Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jonathan Edwards Excerpts
Wednesday 22nd October 2014

(9 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I will look positively at his suggestion and will happily meet him to discuss the matter further. He is right about the importance of the creative industries in Wales. He might be interested in the launch of the Cardiff internet exchange, which took place last week, and the launch of Cardiff local television.

Jonathan Edwards Portrait Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC)
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11. What assessment he has made of difficulties facing the agricultural sector in Wales.

Stephen Crabb Portrait The Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)
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Agriculture is a key industry in Wales, and I recognise the challenges that many Welsh farmers have faced this year. That is why the Government fought hard to achieve the best deal for Wales in the negotiations on the common agricultural policy, and why I welcome the forecast of an increase in Welsh farm income for 2013-14.

Jonathan Edwards Portrait Jonathan Edwards
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What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Welsh Government and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about an action plan to help Welsh farmers, who are being hit by a supermarket price war and Russian sanctions?

Stephen Crabb Portrait Stephen Crabb
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The Government recognise that Welsh agriculture produces some of the best quality products in the UK. That is why we have talked to farming representatives throughout the summer, and why my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister became the first ever serving Prime Minister to visit the Royal Welsh show this summer. We stay in close contact with farming organisations. We are clear that supermarkets need to work with the farming industry to deliver better returns for farmers.