HC Deb 22 November 2001 vol 375 c424W
Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the dispute between her Department and the Public and Commercial Services Union; and if she will make a statement. [16587]

Mr. Morley

The industrial action that is currently taking place by the Public and Commercial Services union in the former MAFF part of DEFRA risks affecting payment arrangements to farmers this winter. We are doing our best to take corrective action, taking account of the needs of our customers, the taxpayer and long term working relations in the Department. Our aim is to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.