Every parliamentary written question tabled by Susan Murray this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–4 of 4 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to publish updates on the impact of recent conflict between the United States and Iran on UK food security, including food supply disruption and consumer food prices; and whether he will place any such updates in the Library.
Awaiting answer.
Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) devolved authorities and (b) regulatory bodies on the cross-border movement of industrial waste for land reclamation purposes.
Defra officials continue to engage with their counterparts in the devolved authorities on matters including the movement of waste. I recently met with Gillian Martain MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy in the Scottish Government to discuss reports suggesting waste sent to landfill in Scotland may be diverted to landfill in England. There are no additional controls on the movement of waste between England and the devolved nations, to those that apply to movements within the individual nations. In England and Wales, waste must be managed in accordance with the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice. Similar Codes of Practice apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Waste can only be transferred to a site that has the appropriate authorisation (eg. permit or exemption) to receive, treat or dispose of the waste.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of levels of trifluoroacetic acid in (a) rivers and (b) drinking water supplies on (i) public and (ii) environmental health.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is undertaking a research programme to better understand the prevalence of TFA in drinking water sources across England and to assess treatment efficacy.This work is being coordinated with colleagues in the Environment Agency (EA), DEFRA, and the Health and Safety Executive. The EA continues to review the best available scientific evidence and has developed a methodology for analysis of TFA in environmental water to inform future priorities. Future recommendations may include the need for further monitoring data and a revised regulatory approach.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed closure of Smithfield Market on (a) Scottish farmers and (b) UK meat producers.
Defra is aware of the proposed changes to Smithfield Market and is engaging with the City of London Corporation. The City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council on 26 November 2024 ratified a decision to end its interest in co-locating the wholesale food markets of Smithfield and Billingsgate to a new site at Dagenham Dock. A private bill was deposited in Parliament on 27 November 2024, which would end the City of London Corporation’s responsibilities to operate a market at these sites. While the Market will cease to trade at the Smithfield site, it is not closing. The City of London Corporation is working with tenants to help them re-locate, together, to purpose-built facilities within the M25 and ensure continuity of trade. Defra has not undertaken an assessment of the impact of the closure on Scottish farmers and UK meat producers but notes the valuable research on this matter undertaken by the City of London Corporation. This independent food security study found that the relocation is unlikely to pose significant risks to food supply. The Department recognises the importance of Smithfield as a distribution hub for meat products across the UK and will continue to monitor the transition closely.