HC Deb 01 December 1988 vol 142 c325W
43. Mr. Martlew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has assessed the implications of his agricultural policies on employment in the countryside; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

The encouragement of rural employment is one of the main features of the Government's strategy for the countryside. Within that strategy, the aim of our agricultural policies is to assist the farming industry to adapt to changing market forces, while encouraging farmers to develop new initiatives which should provide opportunities for rural employment.