§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report the details of the discretionary element that has been introduced into the regional development grant.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsAs under the previous development grant scheme, grant will continue to be paid on an automatic basis. It will be paid in respect of all projects where application is made within the specified time limits and where the published criteria are satisfied. These criteria are contained in the "Guide for Applicants" (RDG/Guide), a copy of which I have placed in the Library.
The Co-operative Development Agency and Industrial Development Act 1984 gives discretion on certain aspects to Ministers in regard to the payment of regional development grants as did earlier legislation. The "Guide for Applicants" indicates how such discretion will be exercised.