§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives the Welsh Office has set up to assist diversification for those engaged in agriculture in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodFarmers wishing to diversify may qualify for assistance from a number of sources. The Wales tourist board provides assistance for farm tourism developments in Wales under the provisions of section 4 of314W the Development of Tourism Act 1969. The Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales operate the rural conversion grant scheme which assists with the conversion of redundant buildings in rural areas with the aim of bringing them back into productive use.
Financial assistance is also available under the DRIVE scheme—development of rural initiative, venture and enterprise—which is designed to stimulate private sector activity in deprived rural areas.