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Agricultural Policy

As fuel prices were mentioned in our study of rural matters, it is obviously something of concern to the agricultural community. Everyone is aware that there are enormous extra costs, particularly distribution costs, attached to the highlands and islands. The fuel rebate pilot is an opportunity to test the effectiveness of the rebate scheme and, of course, will provide much-needed relief to remote island communities, as pump prices in such areas are particularly high. I reassure the hon. Member for Ogmore that the Government will assess the results of the pilot and consider whether further roll-out to remote areas of Wales would be appropriate. I am jumping the gun, as we have yet to assess the results of those pilots, but I am sure we share the same acute interest in seeing whether there could be any benefit for our remote rural communities in Wales.