§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what work has been undertaken by the inter-departmental committee on rural regeneration which was established by the Department of Agriculture in December 1989; and when the committee's findings will be publicised.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe inter-departmental committee on rural development has been in operation since January 1990. It continues to work to its general remit of
322W
England and Wales 1987–88 Local education authority All mandatory award holders1 Mandatory award-holders in receipt of a full maintenance grant1 Percentage in receipt of a full maintenance grant Barking 307 168 55 Barnet 3,819 1,185 31 Bexley 1,253 362 29 preparing advice for Ministers on how best to carry forward action to tackle the social and economic problems in the most deprived rural areas.
Discussions have taken place with district councils, the rural action project and the promoters of rural development projects. Following a recommendation from the committee it was agreed to fund the rural action project for a further year to 31 March 1991.
The work of the committee is to provide advice to Ministers on the effective delivery of policies and programmes. Decisions following from the committee's recommendations will be announced.