Bates presses First Minister on development of red markets in Wales (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

Cymraeg
English

Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Bates presses First Minister on development of red markets in Wales

February 3, 2009 12:00 AM

Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM, has urged the First Minister in the chamber to pursue the development of red markets in Wales which would ease the pressure on farms under TB restrictions that are unable to sell stock in a live market.

Commenting Mick stated:

"I am pleased to see the development of a new livestock market in Welshpool on a more fit-for-purpose site and look forward to its continuing success. I was delighted to hear the First Minister echo my praise for Welshpool livestock market, recognising that it is the biggest sheep market in Europe.

"However, farms under TB restrictions are unable to use standard livestock markets and as the Assembly Government continues its programme to eradicate TB, more and more farms are being placed under restriction. It is crucial to look for alternative solutions, so that farmers in this situation do not suffer from the economic pressure of being unable to sell stock in a live market.

"Red markets can help ease this pressure as they can play a key role in enabling farmers to sell their stock at this difficult time. I am pleased that the First Minister has agreed to discuss the issue with the Minister for Rural Affairs and hope that we will see the development of red markets in Wales in the near future, as currently the nearest red market is in Shropshire."

End/Diwedd