APPOINTMENT OF A MINISTER FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND FOOD

Early day motion 2117, tabled 9 May 2006 by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 22 members.

That this House believes that the country needs a full-time minister for sustainable farming and food; notes with concern the dual roles of the noble Baroness Ashton of Upholland, as Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whilst retaining her responsibilities at the Department for Constitutional Affairs; further notes the huge impact of the current single farm payments crisis, imminent common agricultural policy reform and World Trade Organisation negotiations on the future of sustainable farming and rural communities; and calls on the Prime Minister to appoint a full-time minister for sustainable farming and food.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.