HC Deb 05 March 1998 vol 307 cc735-6W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are employed by the Welsh Development Agency abroad, indicating in which(a) countries and (b) cities; and if he will make a statement. [32215]

Mr. Hain

The WDA has 25 people employed in its International Division abroad and they are based in the following cities and countries; Brussels in Belgium; Hong Kong in China; Milan in Italy; Seoul in Korea; Taipei in Taiwan; Tokyo in Japan; Boston, Chicago and San Francisco in the USA and Ottawa in Canada.

Two operating consultants are employed in Australia and the Wales European Centre in Brussels respectively. In addition three people are seconded to the Wales European Centre in Brussels. I attach great importance to the continuing International work of the WDA which has been very successful in attracting inward investment to Wales.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are employed by the Welsh Development Agency in north Wales; in which locations; and if he will make a statement. [32214]

Mr. Hain

The WDA currently employs 36 people in North Wales. In addition there are four people employed in posts funded by the European Commission/Welsh Office. All the staff are based at the WDA's office at St. Asaph, although use is made of the WDA's office at Parc Menai, Bangor as and when required.

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