§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many secured jobs have been created since 1975 by the Welsh Development Agency; [33884]
(2) what quantities of land have been (a) auctioned off or otherwise sold and (b) acquired in each year since 1975 by the Welsh Development Agency; and if he will make a statement on the employment impact of the land sales. [33887]
§ Mr. HagueThese are operational matters for the Welsh Development Agency. I will arrange for the chief executive to write to the hon. Member and for a copy of his letter to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what benefits he expects will accrue in respect of the creation of jobs from the recent sale of land owned by the Welsh Development Agency. [33885]
§ Mr. HagueI have set the agency a target for 1996–97 of creating or safeguarding 12,500 jobs in Wales. This will be achieved through a variety of programmes which are to be funded by some £80 million in receipts—excluding receipts from European programmes—and £40 million in grant in aid; the property disposal programme will contribute towards the receipts total.