§ 25. Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Technology, in view of the fact that in the last financial year his Department spent less than 1 per cent. of its total expenditure in Wales, what his plans are to ensure that a greater proportion of his Department's work will be done in Wales.
§ Dr. BrayMy right hon. Friend is encouraging, as far as possible, the placing of Departmental contracts in Wales and other development areas.
§ Mr. EvansWill not the hon. Gentleman agree that his Department has a duty to ensure a spread of expenditure in Wales which is at least in proportion to population, and that the neglect of Wales by his Department and other spending Departments lies at the root of much of our economic malaise?
§ Dr. BrayThe Department is establishing industrial units at both Swansea and Bangor Universities. It has placed a large development contract for computer control work with the Steel Company of Wales and a project for automatic assembly equipment with Staveley. It will continue to seek further developments in Wales.