§ Mr. SweeneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the Government's White Paper for rural Wales will be published; and if he will make a statement. [20719]
§ Mr. HagueI will tomorrow publish "A Working Countryside for Wales", the Government's White Paper for rural Wales.
The White Paper has three main themes:
- supporting rural communities
- promoting vigorous sustainable economic development
- and promoting the protection and conservation of the environment.
"A Working Countryside for Wales" represents a significant stage in the Government's development of policies to address the needs of rural Wales. We want to see vibrant communities where the vital spirit of enterprise is encouraged and nurtured. Only by promoting competitive enterprise will we ensure the creation of new jobs and reinvigorated communities. At the same time, we must not lose sight of our shared responsibility to pass on to the next generation a stronger heritage and a cleaner and better protected environment.
Ensuring an effective balance between the potentially conflicting pressures of economic growth while sustaining the environment will be the key to a bright future for our rural communities.