The Leader, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 14.
Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Thursday 11 October 2018.
Three questions have been received to date.
The first is from Mr. Gerald Gravett of Staines-upon-Thames.
Question 1.
“Legislation in the EU and UK requires that all livestock are stunned before slaughter. However European law does have an exemption, which the UK implements, for animals that are slaughtered for food intended for the consumption of Jewish and Muslim communities. Some of these communities allow stunning before slaughter, others do not. In circumstances where stunning is not permitted, this is known as ‘non-stun slaughter.’
Does the council purchase, supply or serve through any of its departments, subsidiary organisations or sub-contractors any meat or meat derived products where the method of non-stun slaughter has been used, for consumption by any persons other than the religious groups referred to above?”
The second question is from Mr. Andrew McLuskey of Stanwell.
Question 2.
“Successive authoritative reports (including from the Department of Transport) have indicated that IF airport expansion is required it should be at Gatwick rather than Heathrow.
Why, therefore, in their recent press release, does the Council seem to be conceding Heathrow’s wish for its 3rd runway project to go ahead?”
The third question is from Mr. Mike Jones on behalf of Staines Bowling Club.
Question 3.
“In the light of the councils statement in August that it will no longer develop on Staines Park or the Bowls Club grounds, will the council now categorically confirm that they will NOT be issuing a lease termination notice in April 2019 and that Staines Bowling Club can stay on the site for the remainder of their lease.”
Minutes:
The Mayor reported that, under Standing Order 14, three questions had been received from members of the public. The questions asked, and responses given by the Leader were as follows:
1. Question from Mr G. Gravett of Staines-upon-Thames
“Legislation in the EU and UK requires that all livestock are stunned before slaughter. However European law does have an exemption, which the UK implements, for animals that are slaughtered for food intended for the consumption of Jewish and Muslim communities. Some of these communities allow stunning before slaughter, others do not. In circumstances where stunning is not permitted, this is known as ‘non-stun slaughter.’
Does the council purchase, supply or serve through any of its departments, subsidiary organisations or sub-contractors any meat or meat derived products where the method of non-stun slaughter has been used, for consumption by any persons other than the religious groups referred to above?”
Response from the Leader, Councillor Ian Harvey:
“Thank you for your question Mr. Gravett.
We have contacted our suppliers of ready-made meals and raw meats used in both our Community Centres and delivered through our Meals on Wheels service. We have been told that no supplier used by the Council employs non-stun methods of animal slaughter. The exception is the provision of meats for consumption by certain religious communities which is predominantly supplied to them on request as part of the Meals on Wheels service.”
Question from Mr A. McLuskey of Stanwell:
“Successive authoritative reports (including from the Department of Transport) have indicated that IF airport expansion is required it should be at Gatwick rather than Heathrow.
Why, therefore, in their recent press release, does the Council seem to be conceding Heathrow’s wish for its 3rd runway project to go ahead?”
Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Harvey
“Thank you for your question Mr. McLuskey.
Spelthorne gave its formal support to the principle of a third runway at Heathrow back in 2008 in order to ensure it maintained its hub status, securing Britain’s aviation industry and supporting UK Plc. The airport brings significant economic benefits to the borough, 7% of our workforce are employed there and for every ten direct jobs, 26 are created in the supply chain. However our support then, and now, has not been unequivocal - far from it. Back in 2008 we said that any expansion needs to ensure compliance with EU air quality limits, result in no increased noise, requires surface access improvements and ensures market value compensation for loss of property.
As Heathrow’s expansion plans have progressed we have scrutinised them very carefully, and I can assure you and the locally affected communities that we will continue to do so. You will know that back in March of this year we set out our list of ten requirements that Heathrow Airport Limited need to meet. We have also set out very clearly how our communities up in Stanwell Moor and Stanwell will be newly impacted by the expansion plans, and have been pressing Heathrow Airport Limited hard on extending their Wider Property Offer Zone. We want Heathrow to be successful, but we also want to protect and enhance the quality of life for our local communities.”
Question from Mr M. Jones on behalf of Staines Bowling Club
“In the light of the Council’s statement in August that it will no longer develop on Staines Park or the Bowls Club grounds, will the Council now categorically confirm that they will NOT be issuing a lease termination notice in April 2019 and that Staines Bowling Club can stay on the site for the remainder of their lease?”
Response from the Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey
“Thank you for your question Mr. Jones.
The Council has already been clear that it will not seek to develop a new Leisure Centre on Staines Park. It follows that there are no plans to terminate your lease in April 2019.
The Council expects both parties to honour the commitments made in the Lease and does not intend to re-negotiate the terms. This was confirmed to the Club in a letter dated 1 October this year.”
At the Mayor’s discretion, Councillor Saliagopoulos asked the Leader for his assurance that there would be no increase in the Bowls Club rent.
She also asked the Leader to reiterate that no decision would be made regarding the Park and Bowls Club that did not honour his promise that he would not allow any development in the Park.
The Leader stated that he could not make any commitment on behalf of a future administration, however, he had made it clear that under his administration no development would take place on Staines Park. In relation to the Bowls Club rent, he referred everyone to the letter received from the Club on 25 September asking that the Council make variations to the lease and the Council’s response of 1 October that made clear it would not be changing the terms of the lease, including the rent of £1 per year.