§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the appointment of the Agriculture Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales. [85514]
§ Mr. MichaelChristine Gwyther and I had a meeting with representatives of farmers and the agriculture industry in Wales on 24 May. During the first part of the meeting comments were made about her appointment as Agriculture and Rural Affairs Secretary and the FUW president then left. The meeting went on to discuss numerous issues affecting farmers in Wales. Mrs. Gwyther has also received numerous letters congratulating her on her appointment and inviting her to several agricultural events over the next few months.
There has been a wide welcome for the fact that I have appointed an Assembly Secretary with specific responsibility for farming and the rural economy to reflect the importance of these issues in Wales. I am sure that farmers generally will judge the appointment on how well she does the job and will be encouraged by the appointment of someone who has direct experience of the need to promote and develop the rural economy.