The provisions of the Waste Framework Directive do not limit the scope of dredging operations in areas affected by recent flooding. However, the spreading of dredged material on land (with or without the presence of sewage) would normally require the benefit of an environmental permit to protect human health and the environment.

Defra provides exemptions from the need for an environmental permit for a) the deposit of non-hazardous dredged material along river banks and b) the spreading of dredged material to beneficially condition agricultural land. These exemptions are subject to maximum limits on the amount of waste that can be deposited or spread and provide a light touch approach to meet Waste Framework Directive requirements. Exemptions need to be registered with the Environment Agency. Registration is free, may be done at any time and is valid for three years.

The restrictions put in place by the European Commission ban a number of uses of three neonicotinoids. These restrictions will be reviewed in 2015.

The Government, like those of a number of EU member states, considers that the scientific evidence does not support the restrictions. Our current assessment of the evidence suggests that, while we cannot exclude effects of neonicotinoids on bees in the field, effects on bees are not likely to occur under normal circumstances. Therefore, the current evidence suggests that the risk to bee populations from neonicotinoids, when used correctly, is low.

We do not agree with the methods used by the European Commission to reach a different conclusion, based on a new risk assessment scheme that has yet to be agreed and implemented. Given our assessment that the risk to bee populations is low, we do not consider that the Commission's response is sensible or proportionate. It will impose significant costs on some farmers and growers without benefiting bees and other pollinators.

The independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) has considered the evidence on neonicotinoid insecticides on a number of occasions. Following its meeting on 29 January 2013 the Committee advised that there were grounds for a review of neonicotinoid authorisations under the pesticides legislation, and officials in the Health and Safety Executive's Chemicals Regulation Directorate (the UK pesticides regulatory body) have started this work. The detailed record of the ACP’s discussions can be found on its website at:

http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/guidance/industries/pesticides/advisory-groups/acp/acp-detailed-record-of-discussion/ACP-359-29-January-2013-Detailed-Record-of-Discussion.htm

The ACP provided further advice following their meeting in March. Again, this is available on its website.

The ACP did not advise that there was a need to restrict current authorisations of products containing neonicotinoids.

The restrictions on the three neonicotinoid insecticides covered by Regulation 485/2013 apply from 1 December 2013, with the Commission providing for a review in 2015. Authorisations for experimental field trials will be possible while the restrictions are in place. Pesticide companies may generate new studies, taking account of the data requirements set out in the EU pesticides regime and any further changes to these. The Government, in consultation with independent experts, is considering additional research, including field studies. We would expect the outcome of the Commission’s review 2015 to take appropriate account of any new evidence.

Biomass feedstock comprises many different forms of material. The phytosanitary checks that are made on imports of controlled wood used as feedstock are similar to those applied to other controlled wood products. These consignment checks include an examination of the accompanying phytosanitary documentation, a check on the identity of the material declared and, where required, a physical inspection to ensure that material is free from pests and diseases and complies with specific landing requirements.

Ash plants with unrecognised symptoms were found in a routine inspection. Given suspicion about the presence of a harmful organism the nursery agreed voluntarily to hold the plants. None was moved from the nursery prior to confirmation that the plants were infected with Chalara fraxinea. Once this confirmation was given the plants were destroyed.

The finding of Chalara fraxinea was confirmed at one location in a consignment of recently imported plants, with no reason to believe that this was anything other than an isolated incident, requiring trace forward and action to destroy any potentially infected plants that had been circulated. The recent confirmation of findings of C. fraxinea in the wider environment have not been linked to this particular case, which involved young plants only recently circulated to customers. Many interceptions of imported plants and plant products are made each month involving unregulated, as well as regulated, organisms. Statutory action is taken regularly against such potentially damaging pests and pathogens and it is not normal practice to inform Ministers immediately about all such incidents. Any potentially significant issues are reported through a monthly update to Ministers on plant health issues and in the case of this particular interception, this was the mechanism used to inform Ministers.

We do not release details of premises because of commercial confidentiality.

Plant Health and Seeds Inspectors work closely with nurseries and need their co-operation in tracing forward plants which have been supplied by the nursery in order to take any action required at the delivery sites. Such co-operation could be jeopardised by the publication of nursery names and addresses and the resulting publicity. In the case of the Buckinghamshire nursery inspectors have followed up all the deliveries and have required destruction of the trees supplied.

Chalara fraxinea was first confirmed in the UK on 7 March 2012, following investigation on 20 February 2012 of suspect symptoms at a nursery in Buckinghamshire by the Food and Environment Research Agency’s Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. Ministers were first informed of the finding on 3 April 2012.