§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on proposals announced recently by the Countryside Agency to build more social housing in rural areas. [8541]
§ Alun Michael[holding answer 18 October 2001]: I launched the Housing Corporation's Rural Policy Statement this month which builds upon the commitment in the Rural White Paper to achieve a higher proportion of affordable homes in both market towns and small villages. It illustrates the close co-operation between DEFRA Ministers and the Ministers at the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who also strongly support the statement. It also demonstrates the close co-operation between the corporation and the Countryside Agency which has also welcomed the announcement of the new policy. The agency has confirmed its intention to work closely with the Housing Corporation to assist in 'rural proofing' its policies.