§ Mr. Denzil DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many meetings of the Council of Agriculture Ministers of the European Union he has attended. [23604]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsNone to date. 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 with a Senior Welsh Office Agriculture Department Official normally attending Agriculture Council meetings. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales met Commissioner Fischler, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, on 11 July 1997 and 8 January 1998 and he proposes to attend a Council meeting when the items on the agenda are particularly relevant to Welsh agriculture.