Oral Answers to Questions

Glyn Davies Excerpts

Wednesday 13th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Guto Bebb]

I welcome the hon. Lady to her place on the Front Bench. I fully accept the comments made about support for the concept in the Swansea area, and I can confirm that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already met Charles Hendry to discuss the project. It is not my position to prejudge an independent report, but I assure her that the views of the residents and local authorities in south Wales are known to Charles Hendry.

[Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con)]

7. What recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the farming sector to the economy in Wales.

[Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the farming sector to the economy in Wales.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The voice of Montgomeryshire must be heard.

[Glyn Davies]

Does the Minister share my concerns and those of the Welsh farming unions about the administration of the single farm payment scheme in Wales, particularly in relation to cross-border issues? Will he agree to meet the farming unions at the Royal Welsh show next week to discuss this serious issue?

[Guto Bebb]

I agree completely with my hon. Friend that any delays in payments to the farming community are problematic. This issue is devolved to the Welsh Government and it is one I have already discussed with farming unions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be at the Royal Welsh next week, subject to the decisions of the next Prime Minister, and meetings have been arranged with farming unions at that event, which is undoubtedly the premier farming event of the whole United Kingdom.