HC Deb 20 May 1998 vol 312 c425W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what forums exist for the discussion of farming issues between the Government, farmers and other connected parties; and what plans he has to create additional forums. [42489]

Mr. Rooker

Ministers and officials meet farmers and other organisations on a regular basis to discuss issues of interest to them. In addition farmers and others are represented in: Meetings by Ministers on regional tours; Regional Liaison Groups, chaired by Regional Directors; National Agri-Environmental Forum and Regional Agri-Environmental Consultation Groups; County Targeting meetings for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme; Regular Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Agreement Holders meetings; Liaison Group meetings for Individual ESAs; Pesticides Forum; and other forums for discussion.