§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make available financial assistance to rural areas of Wales outside the locations covered by Mid Wales Development on similar lines to that available within that geographical area; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have no plans to extend the coverage of the financial assistance currently provided by the Development Board for Rural Wales. Areas outside the responsibility of the board will continue to have support from other agencies.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will consider seeking to establish a separate new grant for rural areas in Wales on similar lines to the present urban aid scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI am always ready to consider ways of sustaining the rural economy in Wales and am keeping the position under review.