§ 17. Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what decisions he has taken on the recommendations of the Welsh Council contained in "An Economic Strategy for North-West Wales", particularly, that South Caernarvonshire and North Merioneth be accorded special development status, and that Caernarvon, Bangor, Portmadoc and Penrhyndeudraeth be treated as growth points.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe claims of South Caernarvonshire and North Merioneth were fully considered before my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced changes in the list of special development areas on 18th February. As I have already stated, I accept the Council's view that efforts to attract industry should be concentrated primarily, though not exclusively, on selected places in this area.
§ Mr. RobertsMay I point out to the right hon. and learned Gentleman that he has not replied to the second part of my Question? On the part to which he has vouchsafed an answer, will he say whether the decision of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in February was final, or whether the scheduling of new special development areas is a continuing matter, as is the scheduling of development areas—the very strong argument in the publication of which the right hon. and learned Gentleman called from the Welsh Council in favour of enhanced status for the area mentioned in the Question?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I studied that Welsh Council Report very carefully. The scheduling of all areas—development, special development or intermediate—is kept under review. When an area is scheduled, that does not mean that it will not be changed at some time in the future if occasion demands.
§ Mr. RobertsAnd my other point?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI said that I accept the Council's view that efforts to attract industry should be concentrated primarily, though not exclusively, on selected places in the area.