To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many farm diversification schemes have been implemented following the issue of his planning policy guidance note No. 7—PPG7; and if he will make a statement.

It is for farmers themselves to decide if they wish to engage in a diversification project. We have no information on the number of such enterprises, either requiring planning permission or otherwise, but new enterprises that are well planned can benefit both farmers and the communities in which they live. We expect local planning authorities to have regard to PPG7 in the exercise of their planning functions.