§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what role he played with regard to negotiating with the European Commission about the acceptance of the calf scheme proposed by the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [95777]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyIt is for the UK Government to put any proposals for a calf-processing scheme to the Commission, and for the National Assembly for Wales to develop any proposals for such a scheme in Wales. I have every confidence in the way the Assembly contributed to the informal discussions which MAFF and UKRep held with the Commission on the proposal. I have been in close contact throughout with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and with the First Secretary and Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development of the National Assembly for Wales.