Fact-finding Benn, but questions over depth of understanding of problems

Defra Secretary Hilary Benn visited Skipton auction mart in Yorkshire last week as part of the fact-finding mission that led to the aid recovery package this week.

Anthony Dean, chairman of Craven Cattle Markets, said before the visit: "We hope to explain to him there are farmers in the hills who have hundreds and hundreds of sheep to get rid of as soon as possible".

Mr Dean drew attention to the depressed prices in some markets since the opening up of auctions. In terms of financial assistance, he wanted to see 'new money' made available and not just money gleaned from bringing forward Single Payments and Hill Farm Allowances.

When asked what he thought was the best way to help the livestock industry, Mr Benn said: "We have to support the industry in trying to get back to normal activity. I know prices are down, but they are better than anticipated."