§ 6. Mr. Barry Jones (Alyn and Deeside)When he intends to meet Assembly Secretaries to discuss the assisted area map of Wales. [88527]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Alun Michael)That is a matter for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has lead responsibility, but, as Secretary of State for Wales, I was directly involved in those discussions until 30 June. The Assembly Cabinet will take the matter forward with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
§ Mr. JonesIs it not the case that my right hon. Friend has discussed those matters with our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry? May I persuade him that it is absolutely vital to my constituency that we retain assisted area status and that we have restored to us objective 2 status, which was taken away five years ago by the previous Administration? Does he accept that Airbus, Raytheon and the many companies on Deeside industrial park need to know that, in the years ahead, my constituency will have assisted area status and objective 2 status, so that we can continue to obtain investment—especially investment from abroad—and the grants available to indigenous industry? May I urge my right hon. Friend to ensure that Deeside remains on the assisted area map?
§ Mr. MichaelMy right hon. Friend always makes the best possible case for his constituency. With him, I have visited both Airbus and Raytheon and I am impressed by their work. Through him, I congratulate the workers at Raytheon on their successes in recent weeks. I can certainly confirm that the best possible case for Wales has been made within Government and that Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, have listened carefully and sympathetically.
§ Mr. Richard Livsey (Brecon and Radnorshire)As we know, this is a matter for the Department of Trade and Industry. In his discussions with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has the Secretary of State for Wales emphasised the importance of obtaining assisted area status for the upper Swansea valley, which has been badly hit by unemployment? Can he give us any idea when an announcement will be made on assisted area status, which would give a much-needed injection to such areas?
§ Mr. MichaelBoth I and the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), as junior Minister responsible have done everything possible within the powers of the Welsh Office and in co-operation with other colleagues to ensure that the enormous problems in the upper Swansea valley are understood and that everything possible is done. I cannot say more than I have 1018 about the short period that we have to wait before the full details are available, but the hon. Gentleman can be satisfied that we fully understand and share his concerns.