HC Deb 22 April 1998 vol 310 cc656-7W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the dairy industry in Wales. [39274]

Mr. Win Griffiths

Although my right hon. Friend and I have received numerous representations regarding the problems in the beef and sheep sectors since January this year, some of which also mentioned milk prices, we have received only 10 written representations referring specifically to the dairy sector.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of non-farming jobs dependent upon the dairy industry in Wales. [39275]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The Welsh Office does not make such estimates. However, the Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, Aberystwyth published a report on 20 April on "LFA Policy in Wales: A Review of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Effects of the HLCA Scheme" sponsored by the Welsh Office which provides such estimates. It states that using 1991 estimates for the milk production sector for every on farm job there are 0.25 jobs in other industries in Wales.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions he has discussed the dairy industry with leaders of the farming unions. [39272]

Mr. Win Griffiths

I and my right hon. Friend have met representatives of the farming unions regularly to discuss matters of common interest, including the dairy industry, and will continue to do so.