HL Deb 12 January 1998 vol 584 c181WA
Baroness Mallalieu

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, having abolished the nine regional advisory panels to the Ministry of Agriculture in May, they propose to establish any alternative procedures to facilitate regular communication and consultation between the Minister and farmers.

Lord Donoughue

We have arrangements for consulting formally with a wide range of interests, including farmers, on a wide range of issues. These will continue. Additionally, Ministers wish to be available and accessible to farmers, and to consumers and all those who use, live and work in the countryside on their regular regional visits. This is part of our new approach to create a more direct, open and accessible Ministry.