§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the role of auction marts in rural life; and if she will make a statement. [186096]
§ Alun MichaelAuction markets play an important role in the marketing of farm animals, particularly between the different stages of production. As part of the wider rural development agenda, we are alert to the opportunities for business diversification in livestock auction markets. Processing and Marketing Grants and the Rural Enterprise Scheme have been used to develop the role of auction markets, such as at the Craven Cattle Market in Skipton.
We also provide funds to the Red Meat Industry Forum which is working on ways of helping industry improve the competitiveness of red meat supply chains. This work includes auction markets.