Only when these five rural tests have been passed can it be said that the lessons have indeed been learnt and vital confidence restored into the countryside.

Peter Troy, Chairman of the Darlington Branch of the Federation of Small Business, is writing to MPs in his area, including Tony Blair, Alan Millburn and Nick Brown, asking for the Government to implement five rural economic tests.

The five rural economic tests should be:

• Has meaningful financial and social aid now been made available and is it easily accessible for the rural business community ?
• Businesses that are in imminent danger of closing as a result of the now officially confirmed unnecessary closure of the countryside last year, have they been identified and properly supported and advised by the Small Business Service ?
• Do MP's, in the wake of the disaster, now appreciate the vital necessity of a healthy rural economy.
• Has economic rural regeneration, particularly in respect of international tourism, been given Political priority at the highest levels of Government ?
• Has a Public Inquiry been commissioned with specific remit to assertion why successive Governments and the European Union failed in their core duty to create effective contingency plans; and further establish that proper emergency contingents are available for a future emergency?

Peter Troy is quite clear in his message, only when these five rural tests have been passed can it be said that the lessons have indeed been learnt and vital confidence restored into the countryside.