§ 24. Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement regarding the state of manufacturing in Wales. [83091]
§ Peter HainWhile manufacturing output in Wales fell in the last four quarters by 7.3 per cent, compared with the same figures a year ago, output for the last quarter rose by 2.6 per cent.
The general UK slowdown in manufacturing, which began in 2001, was clearly influenced by the synchronised global slowdown, collapse in demand for ICT-related goods and heightened uncertainty in the aftermath of 11 September.
807WThe slowdown remains a global phenomenon, but Wales and the UK stand ready to benefit from any sustained recovery due to the Government's pro-active enterprise agenda.