§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will assess a review of the factors affecting the number of petrol stations in rural areas which have closed during the past six months; and if he will make a statement; [140835]
(2) if he will introduce a scheme to subsidise petrol stations in rural areas. [140841]
§ Mr. ByersThe Government in our recently published White Paper "Our Countryside: The Future—a Fair Deal for Rural England" announced our intention to consult on 753W a wide range of measures to secure access to vital services in rural areas. These include a proposal for rate relief for garages offering community benefits.