(12 years, 7 months ago)
Commons Chamber Mr Heath
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mr Heath 
        
    
        
    
        I spent 13 years on the Opposition Benches trying to press the case for rural areas. The then Labour Government did not listen to what was said in rural areas then, and I note that the hon. Gentleman is not listening now to the realities of what is happening in those areas and the realities of what is happening in the agricultural industry. If he did, he would take a very different position.
 Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con) 
        
    
        
    
        2. What assessment he has made of the effects of partnership funding on the provision of flood defences.