HC Deb 23 January 2002 vol 378 cc855-6W
8. Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on Government support for manufacturing industry in Wales. [27064]

Mr. Touhig

Despite recent labour market statistics which reflect the fundamental strength of the Welsh economy, some parts of the economy, such as manufacturing, continue to face real and sustained difficulties.

There are no simple solutions at hand to ease these problems, but the Government are helping British manufacturing to raise its game and to shift its focus from competing on the basis of cost alone towards high skill, high value-added products and processes.

10. Mark Tami

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about Government support for manufacturing industry in Wales. [27066]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I meet the First Minister regularly to discuss a range of issues, including manufacturing in Wales.

Despite recent labour market statistics which reflect the fundamental strength of the Welsh economy, some parts of the economy, such as manufacturing, continue to face real and sustained difficulties.

There are no simple solutions at hand to ease these problems, but the Government are helping British manufacturing to raise its game and to shift its focus from competing on the basis of cost alone towards high skill, high value-added products and processes.

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