7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on economic growth in north Wales? OAQ(5)0123(EI)

Yes. Skills, connective infrastructure and innovation are key drivers of productivity and growth. These are central to our approach to economic development across all parts of Wales.

Cabinet Secretary, what consideration have you given to the potential growth in the wood manufacturing industry in north Wales? You’ll be aware that there are significant parts of north Wales that have forestry on them, but there have been significant concerns raised by people involved in the wood manufacturing industry about the lack of Welsh timber available in the marketplace at present, and that is, frankly, putting a foot on the windpipe of that particular industry and the potential of that industry to grow and for people to come into the industry and invest in new wood manufacturing plants. Clifford Jones Timber in Ruthin in my own constituency, and Blazer’s Fuels Ltd, for example, are two businesses that have the opportunity to expand significantly if there can be a reliable timber resource that they can have. This is a concern, and I wonder what you’re doing from the economic side to promote that particular industry in Wales.

Yes, the Member raises an important point. I’ve met with representative organisations—those who represent the wood manufacturing sector. It’s my belief that the wood manufacturing sector is not just good for the economy; it’s also actually good for the visitor economy more specifically, because the Member will know, from his close proximity to the Clwydian range, that a forested area of Wales is often more attractive than one that is deforested.

Llandegla.

Yes, absolutely, Llandegla, as you point out. It is important that we can find opportunities to replant what has often been lost. For that reason, I’m working with the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs to identify more opportunities to replant lost timber, not just, as I say, for the purpose of supporting the manufacturing sector, but also to support the visitor economy as well.

Cabinet Secretary, as you’ll know, connective infrastructure and high-quality transport networks are essential to the success of any economy and are especially key in the north-east Wales gateway area. It’s for that reason that I’ve welcomed the news of the Welsh Government’s intention to consult on the much-needed major improvements to the Deeside corridor—one of north Wales’s busiest sections of road. You’ll be aware that this has been raised with me time and time again by constituents and commuters alike, and I’ll be encouraging many individuals, community organisations and businesses to take part in the consultation when it opens on 13 March and which outlines two possible options for improvement.

Whilst we await the outcome of the consultation, I welcome this commitment by the Cabinet Secretary, which will see over £200 million invested in our area. But, Cabinet Secretary, will you make a commitment to keep the Assembly and, therefore, our communities and constituents in the area updated on the progress of this vital scheme, which will make an important contribution to stimulating economic growth in the area?

Can I thank the Member for her question? The Member is absolutely right to identify infrastructure as being a major enabler for further economic growth across north Wales. The development of a new corridor and the potential road widening of the A494 does indeed form part of a £200 million proposed investment and part of the biggest package of infrastructure investment in transport in north Wales since the dawn of devolution—something in the region of £600 million is being allocated for transport improvements across north Wales, and I’m pleased to be able to bring those projects forward.

In terms of consultation, we’ve moved at speed to bring that to commencement on 13 March. It will last 12 weeks. I will keep Members updated on the progress. I’m inviting residents across the region to give their views, not just online but also at a series of exhibitions.

The Member will also be interested to know that last week I awarded Flintshire council £85,000 to help it develop bus and active travel projects along the B5129 at Queensferry and into Deeside Industrial Park. As the Member knows, Deeside Industrial Park, as one of Europe’s biggest industrial parks, is a major employer for people in the constituency of Delyn, and we would like to encourage more people to access it through public transport and by active travel means. Our longer term plans for a metro scheme in north-east Wales will see a £50 million investment in the coming four years, and there are huge potential rewards for the local economy.

Finally, Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Thank you very much, Llywydd. I know that the Cabinet Secretary is placing great emphasis on developing the relationship with the north-west of England and, of course, it is a very natural relationship and a very important relationship. But, isn’t there a risk of losing sight of the importance of developing the economy of north Wales in and of itself, of developing links with the west in Ireland and with the rest of Wales, by giving the impression that we would be content to be an annexe to the economy over the border?

I think that’s an unfair assessment that, actually, demonstrates a lack of confidence and, dare I say it, pride in the Welsh economy. The fact is that the GVA of the Mersey Dee area, the north-east of Wales, and the local authority areas of Cheshire and the Wirral, amount to something in the region of 50 per cent of the GVA of Wales as a whole. Between them, they are huge economic forces, and they should also—both the Welsh and English partners—be in the driving seat of the Northern Powerhouse agenda. I do not wish to see Wales as a passenger in this area; I wish Wales to be driving the Northern Powerhouse initiative, and for that reason it is essential that we make sure the entire region is properly and fully connected. For that reason in turn, I am looking at developing a third crossing for the Menai strait and looking at improving the port infrastructure, so that we can have an access of economic prosperity that leads from Holyhead right through England, but which also connects, crucially, to the economy of Ireland.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary.