§ 16. Mr. Gummerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what measure he is taking to encourage job creation in rural areas.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI echo the views of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on this subject in her reply to my hon. Friend on 8 November 1979,—[Vol. 973, c. 236–37.]
I am aware of the particular problems of rural areas, including their employment problems. The Government's policy is to provide a climate to stimulate the growth of real employment opportunities in rural and other areas. The Government are actively concerned to encourage traditional rural industries, notably agriculture, food processing and small businesses.