§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new measures he proposes to assist manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement. [56490]
§ Mr. HainThe Government inherited an economy displaying pressures which have led to boom-bust instability in the past. As a result, the economy needed to slow to a more sustainable rate. The Government recognise the concerns of manufacturers and exporters about the pound. They are pursuing policies to deliver long-term economic stability, the essential platform for encouraging high levels of growth and employment in the manufacturing industry, as in the whole economy. In Wales, our New Economic Agenda, Pathway to Prosperity sets out a programme for manufacturing industry in Wales to achieve world class standards.