§ 1. Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the percentage male unemployment in the Swansea group, in West Glamorgan and in Wales as a whole in May 1979 and at the latest available date.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)In May 1979 the rate in the Swansea travel-to-work area was 8.3 per cent., in West Glamorgan 7.4 per cent. and in Wales 8.5 per cent. The corresponding figures for 14 January 1982 are 19.6 per cent., 18.4 per cent. and 19 per cent.
§ Mr. AndersonAre not those appalling figures for the rise in male unemployment clear evidence that the destruction of the manufacturing base in West Glamorgan, and in Wales as a whole, has been caused by the Government's monetarist policies. When will the Secretary of State raise his voice in the Cabinet in favour of greater growth and an end to this tragic waste of human resources?
§ Mr. EdwardsI agree that the figures are serious, and it is an expression of that concern that I have, for example, today announced a record urban programme directed 2 towards industrial infrastructure and the easing of the consequences of these problems. A total of £15 million represents a 45 per cent. increase in expenditure over last year and is more than double the amount spent in 1979–80. The hon. Gentleman may also agree that there are encouraging signs from the 300 inquiries and the 40 allocations in the enterprise zone that a good deal of new industry is moving into his area.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerDoes my right hon. Friend accept that there is general admiration for the way in which he has fought in the Cabinet for Wales? In view of the immense damage being done by the ASLEF strike to the prospect for jobs in the railways industry in Wales, and, still more, for those industries dependent on rail, such as coal and steel, will my right hon. Friend endeavour to ascertain from the right hon. Member for Rhondda (Mr. Jones) whether he agrees with the total support expressed by the right hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Booth) for the ASLEF strike?
§ Mr. EdwardsFortunately, as my hon. Friend knows, I have no responsibility for the views of Labour Members. He will understand, even if they do not, that a strike of this kind must be gravely damaging not just to the railway industry but to all other industries that depend on the railways.
§ Mr. Barry JonesDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that if Nissan were to locate its motor car project in Wales, some hope for the future would be generated? Did the Minister read in The Sunday Times yesterday that Lord Marsh is advising Nissan? Has he met Lord Marsh, and will he make a statement about the Nissan plant at some date?
§ Mr. EdwardsI have no further information about the Nissan project. I have over the past few months met both the chairman and the deputy chairman of Nissan. The Government have made it clear that it is for the company to choose its location, and we do not yet know whether the company will go ahead with the project.
§ Mr. ColemanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer that he gave my hon. Friend the Member for 3 Swansea, East(Mr. Anderson) will only confirm the public view of the disgraceful employment position in Wales? Will he use his influence with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry in asking him to reverse the decision made by the previous Secretary of State for Industry and restore regional aids, thereby possibly lowering unemployment to what it was when this Government came into office?
§ Mr. EdwardsI note the hon. Gentleman's comment about our decisions, but I also point out that last year alone the Welsh Development Agency completed more factories than it had built in the three years up to 1979, and it is likely to do the same thing this year. What is more, a record number of those factories were allocated in the past 12 months.