HC Deb 07 February 1989 vol 146 cc589-90W
Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what opportunities he foresees for(a) Wales and (b) west Wales as a result of the construction of the Channel tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

[holding answer 6 February 1989]: The Government have revitalised the economy of Wales: industry is now more diverse and competitive and overall economic performance and activity have improved. Wales is thus well placed to take full advantage of the trading opportunities which the tunnel will afford in terms of better access to Europe.

appointment at a particular hospital or clinic. Information on waiting lists as at 31 March 1988 is given in the following table.

Information on the average waiting period for appointments is not available centrally. However the notional waiting time to clear out-patient waiting lists is presented in the following table for comparison:

into management agreements in each environmentally sensitive area, (d) the number of agreements concluded with farmers in each environmentally sensitive area and, (e) the total area of land covered by agreements in each environmentally sensitive area.

Mr. Peter Walker

The information requested is as follows:

West Wales will share in these benefits and, in particular, the improved facilities at Milford Haven and Pembroke dock put the area in a strong position to take advantage of all the opportunities for increased levels of trade with Europe.

Welsh industry is already involved with the construction phase of the tunnel. To date several Welsh firms have been successful in attracting work worth over £7 million. I am sure that Welsh concerns will continue to play a valuable role during construction.

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