HC Deb 22 June 1994 vol 245 cc191-2W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the annual budget of the Development Board for Rural Wales; how the members of the Development Board for Rural Wales are appointed; and how many jobs have been brought to rural Wales as a result of the work of the development board.

Mr. Redwood

The development board's grant-in-aid provision for 1992–95 is £14.4 million. This, together with receipts from the sale of land and buildings, rents and other income, will enable the board to plan for gross expenditure of £27.3 million on such activities as property and business development, housing, a social programme and its own overheads.

All candidates for appointment to the development board are considered by Ministers on their individual merits. Account is taken of the overall needs of the board and the balance of skills among members. The legislation provides that the board shall consist of between 11 and 13 members, at least five of whom shall be appointed after consultation with local authorities.

Censuses of employment show that in 1991, the number of employees in rural Wales had increased by 11,000 since 1981. This represents employment growth of 18.9 per cent. in rural Wales. Comparative figures for Wales as a whole and for Great Britain are 2.9 per cent. and 1.2 per cent. respectively. Over the same period, employment in the manufacturing sector had increased by 15.6 per cent. in rural Wales.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to make an announcement on the future of the Development Board for Rural Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

On 14 March 1994, I announced my intention of undertaking a review of the future of the DBRW. All Welsh MPs and local authorities have been consulted, together with a number of other interested bodies. Over 80 responses have been received and these are currently being considered. I hope to make my announcement before the summer recess, following consultations with colleagues.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has received(a) in favour of the retention of the Development Board for Rural Wales and (b) against the retention of the Development Board for Rural Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

[holding answer 17 June 1994]: On 14 March 1994, I announced my intention of undertaking a review of the future of the DBRW. All Welsh MPs and local authorities were consulted, together with a number of other interested bodies. Some 81 replies have so far been received. A wide variety of opinions has been expressed, with about half the respondents favouring retention of the DBRW.