§ 9. Sir Raymond Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what further progress he has made in considering the proposal from the Wales TUC for a research study into the feasibility of setting up a resource centre.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI am arranging to make a grant of £40,000 available to the Wales TUC to assist with this study, and parliamentary approval will be sought in the spring Supplementary Estimate for the regional industrial development (Wales) Vote.
§ Sir Raymond GowerDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the proposal was a most interesting suggestion from the Wales TUC, which deserves every commendation? Will the Welsh CBI be asked to co-operate in some way?
§ Mr. EdwardsI congratulate the Wales TUC on its constructive suggestion. In these difficult times it seemed to be a proposal which deserved a response, and I am glad that we have been able to make funds available. The study is also likely to get support from the Welsh Development Agency. It is a feasibility study, not a long-term programme. We shall have to see what the results are. I do not answer for the CBI.
§ Dr Roger ThomasWe welcome the Government's response, even though it is particularly belated, to the setting up of a resource centre. Unfortunately, during the nine months that have elapsed since the TUC first mentioned the proposal to the Welsh Select Committee—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Even Front Bench spokesmen must ask questions and not make statements.
§ Dr. Roger ThomasIs the Secretary of State aware that during the nine months since the proposal was first mooted by the Wales TUC unemployment in Wales has escalated by nearly 40,000?
§ Mr. EdwardsOf course I am aware of the unemployment figures, but they make the scheme more, not less, desirable. I am glad that we have been able to find the resources for the study to go ahead. I note that the Wales TUC has given a far less grudging response than has the hon. Gentleman.