§ 2. Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what role he envisages for parish councils in rural areas. [445]
§ The Minister of State, Departments of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Ms Hilary Armstrong)Parish councils have two main roles: to represent community views and to deliver important local services. They are of particular value in representing and serving small, tightly knit communities in rural areas.
§ Mr. SpringGiven the Government's clear attack on country pursuits and the rural way of life, may I tell the Minister how much my constituents welcome the recent extension of powers for parish councils in rural areas? They believe that the new powers are the essence of local democracy, and they certainly do not want a regional assembly for East Anglia which would be costly for the taxpayer and would constitute yet another layer of bureaucracy.
§ Ms ArmstrongMany myths continue to prevail on the Opposition Benches. Perhaps Opposition Members will eventually learn that many people in rural areas voted for Members of Parliament who now sit on the Government Benches.
170 We made it clear in our manifesto—and my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has made it clear—that regional assemblies will be introduced only if they have the support of local people. People will be given the opportunity to ask for a regional assembly and, indeed, to vote on whether they want one. That, however, is not in the current programme. The current Bill deals only with regional development agencies.