WEST Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox this week expressed satisfaction at his appointment to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons. The committee, composed of 14 MPs from all parties, examines the expenditure, administration and policy of Defra, and its agencies, including the controversial Rural Payments Agency. Mr Cox said: 'I have been hoping to be appointed to the Committee for some time, and I am delighted to become a member. Select Committees play an invaluable role in holding the Government to account, and the EFRA portfolio is a broad and important one. I am particularly looking forward to getting involved with the current inquiry into the "citizen's agenda" and climate change, which is looking at the scope for individuals and local communities to take steps to tackle climate change.' Mr Cox said he would continue to question Defra's policy on Bovine TB and fisheries, and also the RPA. 'The select committee was one of the leading critics and one of the first to warn the Government of the farm payments fiasco — I aim to help continue its excellent oversight work.'
