HC Deb 06 May 1998 vol 311 cc415-6W
Mr. Gareth Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the chairmanship of the enhanced Welsh Development Agency. [41213]

Mr. Ron Davies

Mr. David Rowe-Beddoe has written to me tendering his resignation as Chairman of the Welsh Development Agency which I have accepted. His reasons for doing so are set out in his letter to me of 29 April 1998 a copy of which, together with a copy of my reply, has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Rowe-Beddoe will continue in his role of Chairman of the Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales until the establishment of the new enhanced WDA.

The post of Chairman of the new Welsh Development Agency will now be advertised and determined on the basis of open competition in accordance with Nolan principles.

I am grateful to Mr. Rowe-Beddoe. He has proved an excellent Chairman since he was appointed in 1993 and has steered the Agency to its present position of success.