HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc12-3
13. Mr. Alec Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much additional expenditure on infrastructure schemes in Wales has been allocated for the years 1971–72 and 1972–73; and how many additional jobs this has created.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Details of the £21 million programme to be undertaken mainly in the period to March, 1973, were published in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 18th October, 1971. A high proportion of the further £9 million allocated for trunk and principal road schemes will also be spent in this period. As regards additional employment I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 29th November, 1971, to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John.)—[Vol. 827, c. 4.]

Mr. Jones

May we take it that if the Secretary of State is not able to tell us the figures of the additional employment being created he will cease blowing his own trumpet by publishing these figures at frequent intervals, and, above all, that he will bear in mind that the people of Wales will expect him in their interests to resist any further weakening in regional policy as suggested by the Prime Minister last week? If there is any further weakening of regional policy through the allocation of I.D.C.s the people of Wales will expect at least the resignation of the Secretary of State.

Mr. Thomas

That supplementary question goes a little wider than the main Question, which refers to infrastructure. The fact that an additional £30 million will be spent, or that its expenditure will be accelerated, in Wales, means inevitably that employment will be provided.

Mr. Jones

How long will it take?

Mr. Kinnock

When?

Mr. Thomas

These schemes have only just started and, undoubtedly, there will be in 1972–73 a period of acceleration of a number of schemes. Many of them will be dealt with by local authorities. It is impossible for one to be precise about the number of jobs, but if we accelerate expenditure by £30 million, inevitably that will provide employment.

Mr. Jones

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.