§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report for each year since the introduction of the regional development grant, the percentage of the working population of Wales residing in assisted areas qualifying for that grant.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe regional development grant system introduced in 1972 was replaced by a new system introduced in November 1984, based on a combination of regional development grants and regional selective assistance. The proportion of the economically active population of Wales residing in assisted areas qualifying for that grant has been as follows during the period:
Per cent. Before August 1982 100 August 1982 to November 1984 93 Post November 1984 38 In addition to regional development grants, projects undertaken in Development Areas may be eligible for regional selective assistance. Regional selective assistance, which, dependant upon circumstances, can be very attractive, is also available in intermediate areas. A further 51 per cent. of the economically active population of Wales resides in Intermediate Areas as now defined, and 89 per cent. reside in areas qualifying for assistance under one or other heads.