§ Mr. RaffanTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make an announcement about his plans to introduce a new urban investment grant in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe consultation exercise which we conducted recently prompted a positive response from the public and private sectors alike. With very few exceptions, the proposal to simplify the grant regime aimed at stimulating private sector investment in rundown sites in all deprived urban areas of Wales was welcomed. As a result of the views expressed I have decided that the threshold for the new grant will be set at the lower level of £150,000 when the grant is introduced in April of this year. Detailed guidance notes setting out arrangements for the new scheme are now available. Copies of the notes have today been sent to all those who responded to the consultation.