§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food concerning farmers diversifying into tourism. [104919]
§ Janet AndersonWe were, of course, consulted when the UK's Rural Development proposals were being prepared. We fully support the proposals of my right hon. Friend the Agriculture Minister to introduce a radical redirection of support for agriculture. This initiative will give new help to farmers wishing to diversify into other activity, including tourism, through a significant increase in expenditure on rural development measures, including the environment and diversification. We are now involved in discussing how this programme of measures, when approved by the Commission, can best contribute to sustainable tourism in rural areas—to the long-term benefit of farmers and visitors alike.