§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to assist farmers and those living in the countryside in Wales to improve the rural environment.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsYes. I am pleased to announce that I am today launching a farm and countryside initiative in Wales. This will be similar to that announced for England by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key).
The initiative will be linked to, and funded through, the Manpower Services Commission's community programme and has the backing of the Welsh Development Agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales, the Wales Tourist Board, the Countryside Commission, the Nature Conservancy Council and the agricultural training board.
The liaison point will be the five divisional offices of the Welsh Office agriculture department from whom those interested in putting forward projects can seek further information.