HC Deb 30 January 2003 vol 398 cc999-1000
9. Mr. Andrew Rosindell (Romford)

If she will make a statement on the rural proofing of legislation. [94166]

The Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life (Alun Michael)

Just over two years ago, the rural White Paper made the commitment that all relevant Government policy developments would be rural-proofed. Legislation is included within that definition. I am pleased to say that our colleagues across Government are increasingly working productively with us on the rural agenda.

Mr. Rosindell

The Minister will be aware that the Countryside Agency reported on 11 April 2002 that progress in the vital area of rural proofing had been very slow. He will also know that a further report prepared last October has not been published. Why is that so, and does the policy remain integral to Government thinking on rural policy?

Alun Michael

Last year's report indicated that a lot of progress had been made, but that there was a great deal more to be done. I agreed with that judgment at the time. The report prepared halfway through the year was intended to help accelerate the process in Departments and was not meant to take the place of the annual report, which will come out this year. I hope that that will demonstrate the progress that has been made by Departments across Government. I work closely with the Government's rural-advocate, Ewen Cameron who chairs the Countryside Agency, and we have met colleagues across Government to accelerate the process.

Mr. Bob Blizzard (Waveney)

When my right hon. Friend next does some rural proofing, will he rural-proof the roll-out of broadband? The rural parts of my constituency simply do not have access to broadband, which is crucial to developing the kind of new small businesses that are vital to regenerating the rural economy. For a long time, my constituency suffered poor transport infrastructure with narrow, winding roads. It seems now that the same is happening with the electronic roads—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The Minister should not answer that question; it was far too wide.

Mr. Colin Breed (South-East Cornwall)

Will the Minister give us some assistance as to what is happening at present on rural proofing for broadband?

Alun Michael

May I answer both that question and the one put by my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Blizzard)? The Government have recognised the importance of broadband and the need to rural-proof the delivery of broadband in this country. I am pleased by the way in which colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry and in the rural development agencies—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Is broadband the Minister's direct responsibility?

Alun Michael

The rural proofing of it is, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

The Minister will know that it is not legislation.