§ 7. Mr. Owen Paterson (North Shropshire)What discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the prospects for the Welsh livestock industry. [108915]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Paul Murphy)I have regular weekly meetings with the First Secretary and we discuss a wide range of issues, including the Welsh livestock industry. I am acutely aware of the problems facing the farming community and the agriculture industry in general.
§ Mr. PatersonThe prospects for livestock farmers are so bleak in Wales that some will have an annual income this year of only £2,000, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. How can the Secretary of State look them in the eye and justify squandering £26 million of British taxpayers' money on a fancy new building for the First Secretary?
§ Mr. MurphyThe hon. Gentleman, who represents an English constituency, will be aware that all Welsh Members, save a very small number, represent 939 constituencies with farming interests and all of us, including those who represent the south Wales valleys, know the problems that farmers face and the crisis that they are in. The number of actions that the Government have taken in the past year shows how seriously we take the farming crisis. For example, we gave more than £15 million in hill livestock compensatory allowance, introduced a cattle passport and deferred the charges and reduced the regulatory burden on farmers. The Assembly has taken a host of actions. He should be aware that the future of farming lies in the relationship between the Government and the farming industry and we must consider it on a long-term basis.