Written questions by Al-Hassan.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of producing toxic herbicides that are banned for use in the UK on the export of such products.

The UK works internationally to manage the export and safe use of pesticides. The UK is party to the Rotterdam Convention, a multilateral treaty that promotes shared responsibilities and information sharing in relation to the international trade of hazardous chemicals. We strongly support science-based listings of hazardous pesticides under the convention. The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime in Great Britain (GB) regulates the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals, including pesticides banned for use in GB. Companies intending to export any of these substances from GB must notify the importing country via the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the explicit consent of the importing country is required before export can take place. The exchange of information that PIC provides allows importing countries to make informed decisions on import, handling and safe use.

Food and Rural Affairs, what support mechanisms are available to farmers whose livestock are condemned following tapeworm infection transmitted from dogs on agricultural land or public rights of way.

Tapeworm infections are not notifiable diseases. No compensation is provided for farmers whose livestock are condemned following tapeworm infection transmitted from dogs on agricultural land or public rights of way. Only a very small number of livestock carcases each year are condemned following tapeworm infection. Most are slaughtered before infection develops. The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs was presented to Parliament in December 2017. It makes clear that there is a legal obligation for a handler to clean up after their dog (Welfare of Dogs). Similarly, the statutory guidance within the Countryside Code: Advice for Countryside Visitors, updated 01 April 2021 (Countryside Code) highlights the risk of illness to people and livestock, and sets out that dog handlers must clean up after the dog. It is of paramount importance to break the cycle of transmission by deworming dogs.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to implement an animal welfare labelling scheme to support British farmers.

On 12 June 2025, we published the summary of responses and the Government response to the fairer food labelling consultation, which was undertaken last year by the previous government. The response is available here on GOV.UK. We will consider the potential role of method of production labelling reform as part of the ongoing development of the Government’s wider animal welfare strategy.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to renew the Young Farmers Grant; and when a decision on that funding will be confirmed.

Defra works closely with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC). Defra provides funding of up to £30,000 per year for specific project-based activity which supports skills development and training. My officials continue to work very closely with the NFYFC to deliver the 2025-26 grant to ensure value for money. An assessment of future years funding remains part of future spending decisions.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to introduce a national animal welfare labelling scheme.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Rotheram, Sarah Champion, on 3 July 2025, PQ 62951.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to consult the (a) medical technology sector, (b) Department of Health and Social Care and (c) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency when developing environmental policies.

The Government consults regularly with a range of stakeholders when developing environmental policies, both within and outside of Government.

Food and Rural Affairs, how the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Fund will be allocated.

The Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund will be investing £360 million over the next 12 years. We will work with industry to target investment where it matters most. For example, by considering investment in new technology and equipment to modernise our fishing fleet, training and skills to upskill the workforce and back the next generation of fishermen and promote the seafood sector to export our high-quality produce across the world.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made on turning Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route into a National Trail.

The proposal to designate Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route as a National Trail was approved in 2022. Natural England has been working with the Councils and National Park Authorities along the route to bring it up to National Trail quality standards. We have worked to make sure the route is permanently protected in law and have improved the surface to make it easier to use. This includes 5km of flagstones over Nine Standards Rigg and White Mossy Hill in the middle of the route which gets very boggy. This will help protect local habitats and preserve the route for walkers. We have also put up new signs that help people find their way and recognise Alfred Wainwright’s role in establishing the route. The route remains on track for completion with plans to officially launch it in spring 2026.