HC Deb 09 December 1985 vol 88 cc610-1
7. Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what success his Department has had in attracting new high technology business ventures to west Glamorgan and Dyfed.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Since April 1983, when WINvest came into being, there have been 19 new projects and expansions attracted to Dyfed and west Glamorgan and known to my Department, including four in high technology. These have the potential to create more than 900 jobs and to safeguard more than 1,200 others.

Mr. Anderson

Certainly on the figures given to me by the West Glamorgan county council there have been no new high technology ventures in west Glamorgan. It would be interesting to hear the size of those claimed by the Secretary of State. Is he aware that in recent weeks there has been a deluge of job losses in south-west Wales, including those in Austin Rover, Addis, Inco and Lucas Electrical? Is it not crystal clear for anyone who wishes to see it that the present package of regional measures is not succeeding in south-west Wales, cannot attract industries further west along the M4, and must be strengthened if we are to save our economy?

Mr. Edwards

Some of the projects are in west Glamorgan. WlNvest is well aware of the needs of west Wales. Twenty-one per cent. of the companies which first visited Wales in 1985 to look at possible locations have been taken to west Glamorgan. Since the changes in the assisted areas boundaries, the attraction of the M4 sites has undoubtedly moved westwards, and the Baglan industrial park is now proving an attractive location for incoming projects. The hon. Gentleman will also be aware that the agency is collaborating with University college, Swansea, in the development of the innovation centre on the Singleton campus—an extremely imaginative and exciting project.

Mr. Barry Jones

There are 25,000 west Glamorgan people out of work, and my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson) has mentioned the 270 Ystradgynlais job losses, which are a major, severe, and very worrying blow to the Swansea valley. The right hon. Gentleman has been complacent this afternoon. Will he tell us whether the people of Ystradgynlais and west Glamorgan can look forward to new jobs in the near future?

Mr. Edwards

I am not being in the least complacent. I am telling the House of the practical steps that have been taken. The hon. Gentleman can point to closures, just as we can point to substantial new investment by 3M, among other very advanced and long-established companies. It was good news for the area that the Government and the company were able to introduce new plans for Borg Warner's site at Kenfig, which we previously thought would be lost to us. Therefore, there is a good deal of new investment going into the area.