GOVERNMENT MUST ACT ON EFRACOM RURAL RECOMMENDATIONS - LIB DEMS

12.00.00am GMT Wed 29th Oct 2008

Commenting today on the publication of an Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRACOM) report entitled "The Potential of England's Rural Economy", the Liberal Democrat's have called for the Government to act on the reports recommendations.

Tim Farron MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said:

"This report shows the untapped potential from rural businesses to be between £236 billion and £347 billion per year.

"This is a huge sum of money and given the current financial situation the Government should really be doing all it can to maximise the opportunities for rural businesses.

"Rural economies have suffered cuts to their public transport services, post offices, and health services, all of which have contributed to the two-tier economy that we are now left with. Until this trend is stopped, the potential of rural communities will continue to go untapped."

Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson and EFRACOM member, added:

"Too many of the Government's policies are urban-centric and have no regard for the difficulties faced in rural communities.

"This report shows the huge potential for the rural economy in England and the Government should act on the report's recommendations to ensure these rural areas meet their true potential."

Related Link:

The Potential of England's Rural Economy report.