HC Deb 26 October 1992 vol 212 cc470-1W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received in total to his consultation paper on assisted areas; and how many of these representations advocated(a) the creation of further development areas, (b) the creation of further intermediate areas, (c) the maintenance of the status quo, (d) the reduction of development areas and (e) the reduction of intermediate areas.

Mr. David Hunt

I have received 76 representations. Of these, 35 argue for the creation of further development areas; four advocate creation of further intermediate areas; and 37 are in favour of the status quo. I have received no requests for a reduction in assisted areas of either status.

The division of representations does not correspond to the overall number received because a proportion of the submissions make a case for more than one travel-to-work area; others do not argue for or against any particular area, but confine their comments to the review itself.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales in his review of assisted area status, how many submissions from within each Welsh constituency he has received; if he will extend the period for receiving submissions in relation to the current review of assisted area status; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Hunt

I have received 76 representations on the assisted areas review, the majority of which are from local authorities. In most cases, the areas covered by these local authorities overlap constituency boundaries and it is not possible, therefore, to provide the information in the form requested.

The deadline for receipt of representations from the various interested bodies was 30 September. This gave consultees nearly four months in which to respond. A few organisations gave us advance notice that they might over reach the deadline by a few days and we have, therefore, made allowances. In view of the number of representations already received, I do not believe it is necessary to extend the deadline.

The information contained in the representations is currently being considered and we hope to be able to make a decision on the review by the end of the year.

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