HC Deb 14 March 2001 vol 364 c630W
Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of rural parishes have a GP surgery. [153131]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

The most recent comprehensive survey of rural services was undertaken by the Rural Development Commission in 1997. It showed that 17 per cent. of rural parishes had a GP practice within the parish. The Countryside Agency is undertaking a further survey of the level of service provision in rural areas. It will look at more sophisticated ways of measuring access to key services in rural areas. I understand that the survey will be published in the summer of this year.

Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of rural parishes have(a) no bank and (b) no shop. [153133]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

The most recent comprehensive survey of rural services was undertaken by the Rural Development Commission in 1997. It showed that 91 per cent. of rural parishes were without a bank/building society and 42 per cent. of rural parishes were without a permanent shop (of any kind).

The Countryside Agency is undertaking a further survey of the level of service provision in rural areas. It will look at more sophisticated ways of measuring access to key services in rural areas. I understand that the survey will be published in the summer of this year.