§ 7. Mr. Gibson-Wattasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many officials in the Welsh Office have full-time responsibility for advising him on agriculture.
§ Mr. George ThomasNone. Under arrangements made following the Transfer of Functions (Wales) Order 1969, I look primarily to the Welsh Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture at Aberystwyth for advice on agricultural matters in Wales.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattHas not this situation become a farce? The right hon. Gentleman, the Home Secretary and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food all take part in the Price Review. Would it not be much better if he and the Home Secretary, particularly in view of his remarks last week, got out of it and left it to the Minister of Agriculture?
§ Mr. ThomasI am surprised at the hon. Gentleman, who is usually very sensible. Welsh agricultural interests are now aware that they have a voice specifically devoted to them and their interests in the negotiations on farm prices. I believe that there would be considerable harm if such an advantage were lost.