§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales on what basis he considered worthwhile a submission to the European regional development fund supporting the concept of an integrated operations area for Clwyd.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsA study into the feasibility of an integrated operation in Clwyd was commissioned from independent consultants by Clwyd county council, with financial assistance from the European Commission, and is one of several studies supported by the Commission with a view to clarifying the nature and relevance of integrated development in different areas. I welcome the initiative.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what views were expressed by the European Commission regarding the concept of an integrated operations area in south-east Wales on the most recent occasions that he has been in contact with them;
(2) if he still supports the concept of an integrated operations area in south-east Wales; and what plans exist to help bring it about.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe concept of integrated operations in the Community remains under discussion, and in our contacts with the Commission an important aim has been to identify the ways in which the concept could apply in Wales. The provisional draft document relating to industrial south Wales submitted to the Commission in 1980 formed an early stage in this overall process. While no firm conclusions have yet been reached, we remain358W ready to see progress on any initiative which would increase the effective application of Community aid to Wales.