David Heath MP becomes DEFRA Minister
Wednesday, 05 September 2012 11:40
David Heath, Member of Parliament for Somerton & Frome, has been promoted in the government’s reshuffle to become the Minister of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in DEFRA. He was formerly Deputy Leader of the House of Commons. Mr Heath heard the news by a phone call from the Prime Minister this afternoon.
David Heath said:
“I am delighted to take on these new responsibilities, representing as I do one of the most rural constituencies in England and one of the most important dairy farming areas in the country.
“There is an enormous amount of work to do to ensure a fair deal for rural communities and a fair return for primary producers. I am looking forward to working with the new Secretary of State Owen Paterson, who represents a very similar constituency in rural Shropshire, to make that a reality.
“At the same time we need to protect rural services, grow the economic opportunities in countryside areas, and balance the needs of often fragile environments.”
Commenting on the appointment local Somerset farmer Geoff Sheppard said: ‘There’s no better person as far as I am concerned. David comes from the most populated area in Europe, in terms of dairy cows, and has an insight and sympathy for farmers and farming that make him ideally suited to the job.’
David in Parliament
- Written Answers — Environment Food and Rural Affairs: Pate de Foie Gras (20 Dec 2012)
- Written Answers — Environment Food and Rural Affairs: Ash Dieback Disease (20 Dec 2012)
- Written Answers — Environment Food and Rural Affairs: Food Banks (20 Dec 2012)
- Written Answers — Environment Food and Rural Affairs: Livestock: Exports (19 Dec 2012)
- Written Answers — Environment Food and Rural Affairs: Livestock: Transport (19 Dec 2012)
Contact David
Office address:
Church Hill House,
17 Bath Street,
Frome,
Somerset,
BA11 1DN
Tel: 01373 473618
You can also email David by clicking here.
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