HC Deb 10 May 2000 vol 349 cc431-2W
18. Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what Government Department will be given responsibility for the integration of policy initiatives following the rural White Paper. [120455]

Marjorie Mowlam

Problems facing rural communities cannot be tackled in isolation by an individual Department—we will get the best results by central Government working in a joined-up way. Primary responsibility for rural policy lies with my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister while the Cabinet Committee on Rural Affairs, which I chair, will play an important co-ordination role.