Secret minutes could hold key to why Welsh Farmers are losing out - Bates

4.59.37pm GMT Mon 7th Jan 2008

Minutes of meetings which would show whether Welsh Ministers sought proper compensation for farmers hit by Foot and Mouth Disease, are to be kept secret, AM Mick Bates has discovered.

Mr Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire and Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on the Environment, has been seeking details of meetings between the Assembly Government and DEFRA over the issue, under Freedom of Information. But the Assembly Government has now confirmed that all details of talks between the two are to remain secret.

Mick Bates said: "Minister Elin Jones keeps saying that she can't pay more money to farmers. I have repeatedly asked for proof that she asked for more money from the UK government. We have yet to see any evidence - and now it seems we will not. That simply isn't good enough.

"I'm disappointed and frustrated that the government has refused to come clean on this issue. It's an absolute disgrace that while Scottish Farmers are getting £25m, English farmers are sharing £14m, but farmers in Wales have yet to receive £3m.

"The Scots responded quickly and robustly to get a good deal for their farmers. The Minister in Wales has failed Welsh farmers on this issue, and hiding the proof will not get her off the hook."

On November 5 Mick wrote to the Minister requesting:

· Correspondence with the UK Government requesting financial support for farmers to help the industry recover from the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease

· Minutes of any meetings that took place to discuss the request for financial support.

After an initial reply on November 13 confirming the request, a second reply on November 20 noted that such information has been found and that more time is needed to consider whether it should be released.