HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 c615W
Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the advantages to Wales of the redesignation of areas as announced on Tuesday 17 July.

Mr. David Mitchell

With effect from 18 July 1979 the Wrexham travel-to-work area was upgraded to special development area status and Rhyl employment office area to development area status. The overall effect of these and other changes is to concentrate help on those areas with the greatest problems.

Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what effect the redesignation of the Bridgend area from development area status to intermediate area status will have on persuading industrialists to develop there.

Mr. David Mitchell

It is not possible to make accurate predictions of the way in which industrialists will take account in their investment plans of Bridgend's intermediate area status.

Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what effect the redesignation of the Maesteg area from special development area status to development area status will have on persuading industrialists to develop there.

Mr. David Mitchell

Though it is no longer a special development area, industrialists will still be able to benefit from development area regional assistance available in Maesteg.