HC Deb 23 January 2002 vol 378 c857W
16. Michael Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the Agriculture Secretary to discuss dairy farming in Wales. [27072]

Mr. Paul Murphy

My hon. Friend the Under-secretary has regular meetings with the Assembly Agriculture Secretary and discusses many aspects of Welsh agriculture.

The recent FMD outbreak has exacerbated an already difficult situation for Welsh farmers. I therefore welcome the Assembly's strategy "Farming for the Future", which sets out a vision for the industry to achieve future sustainability, supported by the Assembly and key stakeholders. I would encourage farmers to work with the Assembly and its partners to face up to the changes necessary to create a viable agricultural future for Wales.