§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about the work of the Welsh Development Agency in(a) Cynon Valley, (b) Rhondda, Cynon, Taff and (c) Wales. [40535]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI meet regularly with the First Minister to discuss a range of issues affecting Wales.
The Welsh Development Agency has an all-Wales remit to further economic development, promote industrial efficiency and international competitiveness, and to improve the environment. In drawing up its plans and policies, the agency takes account of the balance of need between the regions in Wales, in terms of the amount and nature of the assistance that each requires in order to maximise its potential and that of Wales as a whole.
The Cynon Valley, and Rhondda Cynon Taff as a whole will benefit from being within the Objective 1 area, giving it priority for economic regeneration.