms to expand the definition of a ‘bather’ and introducing the use of multiple monitoring points at designated bathing sites. We are now progressing policy development and research to determine how best to implement the wider reforms. We will consider any potential environmental, societal, and access Impacts. We will work closely with local and national stakeholders, seeking their views on these reforms.
Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to tackle the lack of access to mains running water for residents of Aysdalegate Cottages in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency; and what steps he plans to take to help ensure those residents have access to a reliable and safe water supply.
Private drinking water supplies are regulated by local authorities, who receive scientific and technical advice from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). To ensure water is safe to drink, local authorities sample and identify water quality risks, can serve notices to correct any issues identified, and have remedial powers if those responsible for the supply do not comply with the notice. To secure a reliable and sufficient supply, legislation allows a water company to charge for the cost of making a new connection. As the independent economic regulator, Ofwat ensures companies are acting responsibly and transparently in the services they provide and set charges that reflect the cost of undertaking the work. The DWI regularly publishes research on private water supplies, which helps local authorities to conduct risk assessments and to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities. Defra also works closely with DWI to ensure the provision of safe, clean drinking water.