HC Deb 24 June 1998 vol 314 c1040
9. Mr. Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale, West)

What representations he has received concerning the Government's policy on agriculture in Wales. [45907]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Win Griffiths)

My right hon. Friend and I have received considerable numbers of representations, both written and oral, on the Government's policy on Welsh agriculture since the start of the crisis, and we continue to receive them.

Mr. Brady

Is the Minister aware that many thousands of hard-pressed farmers in Wales-and their bank managers-will be following these exchanges? What hope can he give them that their financial position will improve, and when?

Mr. Griffiths

The hope that we can give them is that, as a Government, we have done everything possible in co-operating positively with Brussels to remove the beef export ban. Moreover, the Welsh Office is working to produce a positive food strategy in Wales, so that farmers can see that they will be able to sell their products at a reasonable price in the market. In that way, we will generally give them the hope that was destroyed over a decade by the Conservative Government.