HC Deb 17 December 1986 vol 107 c579W
26. Mr. Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to give assistance to rundown and deprived rural areas.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Development Commission, which is sponsored by my Department, is already carrying out an extensive programme of support, particularly in rural development areas, through factory building, advice and assistance for small businesses, and social, community and environmental improvements. As a measure of the importance the Government attach to this work, the commission received another £2 million in this year's public expenditure settlement.