§ 7. Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales by what methods he intends to estimate the effects of the withdrawal of the regional employment premium in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe Government will assess this in the context of other regional measures.
§ Mr. RoderickIs the Secretary of State telling us that he has made no assessement of the likely effects of abandoning this policy? Does he share the concern of the Development Corporation of Wales and the Welsh Council about its likely abandonment?
§ Mr. ThomasI am fully aware that representations have been made about R.E.P. The hon. Gentleman knows that these and other matters will be taken into account in our review of regional strategy.
§ Mr. KinnockIs not that a very vague answer after 20 months of Tory Government and after the production of an excellent document by the Welsh Council which had both criticism to make of the withdrawal of R.E.P. and, indeed, some useful suggestions about its replacement? Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman turned his mind towards the suggestion of a tax-related premium which would 7 assist with the employment of labour in Wales?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. Gentleman knows that a review of regional policy is going on at the moment and that these and other matters and representations will be taken into consideration.