Welsh assembly members have accused the government of 'refusing to engage' with the environment committee's inquiry into Brexit, with its chairman saying the no-show was a cause for 'great concern'.
Both Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom and farm minister George Eustice declined to appear before the inquiry with committee chairman saying he was 'extremely disappointed'.
Welsh environment committee chairman Mark Reckless said it brought into doubt the government's commitment to the spirit of co-operation and respect.
"Given the importance of agricultural and farming policy in Wales, it is vital that AMs and the people of Wales hear directly from Ministers in the UK Government," said Mr Reckless.
The Committee has sought to engage with UK Ministers throughout its inquiry into the future of agricultural and rural policies in Wales.
Addressing Mr Eustice, Mr Reckless said: "You agreed to attend a meeting of the Committee. However, you have now notified me, two days before the meeting is due to take place, that you will not attend.
"You will understand that the apparent refusal of UK Ministers to engage with the Assembly’s lead Committee on agricultural policy is a matter of grave concern.
"The Committee’s recent experience in trying to engage with UK Ministers brings into doubt the UK Government’s commitment to that spirit of cooperation and respect."
All parties 'will have to communicate'
Ms Leadsom, who visited south Wales earlier in February, did agree to meet Mr Reckless as the committee's chairman, but 'subsequently cancelled that meeting at short notice', the letter added.
She was joined by Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP, for the visit to Abi Reader’s Goldsland Farm followed by meetings in Cardiff Bay.
But Mr Reckless now says he expects 'as a matter of courtesy and respect' that Mr Eustice attend a meeting of the committee on 15 February or 8 March, 'the only remaining sessions at which we can take evidence for this inquiry.'
John Mercer, director of farmers' union NFU Cymru - which did meet Ms Leadsom on her visit to Wales - said: "It is vital that all stakeholders and politicians work together to help achieve our common goal of delivering a thriving agricultural industry in Wales and the UK post-Brexit which can deliver for all of society."
