§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the latest estimate of the number of jobs which will be created in Wales in those advance factories let or sold by the Welsh Development Agency during the period of their most recent annual report;
(2) if he will make a statement on the priorities reflected in the geographic spread across Wales of the factories which have been let by the Welsh Development Agency during the period of its most recent annual report; if he has any plans to vary those priorities; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what plans he has in conjunction with the Welsh Development Agency for the construction of more advance factories in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsInformation on the number of jobs associated with the Welsh Development Agency's factory programme in 1985–86 is given in the agency's latest annual report and accounts which has been laid before the House today.
The WDA's programme of factory building is not founded on pre-determined geographic priorities. It relates to the agency's best assessment of need based on close consultation with local authorities and other interested bodies; and I have no plans to change this process. Significant factory construction will be possible within the framework of the substantially higher level of resources I announced for the agency on 8 December.