§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report details of (a) applications and (b) projects accepted for urban aid under (i) economic and (ii) social categories.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsIn the period 1979–80—when the enhanced element of the urban programme was introduced—to 1981–82, 373 social schemes to a value of £5.311 million and 147 economic schemes to a value of £11.876 million have been approved, in addition to schemes in progress and holiday projects.
The information is respect of 1982–83—phase 22—is as follows:
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsAll urban aid applications are kept under review in the light of available resources.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what criteria his Department uses to decide on the project it funds with urban aid.
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§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe criteria are set out in circulars issued annually to all local authorities in Wales. The emphasis is on schemes directed towards economic and social regeneration in areas of special social need. It was made clear in the circular for the 1982–83 programme, issued on 18 May 1981, that the balance as between the enhanced and conventional elements of the programme would be influenced by the existing level of commitment to ongoing conventional schemes.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many projects from the black community have received urban aid from his Department in each year since the programme was introduced.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsRecords of applications received from local authorities are not maintained on the basis requested. The emphasis of the programme is on disadvantaged groups of whatever ethnic community or origin.