§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many inward investment projects have been attracted to Monmouth travel-to-work area since 1979; and if he will give details of those projects;
(2) what proposals he has to attract business investment and quality jobs to the Monmouth travel-to-work area.
§ Mr. David HuntComprehensive records are not available from 1979.
Wales has, however, secured record levels of inward investment in recent years and continuing efforts are made to draw to the attention of investors the advantages of locations throughout Wales. This includes targeted campaigns such as IT Wales and the financial services initiative. A range of assistance and considerable expert advice to aid industrial development is available from the Welsh Office and the Welsh Development Agency and tourism developments are encouraged by schemes operated by the Wales tourist board.
§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what delegation he has agreed to meet concerning the application for assisted area status for the Monmouth travel-to-work area;
(2) when he proposes to meet a delegation on behalf of Monmouth borough council, Monmouth town council, Gwent county council and Monmouth chamber of commerce concerning the application for assisted area status for the Monmouth travel-to-work area;
56W(3) when he next proposes to meet representatives of the business community in Monmouth to discuss business investment.
§ Mr. David HuntI have agreed to meet a deputation to discuss business investment in the area, including assisted area status, but the details have not yet been finalised.