§ 21. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many job losses have been announced, and how many new jobs have been created, in Blaenau Gwent in the past 12 months. [4212]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyWhile the figures are not exhaustive, a survey of announcements over the past 12 months suggests that around 1,000 jobs have been lost in Blaenau Gwent and just under 300 new jobs have been announced during this period. While these figures are disappointing, I am pleased to note that the unemployment rate in Blaenau Gwent Unitary Authority has fallen by 0.7 per cent. in the last year.
§ 22. Mr. David:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly on manufacturing job losses, with special reference to job losses in the Caerphilly county borough. [4213]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI meet the First Secretary regularly to discuss a wide range of issues including manufacturing employment in Wales.
While a number of manufacturing job losses have been announced in Caerphilly and across Wales during the past 12 months, I very much welcome the announcement of continued expansion at Norgine Pharmaceuticals and National Britannia, with a total of 144 jobs to be created in Caerphilly.