Written question asked by Martin Caton (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 March 2002. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Thursday, 7 March 2002 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has held with Secretaries in the National Assembly for Wales on the prohibition on cockle gathering in the Burny Inlet caused by diarrhetic shellfish poisoning.

Answer: Mr. Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has held with Secretaries in the National Assembly for Wales on the prohibition on cockle gathering in the Burny Inlet caused by diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. [34532] Mr. Touhig: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I regularly meet Assembly Ministers and cockle gathering is an issue which has been discussed. In addition, I recently met representatives of the cockle-gathering industry in the Gower together with the Assembly Member for that constituency, Edwina Hart. I have been made fully aware of the problems that the cockle gatherers are facing, the difficulties caused by the cockle beds being closed for eight months and the impact that that has had on their industry and livelihood.

Secondary information