§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to mitigate the effects of job losses in areas affected by changes in Government defence policy in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI am concerned about job losses in Wales whether they occur as a result of changes in defence policy or for other reasons. My department and associated agencies make every effort to attract new jobs to affected areas by the provision of essential infrastructure such as new industrial sites; advance factory buildings; improved road communications; financial assistance to industry and increased training and retraining facilities. I also take every opportunity to promote Wales as an attractive location for new investment both from home and abroad.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of (a) the number of jobs in Wales directly or indirectly dependent on defence expenditure and (b) the numbers of such jobs which have been lost over the last two years or are under threat at present.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsDefence expenditure is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, but I am told that in June 1981 there were 6,346 service personnel in Wales, a slight increase since June 1979. In October 1981 there were 9,292 civilian employees in Wales, a fall of about 500 over the past two years. No detailed information is available for indirect job losses in Wales.
The Royal naval armament depot stores at Llangennech and the MOD depot at Pembroke dock are due to close, but the rundown is not expected to commence until 1983.