§ 15. Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the prospects for manufacturing industries in Wales in 1995.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesProspects for manufacturing industries in Wales are excellent. Over the past four months, the balance of firms reporting a rise in the volume of new orders in Wales has increased faster than at any time since the Confederation of British Industry, Wales, started its survey in 1978, and at double the United Kingdom rate. About half of Welsh firms say that their order books are above normal levels. Exporters are doing even better.
§ Mr. Barry JonesWhat can the Government do to assist further the beleaguered Raytheon jet workers in my constituency? Does he accept that Raytheon bought Corporate Jets to merge with Beech? Does he understand that Raytheon bought Corporate Jets so that it could eliminate competition and take jobs to America? How can the Government further assist my constituents?
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesI readily acknowledge the time that the hon. Gentleman—as well as my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Mr. Brandreth) and others—has devoted to this important problem. He, too, will know that his concern is completely shared by the Government, and my right hon. Friend has made considerable efforts to try to support the prospects of the Raytheon plant in north Wales by securing fresh orders. We will continue to make every appropriate effort.