Thérèse Coffey to be quizzed by MPs on the work of DEFRA
On Tuesday, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee questions the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, and the Department’s Permanent Secretary, Tamara Finkelstein.
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.
Meeting details
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 also 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.