Written questions by Morello.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with abattoirs and livestock producers in the South West on the use of non-stun slaughter and its implications for animal welfare.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the number of livestock slaughtered without prior stunning in abattoirs in the South West.

Awaiting answer.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government remains committed to implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next...

Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration has been given to requiring rainwater harvesting and attenuation measures in new developments in Yetminster and the River Wriggle catchment.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next...

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has established a timetable for implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the amount of surface water entering combined sewer systems in communities affected by flooding and sewage pollution.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to increase the use of sustainable drainage systems in new developments in West Dorset.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce sewage dumping into (a) chalk streams (b) the River Frome and (c) the River Piddle.

Chalk streams are an incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature-rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife – from chalk salmon to trout, they are home to beloved and endangered species. Restoring our chalk streams to...

Food and Rural Affairs, what support her Department is providing for chalk stream protection in West Dorset.

Defra is supporting chalk stream protection in West Dorset through partnership delivery with the Dorset Catchment Partnership. This includes habitat restoration in the River Frome headwaters, improving soils and reducing pollution. The Environment Agency ...

Food and Rural Affairs, what support her Department is providing to improve water quality in chalk streams in West Dorset constituency, including the River Frome, Wraxall Brook and West Compton Stream.

Chalk streams are an incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature-rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife – from chalk salmon to trout, they are home to beloved and endangered species. Restoring our chalk streams to...

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her Department’s policies of sewage discharges affecting rivers and coastal waters in West Dorset.

The implications for West Dorset’s rivers and coastal waters will vary by location. The first progress report on the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, published December 2025, shows mixed progress against each target in the Plan. Nationwide, there...

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the affordability of water bills in West Dorset.

The Government recognises the pressures that water bills can place on households and continues to engage closely with water companies, Ofwat and consumer bodies to strengthen the consumer voice and support available. Ofwat’s Final Determinations for Price...

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of water quality on tourism in West Dorset.

Through our programme of reform, we are delivering cleaner water, stronger protections for the environment, and more reliable services, which will support tourism and the wider economy in areas such as West Dorset.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of sewage discharges and combined sewer overflows on chalk stream ecosystems and Atlantic salmon populations.

Chalk streams are an incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature-rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife – from chalk salmon to trout, they are home to beloved and endangered species. Restoring our chalk streams to...

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to provide additional protections for chalk stream Atlantic salmon populations.

Salmon are a designated feature in protected sites on four chalk streams: the rivers Frome, Test and Itchen, and Hampshire Avon. Salmon, including those in chalk streams, are protected from fishing pressure through Environment Agency byelaws. England’s dr...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to improve water quality in West Dorset.

The Government has secured £104 billion of private investment to transform our water infrastructure between 2025 and 2030. This includes over £10 billion to improve about 2,500 storm overflows across England, including in West Dorset, with funding priorit...

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with water companies on reducing water bills for households in West Dorset.

The Government recognises the pressures that water bills can place on households and continues to engage closely with water companies, Ofwat and consumer bodies to strengthen the consumer voice and support available. Ofwat’s Final Determinations for Price...

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with water companies on reducing storm overflow discharges in West Dorset.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with water companies to discuss a range of issues, including water quality.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support salmon restoration projects in chalk streams, including the River Frome in West Dorset constituency.

Chalk streams are an incredible source of national pride. As one of Britain’s most nature-rich habitats, they support some of our rarest wildlife – from chalk salmon to trout, they are home to beloved and endangered species. Restoring our chalk streams to...

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help lower food costs for households in West Dorset.

The Government is taking action to address food prices by working with the food industry on supply chain resilience, regulatory burden, and structural drivers of food costs. Measures already taken as part of wider efforts to reduce pressure on prices due ...