§ 14. Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet representatives of the Farmers Union of Wales to discuss the problems facing many sheep farmers in Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntI met representatives of the Farmers Union of Wales on 22 October to discuss the state of the industry as part of the autumn review of HLCA rates.
§ 15. Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the Commission of the European Community on behalf of Welsh sheep farmers; and whether he has any plans to have direct talks with the Agriculture Commissioner on this subject in the near future.
Mr. David Hunt: I have no immediate plans to meet Mr. MacSharry. In line with long-established practice, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food takes the lead in European Community discussions and negotiations. I know that my right hon. Friend has the interests of Welsh sheep producers clearly in mind in that context, and I am myself in regular contact with him.