Agriculture

HC Deb 18 March 1974 vol 870 cc652-3

16. Mr. Gwynoro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he will meet representatives of the agriculture industry in Wales.

Mr. John Morris

It is my intention to meet representatives of the agriculture industry in Wales in the very near future.

Mr. Jones

Before meeting representatives of agriculture in Wales, will my right hon. and learned Friend realise that the industry there is facing a difficult period, with declining milk production and escalating costs of production? Farmers in Wales are expecting a statement of intent from the Government about restoring confidence to the industry in the Principality.

Mr. Morris

With so many members of my family engaged in the milk industry in Wales there is hardly a need for my hon. Friend to remind me of the serious problems of the industry. These matters are fully before my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and myself.

Sir A. Meyer

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the crisis facing pig farmers is such as not to permit long and careful consideration, and that first-aid action is required urgently?

Mr. Morris

The hon. Member knows that that situation was not created in the last few days but has arisen over a substantial period.

Mr. Hooson

Will the Secretary of State indicate whom he regards as representatives of the agriculture industry in Wales? In other words, whom does he consider it proper to consult?

Mr. Morris

I think that the hon. and learned Gentleman knows the practice of the past—that Ministers in the Welsh Office have been available to meet representatives of the industry from all the organisations in Wales.