Purchase Grant Scheme: Exemption of Small Rural Settlements

HL Deb 27 June 1996 vol 573 cc76-8WA

Lord Harmsworth

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to consult on detailed proposals covering the remaining counties of England to exempt small rural settlements from the purchase grant scheme.

Earl Ferrers

In March we issued a consultation paper on how we propose to exempt small rural settlements in England from the new purchase grant scheme. The paper set out the way we propose to implement the designation in England, and invited comments on our general approach, and on the detailed proposals for the first 15 counties and areas. In May we issued a consultation paper that covered a further 15 counties. Comments were sought from local authorities, housing associations, rural groups and other interested parties.

We have today issued a supplement to those papers, which gives detailed proposals for the final 15 counties: Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Suffolk, Tyne and Wear, Warwickshire, West Midlands. West Sussex, West Yorkshire.

Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies of papers for each individual county or area including copies of any maps needed, have also been placed in both Libraries.