§ 68. Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the concern expressed by farmers about the frequency with which officials enter farmland without prior permission, and the dangers to livestock which this can entail and whether he will take steps to remind all Government and other statutory bodies whose officials have power of entry on to farmland 98W of the importance of seeking prior permission before doing so.
Mr. VaneNo, I am not aware of the concern to which my hon. Friend refers, but I will gladly look at any specific case where difficulties may have arisen if my hon. Friend will send me details. Ministry officers usually give prior notification of visits to farms and where they do not they are under instruction to see the farmer or his representatives before undertaking the business of their visit. I do not think it is necessary to issue any reminders about something which is well known.