Single Market

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 May 1989.

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Photo of Mr Nicholas Bennett Mr Nicholas Bennett , Pembroke 12:00, 8 May 1989

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what preparations are being made by his Department for the introduction of the single European market on 1 January 1993.

Photo of Mr Peter Walker Mr Peter Walker , Worcester

My Department is actively engaged in a vigorous campaign to encourage Welsh businesses to prepare for the single European market. It provides information and expert advice on the key issues, and access to a wide variety of practical assistance, including the consultancies available under Enterprise Wales.

Photo of Mr Nicholas Bennett Mr Nicholas Bennett , Pembroke

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the most important decisions concerning 1992 are now being taken in Wales? What is the latest figure for inward investment and what effect does my right hon. Friend expect that to have on exporting prospects for Wales in 1993?

Photo of Mr Peter Walker Mr Peter Walker , Worcester

I agree that action is needed now. I am pleased to say that throughout the Principality a whole range of decisions is being taken by commercial concerns. Inward investment is transforming the Welsh economy as an exporting country. In fact, the five biggest inward investments of the past few years, when completed, will produce about £1 billion of exports per year.

Dr. Thomas:

Would the Secretary of State care to explain how the attitude of his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the Lingua programme is helpful to Welsh prisoners as they approach 1992?

Photo of Mr Peter Walker Mr Peter Walker , Worcester

That is of no basic disadvantage; nor will it affect them.