7. How is the Welsh Government supporting the economy of Bridgend? OAQ52885

Our policies to support the economy across Wales, including Bridgend, are set out in the 'Prosperity for All' national strategy and in the economic action plan.

Thank you for that answer. I know we've both been very disappointed to have heard of the Bridgend Ford plant's situation recently where staff were told to take a week off and to stop producing the Land Rover engines. It's news that many had been dreading, not just families and staff, but of course, employees in the supply chain. You'll also know how disappointed we all were when you didn't get a chance to meet Ford bosses when you were last in the United States, but perhaps you can tell us now who have you spoken to in the company following the recent development and have you been making provisional plans for a support package for employers and, indeed, supply chain employees, in the same way that you did for Tata Steel, should Ford think the unthinkable?

Well, I spoke to their government affairs person on Thursday. I asked her a number of questions. She provide me with assurance that this is a temporary issue. It's out of Ford's hands and to do with Jaguar Land Rover, and much of it is to do, ultimately, with Brexit at the end of the day. So, Ford are major suppliers of JLR. Because JLR are in the position that they are in, then Ford have had no option but to take the action that they have, even though that action—I've received complete assurance—is temporary.

Now, of course, Ford remains the largest private employer in the Bridgend area and celebrated the production for the first Dragon engine last month. It's completely new. The production line necessary to produce it was supported by the Welsh Government, so, I'll be visiting the factory next week on 14 November to celebrate the production of that new engine, and we'll continue to work with Ford, as we have for many, many years, to ensure the plant's future in Bridgend.