Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what, in real terms, has been the difference between the expenditure on regional development grant and regional selective assistance in Wales since 1978–79; and what are the projected figures for the next three years.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerTotal expenditure in real terms1 on regional development grant and regional selective assistance in Wales between 1978–79 and 1986–87 (last complete fnancial year) was £1,029 million and £248 million respectively, the difference being £781 million. Planned provision for 1988–89 to 1990–91, as contained in the 1988 public expenditure White Paper, is, in real terms, £119 million for regional development grant and £141 million for regional selective assistance, the difference being an additional £22 million on regional selective assistance as compared with regional development grant. Additional resources are being provided for regional selective assistance following the ending of the regional development grant scheme; I hope that industry in Wales will take full advantage of the substantial resources being provided not only for regional selective assistance but for the Welsh Development Agency and the new investment, innovation, and business development grant schemes.
1 Cash figures adjusted for general inflation as measured by GDP deflator at market prices (1986–87 base year).