Oral Answers to Questions

Graham Stuart Excerpts

Monday 17th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

Yes, we are using the census figures.

[Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con)]

Does the Minister accept that too many central initiatives do not reach rural areas, and that if we are to ensure that people in rural areas have access to services, we need to ensure that that is put right?

[Brandon Lewis]

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the fact that rural areas—I represent a rural area in Norfolk, as he knows—have different issues from metropolitan and urban areas. It is important that those local authorities have the flexibility and the powers, which they now have under the general power of competence, to make decisions about what is right for their local community, bearing in mind its make-up and style.