§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on employment prospects in rural areas with particular reference to(a) environmental management and (b) waste control. [146568]
§ Mr. TimmsThere are considerable employment opportunities across rural areas in the UK as a result both of improvements in land and water management (which cover organic food production, agri-environment514W schemes, national parks and nature protection projects etc.) and more innovative approaches to waste management and treatment (e.g. farm waste-to-energy plants). Furthermore, the role of eco-tourism in stimulating rural jobs, especially from farm diversification, should not be underestimated. However, quantifying these opportunities is challenging and there is only limited evidence available.