§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report details of all projects approved by him for support under the urban programme for 1983–84 and 1984–85; and if he will indicate which local authorities have sponsored which projects, and the reasons for approving specific projects.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasI shall write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy of my letter in the Library.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what changes have taken place in his Department's policy on the urban programme; and if he will indicate the amount and proportion of the programme devoted in each year since 1974 to social and economic and infrastructure projects.
HQ Administration Grants £
HQ Housing Aid Worker Grants £
Urban Programme Grant to Local Women's Aid Groups £
1976–77 — — 23,498 1977–78 3,500 — 22,483 1978–79 8,000 — 33,563 1979–80 13,750 — 50,004 1980–81 17,000 — 84,280 1981–82 20,000 — 114,232 1982–83 22,000 2,100 171,255 1983–84 23,500 8,160 214,812 1984–85 * * 212,748 * Under Consideration In addition to the annual administration grants, a contribution of £2,100 was made in 1981–82 towards the cost of capital equipment and in 1982–83 and 1983–84 sums of £2,500 and £1,000 were given towards the cost of training volunteer workers. Welsh Women's Aid employ two full-time co-ordinators and a part-time secretary/administrator. Local women's aid groups have
790W
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasIn recent years, as guidance circulars have made clear, more emphasis has been placed on economic and infrastructure projects which will create or safeguard employment. The resources available for the programme, which have been considerably increased since 1979–80, have allowed a sizeable expansion of such projects while maintaining the level of support for social schemes.
I shall write to the hon. Gentleman setting out the detailed information for the period since 1974 and will place a copy in the Library of the House.