§ 13. Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the chairperson of the Development Board for Rural Wales to discuss industrial investment in Mid-Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI met Mr. Leslie Morgan on 22 December 1981, in the context of the board's expenditure proposals for 1982–83.
§ Mr. ThomasWill the Secretary of State say whether he was able to show Mr. Morgan that there will be no reduction in the board's budget for next year in real terms?
§ Mr. EdwardsI have decided on a budget allocation to the board in 1982–83 of £11.4 million gross. This will enable the board to maintain its expenditure at around the same levels as previously planned and will facilitate further job creation.
§ Mr. HoosonAs my right hon. Friend has credited the DBRW with the creation of 600 jobs in Mid-Wales in its first four years, will he confirm that this has been a remarkably cost-effective exercise, demonstrating the importance of continued intermediate aid status for Mid-Wales and the continuation of the DBRW?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not think that I can add to what I have already told my hon. Friend on that subject.
§ Mr. Geraint HowellsAll hon. Members are aware of the excellent work done by the Development Board for Rural Wales. However, can the Secretary of State explain why there is 25 per cent. unemployment in some parts of the development board's area in Mid-Wales?
§ Mr. EdwardsI think the hon. Gentleman is well aware that certain towns have a record of high unemployment going back over many years. Some of the tourist centres especially tend to have an unemployment level that fluctuates considerably. The DBRW is concentrating on certain growth areas. It has proved remarkably successful, notably in the first two months of this year, in attracting fresh investment. The overall level of unemployment in the board's area is a good deal lower than in many parts of the United Kingdom.