§ Mr. Keyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to assist farmers and those living in the countryside to improve the rural environment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingIn conjunction with my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Employment and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, I am today launching a farm and countryside initiative linked to, and funded through, the Government's community programme run by the Manpower Services Commission. This has the backing of the Development Commission, the Countryside Commission, the Nature Conservancy Council and the agricultural training board.
The bodies which are our partners in this initiative, together with local authorities and others, are already heavily engaged in rural development and in improving the rural environment, in some cases through the community programme. But much remains to be done. I know that farmers and landowners are particularly concerned about the future of the communities in which they live and I believe that they will be anxious to play a full part in such work.
In addition to providing valuable opportunities for long-term unemployed people, the purpose of this initiative, therefore, is to encourage rural communities to put forward worthwhile projects of benefit to their own areas. If approved, these would be carried out by community programme participants doing work which would not otherwise be undertaken. As with other community programme projects the Government will, within agreed limits, reimburse the project organisers for the wage bill and associated material costs of those employed on projects under this initiative.
The initiative is a co-operative venture. My 19 divisional offices serving country areas throughout England will provide the liaison point for the initiative and will work closely with other rural agencies, in particular with rural community councils and in rural development areas with the rural development programme committees, and with the staff and area manpower boards of the Manpower Services Commission. Those who are interested in putting forward projects under the initiative should get in touch with their local MAFF divisional office.
The National Westminster bank has kindly agreed to offer support for projects under the initiative. Agreement in principle has been reached with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to operate some joint ventures with us on a pilot basis. I hope that farmers, local firms and individuals will be ready either to put forward projects under the initiative or to provide assistance in the form of materials, equipment and other facilities.