This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Rural Development Minister meets Lord Whitty
30/11/2001
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie held wide-ranging discussions on Scotland's farming industry with Lord Whitty in Edinburgh today.
Lord Whitty of Camberwell (Larry Whitty) is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DEFRA. His responsibilities cover food and farming, horticulture, plant health, general oversight of Departmental science and R & D. He is also responsible for the Rural Payments Agency and inland waterways.
Afterwards Mr Finnie said:
"I am very glad that Lord Whitty has been able to accept my invitation to come to Scotland today. This has been an excellent opportunity to provide Lord Whitty with an insight into the farming industry in Scotland, and to discuss and understand the differences between agriculture in the various parts of the UK and how this must be reflected in policy development.
"The importance of working together in this way is particularly relevant as we develop a UK agenda for reform of the CAP."
Lord Whitty said:
"It's been a very productive day. As well as getting a very clear picture of the key issues facing Scottish agriculture from Minister Finnie and the SEERAD team, I've had very constructive talks with Jim Walker and his colleagues from the NFUS and representatives of the Scottish food sector.
"I and my DEFRA colleagues appreciate that a close working relationship with our opposite numbers in the devolved administrations is essential, particularly in developing the joint UK position in Europe. We will shortly be meeting specifically to address aspects of Common Agricultural Policy reform and how that may impact on the various parts of the UK.
"This has been my first visit to Scotland as Minister of Food and Farming, and I couldn't have wished for a more useful first visit."