§ 14. Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last discussed the level of employment in Wales with the First Secretary of the Assembly. [151061]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI regularly meet the First Secretary and discuss a wide range of issues including employment in Wales.
The employment rate in Wales for the period October to December 2000 represents 69.5 per cent. of the working age population.
§ 26. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to increase investment and employment in Wales. [151073]
262W
§ Mr. Paul MurphyWhile I do not retain any executive functions which would allow me to make direct proposals investment of investment or employment matters, I am in regular contact with Cabinet colleagues and with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales to discuss how best to shape and take forward initiatives.
I am, however, responsible for securing the Welsh block for the Assembly. This Government secured Objective 1 status and funding for Wales, and provided funding over and above the Barnett allocation as part of the comprehensive spending review. This is further evidence of this Government's commitment to regenerate some of the most deprived areas of Wales.