§ 28. Mr. John SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for developing the aerospace industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [78086]
§ Mr. HainWelsh Office officials are regularly in touch with the aerospace companies in Wales. My right hon. Friend and I take a keen interest in its future and have met some of the companies. Officials together with the WDA and the TECs are working with the South Wales Aerospace Group to develop effective solutions to the skills needs of the sector. A study of the Group's recruitment and training needs was completed in 1998, with Welsh Office support, and the results of this, together with the recommendations of the Future Skills Wales survey are being used as the basis for taking forward action to ensure that the aerospace industry has the skilled personnel it needs.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.