§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many "Pub is the Hub" schemes have been sponsored by the Countryside Agency in(a) England, (b) the eastern region, (c) Suffolk and (d) the Bury St. Edmunds constituency. [104828]
§ Alun MichaelThe Countryside Agency does not administer a specific 'Pub is the Hub' grant. A good practice guide of that title was published in December 2001 to inspire rural pubs to diversify their services. However, the Vital Villages Community Services Grant, administered by the Countryside Agency for Defra, can be used to fund Pub is the Hub" style projects. Since April 2001, there have been 24 funded pub schemes in England, of which four are in the eastern region, one in Suffolk and none in the constituency of Bury St. Edmunds.