§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the current major issues being examined by each department devoted to rural strategic policy planning in the Rural Development Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Rural Development Commission's strategy directorate has three policy branches which are currently considering the following major issues affecting or likely to affect rural areas of England:
143W(i) Rural Economy
The relationship between structural change in traditional rural industries and the need for new and diverse economic activity in rural areas.
(ii) Rural Services
Policies and practices affecting the provision of local services in rural areas and accessibility to them.
The impact of living in rural areas on particular groups of people eg women, young children, the elderly and the handicapped and their accessibility to jobs and services.
Policies affecting the voluntary sector in rural areas.
(iii)Housing and Planning
The provision of affordable housing in rural areas.
Planning policy and development plans.
The needs of rural dwellers and rural businesses within a strategy for sustainable development.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many posts there are in the Rural Development Commission devoted to strategic rural policy planning; and if he will list the departments and their responsibilities and the grades of those posts.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Rural Development Commission has a small strategy directorate in which 11 staff are directly concerned with analysis and advice on strategic policy issues affecting rural communities and businesses in England. They are the Director, civil service grade 5, and three policy branches dealing with issues affecting
- (a) the Rural Economy: (1 Grade 7, 1 HEO, 1 AO)
- (b)Rural Services: (1 Grade 7, 1 HEO, 1 EO, 1 AO)
- (c)Housing and Planning: (1 Grade 7, 1 HEO, 1 AC)