§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) recent discussions she has had and (b) representations she has received regarding the Countryside Agency; and if she will make a statement. [78614]
§ Alun MichaelI have regular meetings with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Countryside Agency and we exchange correspondence frequently. Most recently I met the board of the agency on 16 October where we discussed how best we could work together to deliver the Government's objectives of securing prosperous rural economies, vibrant rural communities and a countryside which all may enjoy. 919W Officials in the Department also work closely with officials in the Agency to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of rural policy.