§ Dr. HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the measures proposed by the Welsh Office to revitalise town and village centres in Wales. [18368]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesA wide range of existing Welsh Office measures, in conjunction with local authorities, development agencies and other bodies are being used to promote the regeneration of town and village centres in Wales. These measures include the strategic development scheme; urban investment grant; the programme for the valleys; the Wales tourist board's historic towns and resorts integrated development programme; the Land Authority for Wales; and the Welsh Development Agency's urban and rural development programmes.
The forthcoming White Paper for rural Wales represents a comprehensive review of the Government's policies as they affect life in rural Wales. Reflecting the responses to the extensive White Paper consultation exercise which has been undertaken, it will address the need to support communities, to encourage economic diversification and enterprise and to protect and conserve the Welsh countryside.