§ 8. Mr. David HeathWhat discussions he has had with representatives of local government in the south-west of England concerning regional economic development. [17477]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesI have had no such formal discussions myself. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister 346 will, however, be announcing later today the Government's proposals for regional development agencies in England. I am an enthusiastic supporter of that development. I hope that they will be as successful in England as the Welsh Development Agency has been in Wales. I know that the hon. Gentleman will want to join me in congratulating the WDA on its latest success in getting a multi-million-pound investment in Ebbw Vale by Yuasa Battery, which will create a further 148 new jobs.
§ Mr. HeathGiven that, on our side of the Bristol channel, we do not have the advantage of a Secretary of State, or of a new assembly, or yet of a regional development agency, will the Secretary of State give me an assurance that he would not countenance any inducements being given to move companies from areas of high unemployment in the west country to areas of low unemployment in Wales?
§ Mr. DaviesThere is no suggestion that this Government would ever be party to such a development.
§ Mr. Llew SmithI welcome the Secretary of State's announcement about new jobs in the Ebbw Vale community. Does he recognise that the Welsh Office's preferred option for the A465 Heads of the Valley road will run through the Rassau industrial estate and could affect the future development of that factory? Would the Secretary of State or one of his Ministers be willing to meet and discuss the matter with the local authority?
§ Mr. DaviesI have already had meetings with Yuasa Battery and with representatives of my hon. Friend' s local authority. I am aware of the difficulties that the company perceives, but it is my understanding that the present development can go ahead, with the aligned road proceeding as planned.