§ 12. Mr. Gristasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the operation of the urban development grants scheme in Wales.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsThe aim is that urban development grant should become available in Wales in 1983–84. It will assist urban development projects worked up jointly by local authorities and the private sector, in which the private sector is taking a significant share. An explanatory circular has been sent to all Welsh local authorities asking them to submit schemes by 30 September.
§ Mr. GristCan my hon. Friend give an undertaking that local authorities will forward such schemes and take an active part in promoting them? Can he also give an undertaking that the schemes will not be held up by unnecessary bureaucratic red tape?
§ Mr. RobertsI can give no undertaking that local authorities will take up the schemes. I attended a conference in Cardiff, at which local authorities seemed to be enthusiastic, so I expect that there will be a good take-up. I assure my hon. Friend that my officials will give all the help and advice that they can, and I hope to be able to announce my decision within three months of the closing date for applications.