§ 3. Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what response he has made to the pamphlet, "The Politics of Poverty in Blaenau Gwent", a copy of which was sent to him in September.
§ Mr. RedwoodI saw the pamphlet for the first time today and, like much Labour policy-making, it is long on gloom and doom and short on decent remedies. The best way of curing poverty is to create more jobs. That is why on 20 October I published details of the new five-year programme for the valleys to regenerate Blaenau Gwent and the other valley communities.
§ Mr. SmithIs the Minister aware, especially after reading the pamphlet today, that, after 14 years of Tory Government, Blaenau Gwent still has one of the worst health problems in the United Kingdom? Is he also aware that in the past week, phase 1 of the Blaenau Gwent hospital commenced and that the commitment was given that phase 2 will commence in 1995? Will he reinforce that commitment and assure the House that the second phase will include a stroke unit? Is the Minister aware that the document was sent to the Welsh Office some 28 days ago and does it not say something about the operations of the Welsh Office that it has come into his hands only today?
§ Mr. RedwoodI am told that the pamphlet was not addressed to me so it was perfectly proper that it did not go straight to my desk. I have now read it, but, as I said to the hon. Gentleman, we have a big programme for rejuvenating and regenerating the valleys. I hope that he joins me in welcoming Sega as a new investor in Wales, through its links with AB Electronics and the 50 new jobs that that will generate at Abercynon. I hope that he welcomes the Treforest news of STNP creating 129 new jobs as well as 755 new jobs at Tesco. That is what matters —producing new jobs for the valleys, which the hon. Gentleman is asking for in his pamphlet.
Yes, of course, we will ensure high-quality health services and ensure that the right health facilities are made available for his area as elsewhere in the valleys, as set out in the valleys document that I sent to him.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesNone of that is of any relevance whatever to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith). Is not it clear from his report that, in 1993, a previously unreported depth of poverty and deprivation that arises directly from unemployment and low pay exists in Wales. It is the direct responsibility of the Government and it is an absolute disgrace after 14 years in office. My hon. Friend should be congratulated on his report rather than criticism being 6 thrown against him. Does not the Secretary of State realise that we need more positive action on jobs and low pay and more investment in housing, health and education? Is not it time that the Tory party started facing up to its responsibilities, rather than indulging in the hypocritical moralising of other people?
§ Mr. RedwoodThe hon. Gentleman will not find me unwilling to accept responsibilities. I have set out in the valleys initiative the Government's major expenditure programmes for the next five years. They are geared to bringing in a lot more private sector investment as well, which is what the valleys require. The programme was very successful during its first five years and the number of long-term unemployed fell importantly and dramatically. I accept that much more needs to be done; I have never made any secret of that. The hon. Gentleman should listen and should read the valleys programme initiative because he will see there a bold vision of the future for a better south Wales, based on more jobs, more prosperity and more investment, which I hope that the Opposition welcome.