HC Deb 12 December 2001 vol 376 cc859-60W
25. Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet small business leaders to discuss inward investment in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [20062]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I have regular meetings with business leaders in Wales to discuss a range of issues affecting their businesses.

Inward investment makes a significant contribution to the Welsh economy by bringing in new products, new skills and new ideas. Since December 2000, Wales has attracted capital investment of £633 million, promising 5,346 new jobs and the safeguarding of 4,335 existing jobs.