Country Land & Business Association
"Rural Economy is Our Business"
Cymdeithas Tir A Busnes Cefngwlad
Yr Economi Wledig yw ein Busnes

Hoddell Farm, Kinnerton, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2PD
Tel: 01547 560484. Fax: 01547 560493
E.mail: julians@clapowys.demon.co.uk Website: www.cla.org.uk

Q1 For the CLA the advent of the WAG added an elected Assembly of 60 AMs, together with 8 subject committees, to an existing Welsh Office. As a lobbying organisation representing the rural economy on behalf of owners, land managers and rural businesses this extended our lobbying target from a Secretary of State and junior Minister, Welsh Office officials and Westminster MPs to include the above. This both added cost to our resource requirement, and increased the audience for our message.

Q2 A concern for us was that the rural agenda could become subservient to the urban. The first term has demonstrated that rural issues have received a sympathetic hearing and greater commitment, particularly agriculture, than has been the case in England. Wales was able to develop its own farming strategy and policies - ‘Farming for the Future’. However with 60 AMs the ‘kitchen’ is more crowded. This can work both ways but it becomes more difficult to inform constructive debate as knowledge and expertise can be at a premium.

Q3 Much of the lead (and most of the money) over rural matters in the UK rests through Westminster with Brussels. However the WAG, along with the other Territorial institutions is able to influence the Whitehall view, tending to be more sensitive to rural issues. Delivery is ultimately constrained by the WAG share of EU CAP monies which is in some cases under Whitehall control. Certain functions of policy, as reflected by the experience of foot and mouth (FMD), would be better served by sub-contracted or devolved authority, viz the State Veterinary Service (SVS), in order to deliver a more effective and locally responsive result. The role of CCW in the delivery of the mapping and related exercises under the CROW Act 2000 serves to prove the point, as to-date it is generally considered to have been executed more effectively in Wales, as a result of the implementation powers delegated under secondary legislation. Similarly Wales enjoys delegated planning powers which enables us to present objective and reasoned arguments based on our members’ regional experience. Although the current review of the planning process will await the outcome of the present Bill in the House of Commons, the opportunity exists for Wales to better reflect Welsh aspirations and needs.

Q4 The question of primary legislative powers is in our view not the issue. It could give rise to unnecessary bureaucratic, expensive, competitive and divisive anomalies and tensions along the length of Wales’ border with England. As demonstrated with the CROW Act, the matter can be accommodated in new legislation when necessary, if the implementation process is devolved to the Territories by means of the secondary legislation.

Q5 Our direct experience with reference to the Committees is limited. In terms of scrutiny and challenge, when invited we have found it a useful forum for presenting our case. In our view policy development is best left to those with expertise.

Q6 No comment.

Q7 For the Assembly to build on its reputation it needs to attract/maintain a quality civil service with a broad experience of pan-UK and European affairs, and exercise efficient, accessible administrations that demonstrate a lead in containing bureaucracy, not creating ever more!