§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 17 February,Official Report, column 56, if he will now state what delegation, representing what bodies, he intends to meet in relation to the application for assisted area status for the Monmouth travel-to-work area.
§ Mr. David HuntI have agreed also to meet the Monmouth chamber of commerce on a date still to be fixed.
On 6 January 1992 I received a document from the chief executive of Monmouth borough council arguing the case for the Monmouth travel-to-work area to be designated an assisted area and asking for a meeting with the council and other bodies. On 24 January a reply was sent from my office acknowledging the document but pointing out that in 1988 it was announced that there would be no changes made during the lifetime of this Parliament. Mr. Roger Evans then contacted me to argue the case for a meeting and raising some new issues in favour of a change which were not contained in the document. Today I met the leader, deputy leader, planning and development officer, and chairman of the industrial site sub-committee from Monmouth borough council, the town clerk of Monmouth town council, county councillor White and Mr. Evans.
I shall now be considering the points raised and responding in due course. I am, of course, willing to see the hon. Gentleman on these issues should he make a request for a meeting.