
Roger Jones OBE Chairman: Cadeirydd
4 July 2003
Secretary to the Richard Commission Caradog House 1-6 St Andrew Place CARDIFF CF10 3BE
Dear Sir
Richard Commission: Views And Experience Of The Welsh Development Agency
On behalf of the Board of the Welsh Development Agency the following written statement of our views is submitted to assist in the preparation of your report on the powers and electoral arrangements for the National Assembly.
Background
The Agency was set up by an Act of Parliament of 1975 with wide-ranging functions and powers for furthering economic development in Wales. These powers were extended by the Government of Wales Act 1998, which established the National Assembly, to cover social and community powers enjoyed by the former Development Board for Rural Wales which was merged with the Agency (along with the Land Authority for Wales) under this legislation.
Views On Powers
The agency's key aims and objectives are outlined in its Corporate Plan with detailed activities, their outputs and funding sources set out in the annual Operational Plan. Both of these documents are considered by the Assembly's Economic Development Committee, and approved by the Minister. In pursuit of these objectives and in devising appropriate activities, the Agency has found the powers contained in the legislation referred to above as being wholly adequate in meeting our needs. These activities range from support for indigenous businesses, to inward investment, to community-led regeneration. It is, therefore, the considered view of the Board that the powers under existing legislation cover both the current and foreseen role of the Agency in helping increase and spread prosperity across Wales.
General Experiences
With the advent of the National Assembly the Agency Board, Executive and staff have developed close working relations at all levels. As Chairman I have a formal monthly meeting with the Minister for Economic Development and Transport as well as ad hoc meetings on specific matters. The Minister also attends Agency Board Meetings on a regular basis.
Relationships between Assembly officials and Agency staff are well established with significant Agency input into Welsh Assembly Government policy formulation. This is not confined to economic development as the Agency's remit extends to rural and social inclusion issues. Hence, regular Agency attendance at meetings of the Agricultural and Rural, Local Government and Culture Committees, as well as the Regional Committees of the Assembly. All this combines to bring increased openness and transparency to our relations with the Assembly when compared to our modus operandi with the former Welsh Office.
Specific Experience
There are particular incidences that the Agency has encountered with regard to powers which fall outside the remit of the Assembly. Firstly, with regard to the approval of energy generation projects over a prescribed power output level. From our discussions with companies in Wales this requirement to make applications to Whitehall for generation and planning permissions is becoming increasingly onerous, particularly with the increased level of activity in the renewable energy field. Secondly, relating to the lack of devolved powers to the Environmental Agency Wales for addressing specifically Welsh Issues.
Conclusion
The Agency Board welcomes this opportunity to forward both general and specific comments on the powers of the Assembly, and to confirm that we express no particular views on the electoral arrangements.
Yours faithfully

Roger Jones
AWDURDOD DATBLYGU CYMRU PLAS GLYNDWR, FFORDD Y BRENIN CAERDYDD, CF10 3AH FFON: 029 20 828667 FFACS: 029 20 368298 EBOST: Helen.Manson@wda.co.uk			WELSH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY PLAS GLYNDWR, KINGSWAY CARDIFF, CF10 3AH TEL: 029 20828667 FAX: 029 20 368298 EMAIL: Helen.Manson@wda.co.uk

Richard Commission: Views And Experience Of The Welsh Development Agency