§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to combat the high unemployment in the Teifi valley in mid-Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsMy hon. Friend the Minister of State convened and chaired a meeting earlier this year of a wide range of bodies and individuals concerned with encouraging new employment opportunities in the Teifi valley. The meeting produced useful ideas for assisting development in the valley, many of which are now under way. These include improved business advisory services, promotion of the valley as an employment and tourism centre, additional funding for social and community developments and the appointment of a secondee from the private sector to look afresh at the needs and opportunities of the area. These initiatives are in addition to the programmes of assistance to the area from Government, statutory agencies and European sources.