§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 18 January (WA 183), whether it is now their intention to have a single definition of the word "rural"; and, if so, by what date. [HL2591]
§ Lord WhittyIt would be unrealistic to impose a standard "rural" definition for use in all contexts. For example, within a broadly "rural" county or district, not all parishes would be properly described as "rural". However, we recognise that there is a need for a more co-ordinated and consistent approach to the categorisation and use of definitions of urban and rural areas. It is for that reason that Defra, DTLR, the Countryside Agency and the Office for National Statistics are working towards a better set of definitions for urban and rural areas. In the short term we plan to use for statistical purposes the definitions presently used by the Countryside Agency.