§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have for the Farm and Countryside Initiative.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Trumpington)The value of the Farm and Countryside Initiative in encouraging rural based projects of benefit to local communities is now widely recognised. In order to ensure that the initiative continues to meet that objective, my right honourable friend the Minister has decided that it should be reconstituted. From 1st January 1990, the scheme will operate through agricultural colleges, which will be given the opportunity to develop suitable projects in their areas. I am sure this will be welcomed with enthusiasm.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that the National Westminster Bank has generously agreed to continue to act as the national sponsor for the Farm and Countryside Initiative, and has offered to double its previous funding. I am confident that these new arrangements will provide fresh impetus for the initiative to go forward into the 1990s and, in stimulating activity at local level, to continue to make a valuable contribution for the benefit of rural communities.