Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Michael Jack (Conservative). It was answered by Dan Norris (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rural Economy

Question: As this will be my last Question Time, may I thank the Secretary of State and his team of Ministers for the help that they have given to the Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs? In that context, in our report on- ... What steps his Department is taking together with other Government Departments to strengthen the rural economy.

Answer: Rural economies are as diverse and, on average, as strong as their urban counterparts. All parts of Government are committed to supporting rural economies through mainstream departmental programmes. Those include £3.9 billion-worth of support to businesses and communities, from 2007-13, from the rural development programme for England, as well as maintaining rural post offices through a £150 million annual network grant and providing £2.6 million in European recovery programme support for rural community broadband.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 508 c372; 324069
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Rural Economy
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Subjects: Economic situation Rural areas
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk