I was impressed by Neville's herd

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This article appeared in The Diss Express on 30 July 2004

As MPs take their summer break, Diss Express columnist and South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon reflects on issues affecting your community

Demand for English beef is rising because consumers want quality meat raised to the very highest standards.

And there is no higher quality than Neville Kemp’s magnificent Aberdeen Angus herd at East Harling, which I visited with the Diss and District Stockmen’s Club. However, there could be a real shortage of home-grown beef in a couple of years because farmers have to decide now whether to breed beef animals. The hard work of British beef farmers could come under threat from cheaper foreign imports.

Retailers must encourage continued production by paying realistic prices for quality British meat. My Food Labelling Bill calls for clearer country of origin labelling to make sure shoppers are not hoodwinked into buying foreign produce.

Winfarthing Anniversary

ABOVE: Richard unveils Winfarthing School's 150th anniversary tapestry

At All Saints CE Primary School in Winfarthing recently, I had the chance to join headteacher Elizabeth Rollin, past and present pupils, staff and governors celebrating the school's 150th anniversary.

Councillor Vera Alexander, chairman of South Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council's director of education Bryan Slater were also there.

The evening was the climax of a whole week of celebrations when the children relived the life and times of their Victorian forbears. I was delighted to unveil a tapestry sewn by the children, staff, parents and governors depicting the life at the school now. It’s a beautiful piece of embroidery and a lovely way to commemorate the school’s birthday. It will be a charming reminder for future generations of the school. I congratulate Mrs Rollin and everyone concerned.

A fair deal

We are well aware that disabled people want a full life like everyone else, including the chance to work. Architects now think more carefully about how those with disabilities will cope in new buildings. But what about the Inland Revenue?

People with disabilities need to spend more money than those without in performing the same tasks. The tax system should recognise this. There is some tax relief available but in our complicated tax laws, the definition of 'disability' can be narrow, and sometimes there is no definition at all.

This restricts who can get tax relief or leaves too many difficult decisions for local officials. That’s why in the Finance Bill I have called on the Government to give a fairer deal on tax, both to disabled people and their employers.

▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 643728.

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