§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to promote employment diversification in the rural economy.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Government will continue to work through agencies such as the Rural Development Commission to promote enterprise and economic diversity in a lively and prosperous countryside. For example, we announced as part of our "Action for the Countryside" package that the commission would soon be launching a new initiative, the countryside employment programme. The pilot scheme, which was launched today, will aim to diversify the economy and improve job prospects in those rural areas which are most vulnerable to changes in agriculture.