§ 47. Mr. Corbettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is now planning to take to achieve a co-ordinated land use policy and to improve farm structure, public services and the rural economy generally, in hill and upland areas.
§ Mr. PeartI am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on these matters and a high-level committee of officials is carrying out a comprehensive review of countryside policy. My Department advises local planning authorities on the agricultural implications of their structure plans and reconciliation of differing interests. Grants to improve farm structure are available to hill and upland farmers together with advice from my Agricultural Development and Advisory Service. ADAS also advises on ways of improving income through non-agricultural activities, some of which are assisted by the Development Commission.