§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the consultation process on rural policy in Scotland; which organisations he is consulting with; and when the White Paper will be published. [31892]
§ Sir Hector MonroThe current consultation on rural policy in Scotland has taken three main forms.
We sought the advice of the rural focus group—made up of representatives of the Central Scotland Countryside Trust, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Rural Forum, Scottish Agricultural college, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Homes, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Tourist Board, and chaired by the Scottish Office.
75WWe commissioned Rural Forum Scotland to convene a series of conferences and workshops to examine specific themes of relevance to the White Paper and these were held across Scotland in May and June.
Almost 900 organisations and individuals were invited to submit ideas and comments and some have conducted their own conferences and surveys. So far, 112 responses have been received and these will be of considerable assistance in the development of the White Paper, which will be published in the autumn.