(1)For the purpose of promoting the economic and social well-being of the people in the area of Wales for which it is responsible under this Act, there shall be a body to be called the Development Board for Rural Wales (in this Act referred to as “the Board”) having, in relation to that area, the functions conferred or imposed by this Act.
(2)The area in Wales for which the Board is responsible under this Act is, subject to subsection (3) below, the county of Powys and the districts of Ceredigion and Meirionnydd and such other areas in Wales as the Secretary of State may from time to time designate by order.
(3)The Secretary of State may by order designate an area which is to cease from the coming into operation of the order to be part of the area for which, by virtue of subsection (2) above, the Board is responsible under this Act.
(4)Before making an order under subsection (2) or (3) above, the Secretary of State shall consult—
(a)in the case of a proposal to make an order under subsection (2), the council of each county and of each district any part of whose area is or, if the order is made, will be included in the area for which the Board is responsible;
(b)in the case of a proposal to make an order under subsection (3), the council of each county and of each district any part of whose area is included in the area for which the Board is responsible;
(c)such organisations as appear to the Secretary of State to be representative of local authorities in Wales; and
(d)such other persons as appear to him to have an interest in the proposed change in the area for which the Board is responsible.
(5)Subject to subsection (6) below, the general function of the Board under this Act is to prepare, concert, promote, support and undertake measures for the economic and social development of the area for which it is responsible and in particular for the development of any area of a new town or new town situated within the area for which it is responsible.
(6)Except so far as it is authorised under section 4(1)(h) of this Act, the Board shall not engage in farming any land held by it or in forestry or afforestation on such land.
(7)Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the Board.
(8)An order under subsection (3) above may contain such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplemental provisions as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient.