§ 12. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he intends to initiate discussions with local authorities in Gwent concerning proposals contained in Cmnd. 9111, "Regional Industrial Development".
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has, I understand, offered to meet a deputation from Gwent. I shall be represented at the meeting by my hon. Friend the Minister of State.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate the concern of local authorities in Gwent about the thousands of jobs that have been lost, thus causing great poverty and hardship? Those local authorities have fought very hard to attract new jobs to their areas, but they now need a bit of stability in terms of regional aid, instead of further cuts and alterations. Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that their voice is heard in the Cabinet when such matters are further discussed?
§ Mr. EdwardsOf course I understand the concern of people in Gwent and elsewhere, but as for the case for stability, even the Labour party in Wales, which has made representations during the consultation period, has called for a more selective approach, a closer linking of aid to job creation, and cost per job limits on assistance as well as maintaining the desirability of bringing service industries fully within the scope of the system. Thus, there is clear agreement right across the political spectrum about some changes, and the Government are consulting on them.
§ Mr. HoosonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that employment in Gwent can best be helped by protecting employment at the Llanwern steelworks?
§ Mr. EdwardsYes, Sir.