§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the incentives available for enterprises located in areas of high unemployment which plan further investment to(a) create new jobs and (b) safeguard existing jobs, with particular reference to south Wales; [2257]
(2) if he will list the incentives available for inward investors in areas of high unemployment with particular reference to south Wales. [2258]
§ Mr. HainThe main form of Welsh Office incentive available in the south Wales Assisted Areas is Regional Selective Assistance (RSA). Grant is available to indigenous companies and inward investors alike, to help with eligible investment projects which create and/or safeguard jobs. Other Welsh Office assistance includes four types of innovation grant offered under the SMART WALES banner, which are available to small and medium490W sized enterprises. Various other incentives are offered by the Welsh Development Agency, Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, the Training and Enterprise Councils and local authorities. Comprehensive details of the forms of assistance available in specific areas is available from Business Connect Wales (telephone: 0345 96 97 98 or Internet http://www.bc-wales.org.uk).
Later this summer we will publish a Welsh Economic Strategy, which will set out our general approach and priorities. My right hon. Friend is currently consulting the business community in Wales about how their voice may best be heard within Government.