§ 20. Mr. Bernard JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what incentives are offered to inward investors in Wales; and what inward investments have been attracted in the past 12 months. [35565]
§ Mr. HagueThe incentives available to inward investors into Wales are the same as those possible for indigenous companies: competitive overhead costs; good quality trained labour; a sophisticated industrial infrastructure; support and training; support by the Welsh Development Agency; and Government grant aid. The combination of these secured projects promising over 12,000 new and safeguarded jobs and capital investment of over £970 million in the last financial year. Since then, further new projects have been announced, including LG's £1.7 billion investment at Imperial park, Newport promising the creation of 6,100 jobs.
§ 29. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the current level of inward investment to Wales. [35574]
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§ Mr. HagueWales continues to attract levels of inward investment which are higher than its population share. Last year was a good year in which Wales secured projects promising over 12,000 new and safeguarded jobs and capital investment of over £970 million. I expect this year to be even better, particularly in the light of my announcement last week of LG's investment at Imperial park, Newport.
§ 30. Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on recent inward investment to Wales. [36923]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesOver the past few months, there has been a steady flow of inward investment success for the whole of Wales. The LG project has become the jewel in the crown and my right hon. Friend and I expect it to herald a new phase of success for Wales. The work of everyone involved in the LG project, and in the other projects that we have won over the past few months, should be applauded.