§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to adopt an integrated rural policy for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24697]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesMy appointment of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) as Minister with specific responsibility for rural and countryside issues recognises the special needs of people living and working in rural Wales. I am committed to fostering an integrated approach so that there is improved co-ordination across the wide-range of agricultural, environmental and economic policies which affect the interests and well-being of rural communities. I have also initiated discussions with both farming unions in Wales to discuss these matters.
Subject to legislation, the creation of the new economic development powerhouse, equipped with the combined strengths, skills and expertise of the Welsh Development Agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales and the Land Authority for Wales, will provide for the first time the opportunity for unified policies and programmes for development across the whole of rural Wales. The legislation will also restore the Welsh Development 5W Agency's grant-making powers, which will be available to promote business growth and diversification in rural Wales, and the powers to promote initiatives that support social as well as economic regeneration. The new economic development powerhouse, in partnership with the National Assembly and other agencies, will be well equipped to contribute to the promotion of sustainable development in rural Wales.
The new Agency will have a strong regional presence and a rural policy unit which, in collaboration with other partners, will I hope be able to come forward with effective and innovative proposals for securing the future prosperity of rural communities in Wales.