§ Mr. Adleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken recently to protect agricultural land from development pressures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThe Government's policy is to ensure that, as far as possible, land of a higher agricultural quality is not taken for development where land of a lower quality is available and that the amount of land taken is no greater than is reasonably required.
My Department continues to play a key role in implementing this policy through its responses to consultations with local planning authorities on planning applications.