§ Mr. Gwynoro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money out of public funds was spent on regional development in Wales in 1964, 1970 and 1971; and what were the per head of population figures in each case for Wales, Scotland and England.
§ Mr. ChatawayOn the basis of financial years, the information is as follows:—
Government preferential assistance to industry in Wales
1964–65 1969–70 1970–71 £ million £ million £ million 1.0 44.3 50.4 Government preferential assistance to industry per head of population
1964–65 1969–70 1970–71 £ £ £ Wales … 0.37 16.26 18.44 Scotland … 1.79 19.03 18.82 England … 0.38 3.27 3.31 Notes: (i) The figures exclude the following payments for which a breakdown 163W is not available: free depreciation (£3 million in 1964–65); Development Commission loans to small hotels in development areas (£0.8 million in 1969–70 and £0.4 million in 1970–71); and refund of SET to certain rural parts of development areas (£1.8 million in 1969–70 and £2 million in 1970–71).
Similarly, it is not possible to give a regional breakdown of the differential element in investment grants for computers and plant and machinery used in the construction and civil engineering industries. (£5 million in 1969–70 and £4.5 million in 1970–71).
(ii) Calculations per head of population are derived from the 1966 census (England and Wales); and from the preliminary results of the 1971 census (Scotland only).
(iii) The tables do not reflect Government expenditure on other forms of regional assistance, e.g. increased public expenditure on infrastructure; grants for housing improvements, clearance of slums, and clearance of derelict land.