KEETCH TACKLES FARMING MINISTER

12.16.33pm GMT Tue 18th Jul 2006

Following the recent shambles over Single Farm Payments and the imminent closure of the Sugar Beet factory at Alscott in Shropshire, Hereford MP, Paul Keetch and local NFU officials recently met with Farming Minister, Lord Rooker to discuss the state of farming in Herefordshire.

Mr Keetch spoke candidly about Single Farm Payments subsidies and the effects the closure of the Alscott sugar beet factory would have on Herefordshire's rural economy.

"This was a very constructive meeting with the Minster," said Mr Keetch. "He assured me that the recent crisis with the Single Farm Payments Scheme would be a one off and that his Department would do their utmost to prevent this happening to next year's subsidies.

Paul Keetch MP also expressed his concern regarding the closure of the Sugar Beet factory in Shropshire with Lord Rooker. This move by British Sugar PLC would have a knock on effect on the sugar beet industry and jobs in Herefordshire and the wider West Midlands.

"I discussed in depth with the Minister my unease at the closure of the Alscott complex - this would be a devastating move for the sugar beet industry in the region.

"The Minister confirmed that negotiations at national level are already taking place. He urged other MPs in the West Midlands to voice their concerns and make representations to British Sugar," said Mr Keetch.