asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he proposes to take to assist farmers in respect of the cost of helicopter deliveries of emergency fodder to animals, in particular, in cases where such deliveries were made necessary by the non-clearance of snow from minor roads in the hill areas resulting from industrial action.

Bad weather is one of the risks which farmers face, like many other sectors of the community. The practice is that those who ask for helicopter assistance pay for it. I have no plans to change that arrangement.