§ 9. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with local authorities in Wales regarding the funding of urban development programmes.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. John Stradling Thomas)My officials are in regular touch with all authorities in Wales about their urban programme and urban development grant schemes and the resources available.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerIs my hon. Friend aware that those local authorities which managed to comply with the somewhat abrupt request from the Welsh Office that they should cut their capital programmes in mid-stream now feel, having done so, that the Welsh Office is under a strong obligation to look very favourably at their programmes for next year for urban development, particularly in Colwyn?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI remind my hon. Friend that there has been no question of their being asked to cut their programmes. As my right hon. Friend said earlier, it is for them to decide on priorities. My hon. Friend will also be aware that there is very fierce competition for the resources that are available in the urban programme and UDG schemes.
§ Mr. WigleyIs the Minister aware that the local authorities in Wales realise that, unless they bow to the tremedous pressure that is put on them, they will find themselves forced to cut their programmes? With regard to urban aid, does the Minister realise that many authorities, because of the financial pressure that the Government have put on them, are unable to fund the 25 per cent. that they need to find and are therefore not getting the opportunities they should be getting?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasThe hon. Gentleman should be aware that that has not in any way abated the tremendous competition from local authorities, which I welcome, for worthwhile schemes.