HC Deb 23 October 2001 vol 373 c174W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she next plans to meet the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss the Haskins report. [9626]

Alun Michael

I meet my right hon. Friend frequently. The Haskins report is one item among many that we discuss.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the Haskins report, dated 2 October, was not published until 18 October. [9628]

Alun Michael

The report was published on the earliest date that was possible both for Lord Haskins to launch it and for me to respond to it.

We were able to help readers by publishing on the same day the report of the Rural Task Force, which dealt with many connected issues.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the work of Lord Haskins in assessing and making recommendations about the impact of foot and mouth disease in Cumbria. [7522]

Alun Michael

[holding answer 22 October 2001]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Mr. Martlew) on 18 October 2001, Official Report, column 1301.