§ Q21. Mr. Hicksasked The Prime Minister whether she will take steps to ensure full co-ordination between those Government Departments responsible for policies that have a particular relevance to rural areas; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI am satisfied with the present arrangements whereby, in England, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment takes the lead in monitoring the total effect of our policies on rural areas, consulting colleagues as necessary. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland the respective Secretaries of State fulfil a similar role.