CABINET minister Margaret Beckett began the week as head of her newly-created department with a pledge to provide a "better quality of life" in rural areas.

Mrs Beckett welcomed Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to create the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It has replaced the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which was scrapped in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.

The new department also has responsibility for environmental issues, which used to be part of Deputy John Prescott's sprawling empire at the DETR.

The Whitehall shake-up means all rural issues will be dealt with under the same roof for the first time.

Mrs Beckett said the department would seek to repair the fortunes of the beleaguered farming industry.

It will also look at improving transport and schools in the countryside.

In her first interview since taking up the post, Mrs Beckett said: "We are very mindful of the fact there are a variety of reasons why people in rural areas have had difficulties over the years.

"We want to provide a better quality of life.

"The main problems will need investment and the reform of the public services."

Mrs Beckett said the continuing foot and mouth outbreak would be a priority area, and defended MAFF's handling of the foot and mouth crisis.

Mrs Beckett added: "What has been sad but inevitable is that when we have a problem like foot and mouth disease, people are always looking to lay blame. A huge number of people have done very good work and need to get the credit."

Mrs Beckett said of her new department: "It will adopt a truly joined-up approach to all aspects of our environment to ensure a high quality of life, vibrant and sustainable rural communities and a food chain that works together to meet the changing demands of consumers."

Prime Minister Tony Blair pledged to scrap MAFF at the launch of Labour's manifesto last month. He said the idea was supported by rural groups and would help rebuild a viable farming industry.

Mr Blair said: "There's no doubt that, coming to the end of the foot and mouth outbreak, we need change. "We can't have the farming industry subject to periodic crises again and again and again."

Mrs Beckett's department has also been handed responsibility for animal welfare and hunting, which previously belonged to the Home Office. She will be asked to find a solution over the controversial issue of a ban on hunting with dogs.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, June 14, 2001