Written question asked by William Bain (Labour) on Monday, 11 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 July 2011. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 August 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Countryside

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what support her Department plans to provide to national countryside week in each of the next four financial years.

Answer: National countryside week was launched by the Prince's Countryside Fund on 11 July. The fund is intended to improve the sustainability of British farming and rural communities; reconnect consumers with countryside issues; and support farming and rural crisis charities. The fund works by participating companies making a donation and providing in-kind support; as the fund works with businesses rather than Government, DEFRA cannot provide direct support to the fund, although it supports its overall aims.

Secondary information