HC Deb 21 February 1990 vol 167 c755W
41. Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken in response to the McLaughlin report on rural deprivation; and if he will make a statement.

50. Mr. Michael Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been undertaken by his Department of rural deprivation since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

55. Mr. Barron

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further action he proposes to take on the McLaughlin report on rural deprivation; and if he will make a statement.

70. Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been made by his Department of rural deprivation and of the variation in housing standards in the rural communities; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken on the problems identified in the McLaughlin study commissioned by his Department on rural deprivation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

A research report "Deprivation in rural areas" was completed in 1985. An analysis of the need for and supply of affordable rural housing has recently been completed by Action with Communities in Rural England for the Rural Development Commission. The commission, which is the Government's principal agency for carrying forward the Government's policy on the rural economy, is developing and implementing a wide range of initiatives which deal with economic and social problems in the countryside, including those identified in the report.