4 - 12 - 2007

Martyn Jones joins the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in undertaking democracy in the field

This Monday and Tuesday (December 3rd and 4th 2007) Martyn Jones MP, in his capacity as a member of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, took part in a working trip to Ceredigion. The Select Committee conducted business as usual, listening to expert evidence on the effects of globalisation on Wales.

The committee heard evidence from the National Farmers Union, from Professor Noel Lloyd of Aberystwyth University and from Shelter Cymru.

However the committee also got to explore industry and farming conditions first hand as they visited a farm in Clettwr, Food Centre Wales, Meat Promotion Wales and Rachel’s Dairy.

Following the event Mr Jones was eager to praise the innovation:

“This trip has been hugely successful and I sincerely hope it’s the type of project we undertake more often in the future. We have conducted a highly fruitful evidential session but not only that, we have witnessed thoroughly industrial conditions first hand.

Yes we all have knowledge of these issues from our own constituencies but it has been hugely helpful to see conditions in other areas of the country. I am delighted that we have had the chance to undertake this evidence taking technique in forming this report; it will be all the stronger for it.

The Welsh Affairs Select Committee is a representative of the Welsh people and it is right that they have had this opportunity to witness how we work. To many Westminster’s committee politics can seem like a distant event. I hope this trip has shown key sections of Welsh industry and all welsh workers that we have their best interests at heart at all times.”