HC Deb 09 December 1985 vol 88 cc609-10
6. Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the expenditure to date by National Coal Board (Enterprise) Ltd. in Wales; and what is the estimate for 1985–86.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

National Coal Board (Enterprise) Ltd. informs me that almost £1 million has now been committed to projects in Wales to provide more than 1,400 job opportunities. In addition, it is providing £700,000 over three years for the support of enterprise agencies in mining areas of south Wales. Total expenditure in 1985–86 will depend on the number of acceptable projects submitted.

Mr. Davies

Although the expenditure is welcome, does the Secretary of State realise that the expenditure which has been incurred to date has been spent, not on developing new enterprises, but on existing enterprises, and that the jobs which have been created by that investment provide neither the scope nor the number required to make up the deficiencies caused by the Government's policy of closing colliery after colliery in south Wales? If the right hon. Gentleman will take time this afternoon to go to the Coalfield's Communities Campaign exhibition and talk to its hosts, he will get at first hand a genuine understanding of the depth of misery and insecurity which is being caused in the coalfields of south Wales.

Mr. Edwards

I disagree with the hon. Gentleman. The sum is part of the total resources coming from many different quarters to deal with the problem. So far the Government have authorised funding of £20 million for the company, of which more than £15 million remains. To date south Wales has received about one third of it. Most of it has gone to support individuals setting themselves up in work and business. Support is also being provided at 11 enterprise agencies, some newly created, in south Wales. That is an extremely good record in the starting period of this initiative.

Sir Raymond Gower

Will my right hon. Friend say whether he is in touch with the Manpower Services Commission to see whether extra training can be focused on the areas affected by closures of coalmines?

Mr. Edwards

The MSC is continually in close touch with my Department and with the other agencies. I assure my hon. Friend that the need for training priority in such areas is kept continually at the forefront of its mind.