§ 8. Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)When he last met representatives of the National Farmers Union to discuss beef and dairy farming. [85162]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Alun Michael)The National Assembly Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Christine Gwyther, and I met representatives of the National Farmers Union on Monday 24 May, when we discussed a range of issues. They stayed in the room and probed us vigorously on a series of issues affecting farmers in Wales—which, of course, will be matters for the National Assembly in future.
§ Mr. FabricantDid those representatives probe the right hon. Gentleman about the fact that farm prices for milk have fallen by 25 per cent., and farm incomes in Wales by 41 per cent., since the Government came to power? Did they say how irritated they were with the Prime Minister's continual bragging at Prime Minister's Question Time about having singlehandedly lifted the beef ban, when not one kilogram of beef has been exported from Wales?
§ Mr. MichaelThe hon. Gentleman conveniently reminds us that the Government whom he supported, who were in office until two years ago, signally failed to deal with the beef ban and to protect the interests of farmers in Wales, as well as in the rest of the United Kingdom. Yes, indeed: the NFU representatives took the opportunity provided by the meeting to debate the issues that he raises, because farmers in Wales have had an extremely difficult time. I suppose that we should take the hon. Gentleman's question as a form of apology for his Government.