HC Deb 27 June 1996 vol 280 c223W
Mr. Jopling

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to consult on detailed proposals covering the remaining counties of England to exempt small rural settlements from the purchase grant scheme; and if he will make a statement. [35271]

Mr. Curry

In March, we issued a consultation paper on how we propose to exempt small rural settlements in England from the new purchase grant scheme. The paper set out the way we propose to implement the designation in England, and invited comments on our general approach, and on the detailed proposals for the first 15 counties and areas. In May, we issued a consultation paper that covered a further 15 counties. Comments were sought from local authorities, housing associations, rural groups and other interested parties.

We have today issued a supplement to those papers, which gives detailed proposals for the final 15 counties: Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Suffolk, Tyne and Wear, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Sussex, West Yorkshire.

Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies of papers for each individual county or area, including copies of any maps needed, have also been placed in both Libraries.