§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what account was taken of the legal action being taken against Dr. Roy Bichan in the United States when he appointed him deputy chairman of the Welsh Development Agency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntI take full account of all available information in making appointments.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much of the Welsh Development Agency's technology growth fund budget—allocated funds has been spent since being set up (i) in cash terms each year, (ii) as a percentage of the Welsh Development Agency's total budget and (iii) as a percentage of Welsh Development Agency's international budget.
§ Mr. David HuntThis is a matter for the Welsh Development Agency. I have arranged for the chief executive of the agency to write to the hon. Gentleman and for a copy of his response to be printed in theOfficial Report.
Letter from Philip J. Head to Mr. Ron Davies, dated 7 January 1993:
In response to the above question I am pleased to enclose the information you requested concerning the Agency's Technology Growth Fund.The Agency is, of course, involved in promoting the use of technology and technology related investment through both its Business Services and Welsh Development International divisions. In the Business Services Division alone some £1.3 million of expenditure was directly related to these activities in the 1991–92 financial year.Please let me know if you require any further information.
Technology Growth Fund Year Expenditure £K Percentage of Agency Expenditure Per cent. Percentage of WDI Expenditure Per cent. 1988–89 80 0.07 3.18 1989–90 540 0.41 17.24 1990–91 120 0.08 3.40 1991–92 90 0.06 2.16