§ 25. Michael FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will next meet the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales to discuss the state of the rural economy in Wales.[545]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have weekly meetings with the First Secretary on a wide range of issues, including the state of the rural economy, particularly in light of the current foot and mouth outbreak in Wales. Foot and mouth has had a devastating effect on an already fragile industry. The Assembly continues to explore initiatives for assisting the rejuvenation of the rural economy in Wales.
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 many initiatives have been announced to assist a range of rural industries affected by the impact of foot and mouth disease.