Thérèse Coffey to be quizzed by MPs on the work of DEFRA

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• Inquiry: Work of Defra
• Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Witnesses

Tuesday 24 October, Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster

At 2.30pm

• The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Tamara Finkelstein, Permanent Secretary, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The session scrutinises the most pressing topics currently in DEFRA’s remit, including issues around food security and inflation, flood preparedness and coastal erosion, biodiversity, borders and biosecurity and the UK’s trade agreements.

MPs probe the many issues relating to the water sector, including water quality, regulation and enforcement, sewage discharges into rivers and coastal areas, and they will also investigate the prospect of higher household water bills.

EFRA explores the issues around nutrient neutrality regulations and maintaining environmental protections, in connection with housebuilding and development plans.

The Committee examines subjects of importance to the agricultural sector, covering the implementation of Environmental Land Management schemes, risks from avian flu and other diseases, the potential for vaccination of poultry, and the serious difficulties facing tenant farmers.

Following the Committee’s recent evidence session on XL bully dogs, MPs will also question the Secretary of State on the effectiveness of the Dangerous Dogs Act and the Department’s planning around the upcoming American XL bully ban.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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