§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in the farm and countryside initiative.
§ Mr. JoplingThe farm and countryside initiative is making excellent progress. In its first 10 months of operation 85 projects have been approved by the Manpower Services Commission's area manpower boards, creating 1,604 jobs for long-term unemployed people. Backed by the initiative, high quality projects are now coming forward which are of clear benefit to rural communities.
I am also glad to report that the National Westminster Bank has just confirmed that substantially increased national sponsorship funds will be provided in 1987. The bank has agreed that £100,000 will be available for England and Wales.