§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set up a working party to examine the impact of out-of-town retail outlets upon town shopping areas; and if he will make a statement. [80843]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to set-up a working party on retail matters. New planning policy guidance for Wales was issued on 7 April this year including further encouragement for locating new retailing in town centres and clarifying policy in respect of testing the need for new shopping developments.
In the future, planning guidance on retail development will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.