§ 16. Mr. AdleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress at the Wales Railway Centre; and if he has any plans to pay a visit there.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerWith financial assistance from various public bodies, locomotives have been purchased, and work is under way on site security and other improvements at Bute street, Cardiff. Other commitments mean that I will not be able to visit the centre when the first locomotives are due to arrive later this month, but I hope that a ministerial visit can be made as soon as possible. I am sure we all recognise the contribution that my hon. Friend has made to this project.
§ Mr. AdleyIn thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, will he, for me, please thank everybody in his Department, the WDA, the South Glamorgan county council, the Welsh Industrial and Maritime museum and all those involved? Is he aware that this is an outstanding example of co-operation between a whole range of public bodies? Can he please assure the House that he will continue to keep a close eye on its progress?
§ Mr. WalkerI think that the project will be successful, and I agree that great collaboration took place and brought about its success.
§ Mr. MichaelIn welcoming the Secretary of State's answer, may I ask him whether he recognises that the centre is located in the area of highest unemployment in the South Glamorgan area, indeed such as to make Pwllheli, which itself has an unacceptable level, seem fairly reasonable? Will he bear that in mind in ensuring that employment opportunities for the people of that locality are concentrated on?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir.