§ 16. Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to provide economic assistance to market towns in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [72470]
§ Mr. HainThe Government are committed to developing rural communities throughout Wales. Enhancing the economies of market towns is integral to this process.
The WDA's Market Town Initiative assists local communities to influence the future of their towns in the face of economic change. Some £900,000 is being made available over a three year period to the ten participating towns in Mid-Wales and the Agency is currently assessing the possibility of extending the Initiative throughout Wales. Local authorities also have a key role to play through delegated resources such as Strategic Development Scheme and Local Authority Rural Scheme monies.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.