HC Deb 21 January 1985 vol 71 cc722-3
13. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will list those social and economic features of Wales his Department takes steps to stress to potential overseas investors.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Overseas investors choose locations where they think their business will thrive. The perception of Wales as an area of developing technology is, therefore, highly relevant. Wales offers them a skilled and adaptable work force, good industrial relations, good communications, attractive sites and premises, strong industrial back-up, good educational facilities and attractive living conditions. Financial inducements are an important but by no means major element in the complete package on offer.

Mr. Grist

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, while stressing that our fine golfing facilities are a plus with the Japanese, the Cardiff area enjoys all the facilities that he mentioned to a degree unparalleled in the rest of the country?

Mr. Edwards

Cardiff and large parts of industrial Wales are extremely well placed to compete. Indeed, I tell my Japanese friends that it takes longer to get to their golf courses from the centre of Tokyo than it takes to get from London to the centre of Cardiff.

Mr. Wigley

In view of the importance of communications, to which the Secretary of State referred, what assurances can he give to industrialists and others that the experience on the A55 between Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr, which was closed for large parts of last week by a landslide, will not be repeated? Will he assure us that the Welsh Office will investigate the rumours circulating in the area that the landslides were started by drilling initiated by the Welsh Office?

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is somewhat wide of the question.

Mr. Edwards

I agree that communications are extremely important. We cannot give absolute assurances that landslips or nature will not intervene to interrupt transport links temporarily. The hon. Gentleman will know that we are spending enormous sums at present on improving that road.

Mr. Barry Jones

As an economic feature, does the right hon. Gentleman stress skill training? Will he tell us of his efforts to prevent the closure of the Llanelli and west Gwent skillcentres? Is he prepared to accept that if he does not prevent those closures it will be a humiliating defeat for him?

Mr. Edwards

Skill training is of first importance for attracting new industry, and the Government have done more than any previous Government to develop it. The proposals to which the hon. Gentleman referred come from the management of the Manpower Services Commission to the commission, and the commission has not yet taken a final view on them or given that view to Ministers. When that happens, I shall consider what further action is required.