§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the timetable for proposals from his Department in respect of small rural businesses; and what joint initiative he proposes in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry. [2575]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe White Paper "Rural England" published in October by my Department and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food outlined a number of measures intended to help small businesses in rural areas.
We expect to publish before the end of this year a guide for local planning authorities to promote good practice in planning for rural diversification. In the new year, we will be consulting on proposals for a rural business use class and on a draft revision of planning policy guidance note 7, "The Countryside and the Rural Economy".
In my role as departmental Minister for small businesses, I will continue to work closely with colleagues in other Government Departments, including the Department of Trade and Industry, to ensure that our policies benefit all small firms, including those in rural areas.