HC Deb 18 March 1999 vol 327 cc748-9W
Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Round 7 EAGGF Objective 5b rural development grants have to date received matched funding. [76302]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently considering applications for Round 7 EAGGF Objective 5B rural development grants. Applicants will be notified shortly of decisions on their bids.

In future, following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date (i) the Welsh Office Internal Review will be completed and (ii) rural development grants will be allocated. [76303]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently considering the allocation of Rural Development Grants. Applicants will be notified of the decisions on their bids shortly.

In future, following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money has been allocated in rural development grants in each of the last four years. [76304]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

The rural development grant scheme started in the financial year 1996–97, since when £2.345m has been allocated to match projects funded under Rounds 1 to 6 of the EAGGF Objective 5b programme. The allocations for each of the years to date are:

£
Financial year Allocation
1996–97 911,353
1997–98 1,209,668
1998–99 1224,184
1 These projects were submitted under Round 6 and were given conditional approval in 1997–98.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has completed his consideration of the applications for Round 7 EAGGF Objective 5B rural development grants and applicants will be notified shortly of decisions on their bids.

In future, following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.