§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales w hat discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the Welsh Assembly on expenditure levels in(a) Wales arid (b) England on measures to alleviate FMD problems in 2001. [34911]
Mr. Murphy[holding answer given on 11 February 2002.]: I have met the First Minister and the Rural Affairs Minister of the National Assembly for Wales regularly throughout 2001 and subsequently. A wide range of issues connected to FMD were discussed, including measures to alleviate FMD problems through compensation to farming businesses and measures to assist businesses (including tourism) affected by FMD.
Additionally, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State was a member of the Rural Task Force set up to e Gamine and alleviate the effects of FMD on rural areas and rural businesses. The National Assembly for Wales was also a member of this group.