§ 31. Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met the chairman of the Rural Development Commission; what was discussed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierI met the chairman of the Rural Development Commission on 5 December 1989 to discuss the work of the commission.
§ 33. Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the numbers of job opportunities created by the assistance of the Rural Development Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierThe commission estimates that it assisted in the creation or retention of at least 5,000 job opportunities in the financial year 1988–89. Further benefits, as yet not quantifiable, will flow from the additional assistance to rural coalfield areas, including a substantial part of the hon. Member's constituency, announced on 9 January.