HC Deb 23 November 1970 vol 807 cc8-9
8. Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for improving the industrial infrastructure of Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The totality of the Government's policies on assistance to industry, including the wider use of Local Employment Acts powers, is intended to secure an improvement in the industrial infrastructure of Wales.

Mr. Kinnock

I accept that the present Government want to make some gestare of support towards Wales, because the last Government made it such an absolute stanchion of Government policy towards the region. However, would the right hon. and learned Gentleman not accept that the generalised support available under the Local Employment Acts is the most inadequate, and that in 1963–64 the total expenditure was £35 million, and that this was raised last year to £89 million nationally, mainly because of the other attractions available? Will he therefore explain to the House and the people of Wales how he expects that we can have the rise in employment opportunities required just by generalised Local Employment Act policies?

Mr. Speaker

Order. I would remind the House again that long questions cut out some hon. Member who also has a right to put a Question if it is reached.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The £25 million earmarked under the Local Employment Act for the United Kingdom as a whole will be spent mainly on the infrastructure. As the hon. Member knows—I announced it last Question Time—we are spending considerably more on roads.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Will the Minister confirm that in at least some parts of Wales an adequate industrial infrastructure depends on the retention and development of railways lines, particularly on the Cambrian coast?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that communications are of vital importance in Wales.