HC Deb 11 April 1983 vol 40 cc538-9
10. Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the number of new high technology industries attracted to the counties of West Glamorgan and Dyfed.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I believe that there is scope for improved effectiveness in the efforts made to attract high technology industry to all parts of Wales, including West Glamorgan and Dyfed, and that is why I have established Winvest to spearhead an intensified effort in this area.

Mr. Anderson

Is the Secretary of State aware of today's NEDO report stating that high technology jobs are likely to be one of the few growth sectors during the next decade? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that high technology industries such as Mitel at Caldicot and Inmos at Newport apparently cannot be attracted further west than east Gwent and that no Japanese investment has been attracted further west than Bridgend and Hirwaun? Under the Government's present policies, what prospect is there of attracting such important growth sector jobs further west?

Mr. Edwards

We are witnessing a lengthening of the high technology corridor along the M4. Align-Rite's recent announcement that it is setting up a plant in Bridgend is evidence of that. However, I agree that we must intensify our efforts. That is why I support the initiatives being taken, for example, by Swansea university and why we are working on the development of proposals for an industry technology centre under the umbrella of the Welsh Development Agency and incorporating the very enterprising Indis scheme developed by Mid-Glamorgan county council, which will also embrace the other counties in Wales.

Mr. John Morris

Does the Secretary of State accept that one of the technologies that is badly needed in west Glamorgan is a new hot mill at Port Talbot? Does the right hon. Gentleman recall intervening, not once, but twice, in my speech on Welsh affairs, and promising that a statement would be made before Easter? Despite the Western Mail's plaudits, going as far back as last November, has not the Secretary of State fallen flat on his face and made no attempt to explain why that statement was not made before Easter?

Mr. Edwards

I agree about the great importance of the hot mill project at Port Talbot. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry made a statement to the House and explained why he could not come to the House with full details of the corporate plan before Easter. However, the corporate plan has been submitted by BSC and includes proposals for the hot mill. I know that my right hon. Friend will hope to make a statement on the whole issue very soon.