Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 March 2010.

Rural Proofing

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will review the scope of "rural proofing" in the 2000 White Paper Our Countryside: The Future.

Answer: Rural proofing is a requirement introduced by the Government in the rural White Paper 2000. It applies equally to national, regional and local government, and requires everyone in Government to consider the impact of their policies and programmes on rural people, businesses and communities, and to adjust them as necessary to ensure that they deliver equitable outcomes in all places. The Government do not believe that the scope of this requirement needs to be reviewed, but they are keen to see its application improved at all levels. They are working to achieve this through a range of initiatives, including the placement of rural proofing experts in a number of national and regional bodies.

Secondary information