§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the funds available to the Development Commission for work in England will be sufficient to allow the same degree of support for rural development in England as will be available for comparable communities in Scotland when the Scottish Development Agency takes over the Development Commission's responsibilities in Scotland.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe problems and needs of rural communities and the urgency and means of their resolution vary substantially throughout both England and Scotland and I doubt whether meaningful comparisons can be made. I am sure that, whilst good use could be made of extra funds, the Development Commission is at present able to make an important contribution to rural development in England.