§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to seek to attract private funds for investment in industrial ventures in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have met and continue to meet a wide range of representatives of financial institutions, during which I take every opportunity to impress on them the advantages of investment in Wales. In addition, the Welsh Development Agency attempts to lever a maximum of private sector funds alongside its own investments, and has entered into partnership directly with the private sector through the Welsh venture capital fund.