§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the current high unemployment rates, and with the 309W proposed loss of 6,300 steel jobs by April 1980 in mind, he will authorise an urgent high-level overseas effort, by those Government agencies whose function it is to assist in obtaining job projects in Wales, particularly in the countries of Japan, West Germany and the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe Government are engaged in major efforts to attract inward investment for the benefit of the country as a whole, and of the areas of greatest need in particular. In Wales, the Development Corporation for Wales, in close co-operation with the Welsh Office Industry Department, the Welsh Development Agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales, BSC (Industry) and local authorities, undertakes a substantial programme of overseas promotional work. In all this, priority is given to the needs of the steel closure areas and other areas of high unemployment. This work will continue with my full support.