§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, following the publication of his Department's annual report, with particular reference to paragraph 1.7, he will reject the findings of the recent study that recommended the closure of Regional Service Centres. [119763]
§ Mr. MorleyMy right hon. Friend is still considering the future of the Regional Service Centres following the recent review of CAP scheme administration, and in light of the recent reports from the Performance and Innovation Unit which recommend closer alignment of MAFF's regional policy activities, including its regional representational role and information activity, with the Government Offices for the Regions. The further development and strengthening of MAFF' s working partnership with the GOs, the Regional Development Agencies and other regional players, and the taking forward of plans for integrating MAFF's regional rural development activity with the GO structure, are identified in the Departmental Report as key challenges for 2000–01.