Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether in commissioning the Community Projects Foundation to undertake community development projects as part of the valleys initiative the opportunity was given for suitable agencies based in Wales to compete for the contract.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have not awarded a contract to the Community Projects Foundation. Welsh Office support for the foundation's activities in the valleys is being provided under the urban programme following the submission of applications by local authorities in the normal way. It is open to all voluntary bodies to seek urban programme assistance for appropriate schemes and I see no need for any separate bidding process in relation to community development. The hon. Gentleman may wish to note that the foundation was active in Wales prior to the launch of the valleys programme.