§ Mr. Charles ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research114W his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the characteristics of rural need separately identifying that relating to rural poverty; and if he will make a statement on his assessment of such research. [52359]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 27 July 1998]: The Rural Development Commission is the Government's statutory adviser on the economic and social development of rural areas of England. As part of its national advisory work, it commissions research into rural needs, including rural poverty. The RDC has recently published reports on two major research projects on rural deprivation: Developing Indicators of Rural Disadvantage, and Rural Disadvantage—Understanding the Processes. My Department is discussing with the RDC the findings of these reports.