Written question asked by Colin Breed (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 March 2001. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what percentage of rural parishes have (a) no bank and (b) no shop. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of rural parishes have (a) no bank and (b) no shop. [153133] Mr. Robert Ainsworth: The most recent comprehensive survey of rural services was undertaken by the Rural Development Commission in 1997. It showed that 91 per cent. of rural parishes were without a bank/building society and 42 per cent. of rural parishes were without a permanent shop (of any kind). The Countryside Agency is undertaking a further survey of the level of service provision in rural areas. It will look at more sophisticated ways of measuring access to key services in rural areas. I understand that the survey will be published in the summer of this year.

Secondary information