HC Deb 19 April 2000 vol 348 cc534-5W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the prospects for the Welsh livestock industry. [118442]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I meet the First Secretary on a regular weekly basis and we discuss a range of issues including the Welsh livestock industry. This was also addressed at the Prime Minister's Agriculture Summit on 30 March which agreed the package of support and measures for the farming industry. In Wales £14.7 million goes to the Less Favoured Areas while £10.6 million agrimonetary compensation goes to dairy, beef and sheep farmers.