Industrial Development

HC Deb 21 November 1977 vol 939 cc1083-5

15. Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will outline his plans for further industrial development in Wales.

Mr. Alec Jones

We expect the encouraging signs for the future of the United Kingdom economy to be reflected in the pace of industrial development in Wales. My right hon. and learned Friend will use to the full his powers to provide selective assistance under the Industry Act and, through the relevant agencies and other means, to further economic development and investment in Wales.

Mr. Hughes

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. Will he confirm that the number of inquiries about industrial sites and factories in Wales is substantially on the increase? While I fully understand the absence of my right hon. and learned Friend from the Front Bench now, will my hon. Friend say on his behalf whether he felt that his visit to the Far East was a success and whether there is any substantial hope of further overseas investment in industry in Wales?

Mr. Alec Jones

I have discussed my right hon. and learned Friend's visit to Japan with him. He expressed the view that the organisations to which he spoke in Japan were interested in the United Kingdom, and particularly in Wales. Inquiries this year show an increase of 10 per cent. as against the comparable period last year, and visits, which are possibly a greater sign of interest, are up by some 20 per cent.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

But does not the Minister agree that the fall of more than six points in last quarter's industrial production index was quite appalling, and does he further agree that what needs to be done in Wales is to improve the prospects for small businesses on which we are particularly dependent for employment?

Mr. Alex Jones

We agree that small industries are very important for us in Wales, and that is why we believe that the concessions announced in the Chancellor's mini-Budget will be of help to us in Wales. That is why we believe that the extension of the small firms employment subsidy will be important to us in Wales and why we welcome the Welsh Development Agency's intention to concentrate a large share of its new advance factory building programme on building smaller factories.

Mr. Gwynfor Evans

Is the Minister aware that it is the lack of a balanced industrial and economic development in Wales that has led to a critical employment problem over much of the last two generations? Is he further aware that if Wales had had her own Government during that time—that is, if Wales had national freedom, of which we have not a jot today—the situation in Wales would be comparable perhaps with that in Norway, Sweden, Austria, Luxembourg or other small countries where unemployment is negligible compared with our own?

Mr. Alec Jones

May I answer the hon. Gentleman by asking him this question? Is he aware that much of the investment which we need for Wales will have to come from outside Wales, including from parts of England? He would do more good for the people of Wales if, instead of attacking those who come in, he made some contribution to the efforts they are making. I remind the hon. Gentleman that I have heard him in this House attack the Government's policy of dispersing jobs to Wales.