HC Deb 27 June 2001 vol 370 c113W
21. . Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the impact of foot and mouth disease on the rural economy in Wales; and if he will make a statement.[540]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I maintain close contact with my right hon. Friend the First Secretary on a variety of issues, including foot and mouth disease.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Wales is a member of the UK Government Rural Task Force set up to examine the effect of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease across the rural economy as a whole. As a result of the work of the task force, several initiatives have been announced to assist rural industries more generally where they have been affected by the impact of foot and mouth disease.

24. .Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about the impact of foot and mouth disease on the Welsh agriculture industry.[544]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I have weekly meetings with the First Secretary to discuss a wide range of issues, including foot and mouth disease.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Wales is a member of the UK Government Rural Task Force set up to examine the effect of the rural economy as a whole. As a result of the work of the task force several initiatives have been announced to assist rural industries more generally where they have been affected by the impact of foot and mouth disease.

26. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary on policy initiatives to deal with the impact of foot and mouth disease in Wales.[546]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I have had regular discussions with the First Secretary with regard to the policy initiatives to deal with the impact of foot and mouth disease in Wales and have visited affected areas in Wales with the First Secretary.

All efforts are focused on taking action to ensure the disease is contained and eradicated as quickly as possible. The action being taken is severe but the best way to beat the outbreak.