§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with the decline in prospects for employment in rural areas; and what new policies they propose.
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§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)The Development Commission has done much to offset the long-term reduction in employment in the agricultural sector, evolving policies to help open up employment opportunities in a growing range of rural industries. For example, the growth of small rural firms, the provision of workshop premises and the promotion of training and employment opportunities in rural crafts and skills owe much to the commission's encouragement and financial support. The Government have recently increased the commission's funding to enable it to do more.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research they are conducting into the best methods for increasing the prospects for employment in rural areas.
§ Lord EltonThe Department of the Environment has established a substantial programme of research on rural development issues in conjunction with the Development Commission. As one product of this the commission will be shortly publishing a study of ways of improving the employment prospects of young people in rural areas. Studies of the employment benefits of tourism and high-tech developments in rural areas are planned to start soon.