§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if in respect of the case involving Mr. Alick Barnes, Loyton Farm, Bampton, Devon, and his application for European Objective 5b funding, he will(a) approve disclosure of the documents requested by Mr. Barnes and (b) agree to discussions between his officials and Mr. Barnes; and if he will make a statement. [47138]
Dr. John CunninghamA request for disclosure of papers has already received from Mr. Barnes' solicitors. This is being considered, with the other Departments with an interest in the case, and a reply will be sent as soon as possible. As regards a meeting with officials, it is not clear that any issues arising from Mr. Barnes' application for Objective 5b funding remain to be resolved. But if Mr. Barnes wishes to write to explain why he thinks that a meeting would be helpful, such a request will of course be considered.