§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what criteria the Welsh Office uses to decide which individual dairies in Wales receive grant aid; to what extent such grant aid relates to(a) the provision of new jobs and (b) the securing of existing jobs; and what consideration is given to the possible distortion of competition by such grants. [44052]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsAssistance to dairies is available through a number of Welsh Office grant schemes such as Regional Selective Assistance, Processing and Marketing Grant and the Marketing Development Scheme.
325WThe criteria used depend on the grant scheme in question. I have arranged for copies of the literature relating to the schemes to be sent to the right hon. Gentleman.
Creating and safeguarding jobs is an important factor in deciding which grant applications to support but the Marketing Development Scheme and the Processing and Marketing Grant are specifically geared to improving the marketing and processing infrastructure of companies. Such projects will not necessarily lead to job creation but will assist in the expansion of business. However, for grants such as Regional Selective Assistance, the level of employment generated or retained is a crucial factor and due weight is given to this element when assessing applications.
Applications for grant aid are considered from any eligible business and all applications are considered on their individual merits.