MINISTRY FOR RURAL AFFAIRS

Early day motion 807, tabled 18 February 1998 by Paul Marsden (Labour). Signed by 65 members.

That this House believes that rural areas need to be represented by one Ministry, to ensure an integrated rural policy is developed which recognises the special needs and problems of rural communities, including social-economic factors such as the lack of public transport and employment opportunities, the reduction of rural schools, shops, post offices and railway stations over the years, the need for investment in countryside and environmental management and support for agriculture and ancillary industries; and notes the Agriculture Committee's Report on the MAFF/Intervention Board Departmental Report (HC 310 of Session 1997-98) which recommends that a new reformed MAFF become responsible for rural affairs.

Signatures by party: Labour 58, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 1, Unknown 1.