§ 14. Mr. Cledwyn Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what further policies he has in mind for rural Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe Government's policies are already designed to bring about continuing progress in the rural areas of Wales.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Secretary of State recall that when the Government decided to dismantle rural development boards about 20 months ago a firm undertaking was given that a new policy for the rural areas would be substituted? Will he be good enough to tell the House when the new policy will be announced?
§ Mr. ThomasAs I mentioned to the right hon. Gentleman's hon. Friend, I announced in the Welsh Grand Committee the Government's policy for mid-Wales. As to rural Wales, Government policies relating to agriculture, tourism, roads, water, mineral exploration, and so on, have all had positive effects on those areas.