asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to halt the drift of population from the rural areas of Wales; and if he will make a statement.

In the rural areas of Wales which have a high rate of unemployment as well as depopulation, financial help for establishing new industries is available under the Local Employment Act, 1960. In other depopulating areas similar help is available from the Development Fund. These measures, together with exchequer assistance for agriculture and forestry, and for the provision of basic services, all strengthen the rural economy and thus help to counter further depopulation.