§ 52. Mr. RiddickTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department proposes to take to help farmers understand the impact of their attempts to diversify their business.
§ Mr. RyderOn 9 January we launched "Planning Permission and the Farmer", which has been prepared jointly by MAFF, DOE and the Welsh Office and can be obtained through HMSO bookshops. This guide explains how the planning system works; describes some of the relevant provisions of planning legislation, and how to find out whether or not a project is likely to need planning permission; and suggests what can be done before, during and making a planning application to present a convincing case. Copies of a free leaflet will be sent with the February edition of the ADAS divisional bulletins. Any farmer in England and Wales who does not receive an ADAS bulletin and wishes to obtain a copy of the leaflet should contact their local divisional office. The leaflet will contain a brief description of the guide and also explain how to obtain a copy. Copies of the guide and the leaflet will be placed in the Vote Office.