HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 cc19-20
15. Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he proposes any changes in the functions and boundaries of the Development Board for Rural Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I am not proposing any changes at this stage.

Mr. Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we welcome that assurance but are deeply concerned that the Secretary of State for Industry has withdrawn regional financial assistance from the largest part of the board's area? Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that that must be a blow to the board's regional development strategy?

Mr. Edwards

There is a three-year transitional period, and we have undertaken to review the whole position in such areas before final decisions are taken. I shall be taking especial note of any representations made about future industrial operations in the area.

Dr. Roger Thomas

Will the Minister consider including the northern half of the Carmarthen constituency in the board's area? It is geographically identical to other areas included.

Mr. Edwards

I see no need for that at present. The industrial and unemployment problems in the area to which the hon. Gentleman refers are relatively low. I do not want to enlarge the difficulties of the DBRW at present, when it is working under tight financial constraints.

Mr. Geraint Howells

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us in Mid-Wales are proud of the board's record there? However, it is difficult to let many of the advance factories to manufacturers. Will the right hon. Gentleman review the board's policy in that respect? Many of those factories could be let to service industries.

Mr. Edwards

The board has had considerable success in letting factories to the industrial sector. As a broad general rule, that normally produces more jobs and is a better use of resources than the alternative suggested by the hon. Gentleman.