§ 12. Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to make an announcement about loan sanction for Cardiff City Council to pay compensation to Emeralda Ltd.
§ Mr. Barry JonesMy right hon. and learned Friend will be meeting a deputation from the city council shortly and will then consider what action to take.
§ Mr. RobertsI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he tell the House whether it is possible for Cardiff City Council to pay compensation to Emeralda without the sanction of the Welsh Office? I know that the hon. Gentleman appreciates that this old-established firm and 160 jobs depend on payment of the compensation which is owed to the company. Will he act as expeditiously as possible?
§ Mr. JonesI shall not anticipate my right hon. and learned Friend's meeting with Cardiff City Council, which must be in the very near future, but I tell the hon. Gentleman that I appreciate his concern and that we know of the possible redundancies. My right hon. and learned Friend will discuss with the city council what steps can best be taken to overcome the problem.
Mr. Fred EvansWill my hon. Friend accept that not only the city of Cardiff but minor businesses north of Cardiff are vitally affected by this decision?