HC Deb 08 December 1998 vol 322 cc156-7W
10. Mr. Swinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the NFU in Scotland to discuss the promotion of Scottish beef. [61273]

Mr. Dewar

I have met the farming industry several times in recent months and discussed the promotion of Scottish beef and other matters with the President of the Scottish NFU when I met him on 24 November 1998.

Regaining export markets for Scotch beef is vital and my noble Friend Lord Sewel is working closely with the industry. But it is not the only opportunity for our Scottish industry; I want to help the farming industry secure a healthy sustainable future. My noble Friend and I will meet the Scottish NFU and other organisations on 22 December to launch discussions on the way ahead for the Scottish farming industry and related sectors.