HC Deb 19 June 1989 vol 155 c20
16. Mr. Knox

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the level of expenditure in property development by the Welsh Development Agency in 1987–88 and in 1988–89.

Mr. Peter Walker

At £45.8 million, the Welsh Development Agency's property-related expenditure in 1988–89 was 43 per cent. higher than the £32.1 million in the previous financial year.

Mr. Knox

Does my right hon. Friend agree that that expenditure has played an important part in helping to reduce unemployment in Wales? Does he expect expenditure to be even higher this year?

Mr. Walker

I am glad to say that both the agency's factory building programme and its derelict land clearance programme are at record heights.