Rural Payments Agency

Baroness Quin Excerpts
Wednesday 7th July 2010

(13 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Henley Portrait Lord Henley
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My Lords, I can confirm that we will look at all possible options.

Baroness Quin Portrait Baroness Quin
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My Lords, while I wish the Government well in taking forward the review’s recommendations in due course, given that rural payments are so important to both the economy and the environment of our rural areas, will the Government think again about their decision to abolish the Commission for Rural Communities in order to safeguard an independent rural voice in these and other important rural issues?

Lord Henley Portrait Lord Henley
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My Lords, I think the noble Baroness will accept that that question is somewhat wide of that on the Order Paper, but no doubt I will address it in due course. Policy on this matter will still be retained by Defra, which will continue to look after rural interests and rural affairs.