§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when an environmental appraisal was produced using the guidance contained in his Department's guide "Policy Appraisal and the Environment" for the Local Government and Rating Bill; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [3308]
6W
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Local Government and Rating Bill takes forward commitments from the rural White Papers published in 1995 and 1996. Environmental considerations were a fundamental part of the preparation of the White Papers and each included specific sections on the importance of the rural environment.
As regards the Bill's provisions, the business rate relief scheme will promote the viability of village shops and other rural businesses which should help to encourage people to use their local facilities and enable them to travel shorter distances to shop. The community transport provisions should help to reduce dependence on use of the car by assisting the development of alternative means of meeting rural transport needs. The other provisions within the Bill have little or no environmental impact.