§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the funding of the craft industry in Wales by the Welsh Office, the Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales respectively.
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§ Mr. David HuntThe Welsh Development Agency and Development Board for Rural Wales contribute a grant to the Wales Craft Council, employ craft business advisers and undertake a range of marketing activities. Also, craft producers are able to apply for a range of general grants, loans and business services offered by the agencies. The development board estimates support will amount to more than £220,000 in the current financial year. WDA support is estimated at £518,500. Craftspeople may also apply for the services and grants offered by the Welsh Office.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the extent of any public funding of the Wales Craft Council for 1991–92, including any conditions upon which such funding will be based.
§ Mr. David HuntThe Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales have agreed to provide a total of £40,000 a year for two years to the Wales Craft Council to cover specific activities. The funding will be subject to normal conditions.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the report which he received recently from the Welsh Development Agency concerning the craft industry in Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntI have received no such report. I have, however, received an evaluation of the craft initiative, prepared by my Department in consultation with the Welsh Development Agency, among others, and I have placed a copy of this in the Library.