§ Sir Kenneth CarlisleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government will respond to the third report of the Environment Committee on "Rural England: The Rural White Paper" (HC 163 of Session 1995–96). [37420]
§ Mr. GummerOur response is being published today.
We welcome the Committee's report as a contribution to the continuing debate about the future of rural areas in England. The response gives our considered reaction to the recommendations made in the report.
We agree with the Committee that targets are important and we shall continue our efforts to develop targets in support of rural policies. We will produce a report later this year on the progress we have made in achieving the White Paper's commitments and we shall continue to monitor and report on progress annually.