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Agricultural Policy

The right hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. I do not want to have the discussion here, but I wanted to remind Committee members that that offer is on the table. The Committee may decide that it does not want to move in that direction, in which case we will decide always to sit here, if that is more convenient for Members. I want to ensure that we develop the process, so that we can have meaningful debates. I have to disagree with the right hon. Gentleman: it was certainly not a hostile act to invite the Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire—quite the reverse. I wanted to ensure that Welsh Members had an opportunity to discuss, at first hand, matters relating to agriculture, not least because it is largely devolved. However, there is a proper and fitting role for all Members of Parliament to play in considering agriculture as it affects Wales. My right hon. Friend and I have served in Ministries together, but not in this area. I congratulate him, because, as usual, he showed great command of the subject—more than many people in Committee did. I thank him for coming here, and I hope he will continue that good dialogue with Welsh Members on agricultural matters.