§ 53. Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the case for measures to improve communication between farmers wishing to diversify and local planning authorities.
§ Mr. RyderI believe there is a case for improved communication in this area. To this end agriculture Ministers have taken every opportunity to meet planners and farmers to encourage a better understanding between them. We will soon be publishing, in association with the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office, a farmers' guide to the planning system as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 25 July in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Mr. Hargreaves). This will encourage farmers to present their applications effectively and discuss their ideas with planning officers, local councillors and their neighbours at an early stage.