§ 27. Mr. SpringTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that the Government are working in partnership with farmers to conserve the countryside. [11292]
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§ Mr. BoswellThe White Paper "Rural England—A Nation Committed to a Living Countryside" sets out the objectives which guide the Government's approach to the countryside. It contains a number of initiatives aimed at conserving the countryside. "Rural England" is not intended to be a blueprint imposed by Government but is a framework for working in partnership with others who care about rural issues.
Since publication of the White Paper, I have announced that £5 million will be available for new applications under countryside stewardship in 1997 and a further £5 million for applications in 1998.