Some of the environment department’s responsibilities could be hived off into a new rural affairs body, deputy prime minister John Prescott confirmed.
The rural affairs department would give more focus to government policies towards the countryside.
Prescott is feeling bruised over the sacking last week of his junior environment minister Alan Meale whom he regards as a close friend.
Financial Times 02/08/99 page 5
The Guardian 02/08/99 page 4
The Times 02/08/99 page 2
The Independent 02/08/99 page 2
