5. Mr. leuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met representatives of egg producers in Wales; and what was discussed.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. Wyn Roberts)Representatives of egg producers in Wales have not requested any meetings with my right hon. Friend, but meetings with officials have been arranged.
Mr. JonesDoes the Minister agree that the confusion that arose following the statement by the then junior Health Minister, which led to disastrous consequences for egg producers and uncertainty among consumers, was the result of Government inefficiency, in that two Departments were giving conflicting advice? Does the Minister further agree that the real lesson to be drawn as a result of this episode is that on issues such as this the Government should speak with one voice and issue clear and unambiguous guideliness to both consumers and producers?
§ Mr. RobertsI disagree with the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. Uncertainty over the implications of salmonella gave rise to a sharp decline in egg sales before Christmas. In those wholly exceptional circumstances, the Government decided to introduce short-term measures, which have been very effective. The surplus has been removed and there is every prospect of balanced production in the near future. I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is close liaison on health aspects between the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. There is similar close liaison between the departments in the Welsh Office that are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesDoes my hon. Friend agree that both sides are equally vital: that without the fanner there would be no consumer and that without the consumer there would be no farmer? I believe that my hon. Friend, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, should be congratulated on introducing the compensation scheme at such short notice. It has achieved fairness for both the producer and the consumer and it has cost the taxpayer far less than was anticipated.
Mr. RobertI am grateful to my hon. Friend. He is absolutely right; the measures were introduced very quickly and they have been successful. The interests of 677 both producers and consumers have been protected as far as possible, and of course, much more will be done in the future.