Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:57 pm on 13 February 2019.
Well, in terms of the support that's available, I think the Member is referring to the support that might be required in order for businesses to reach the point where they've successfully signed the contract. That would be provided through Business Wales, both in terms of potential financial support, but more importantly, I think, probably, the advisory service that can be offered. In terms of loans versus grants, this is something that has occupied minds and debate in this place since the dawn of devolution. I'm still keen to ensure that we move away from a high dependence on grants towards greater utilisation of loans through the Development Bank of Wales and, where we do use grants, we align them more closely with our priorities, making sure that grants are utilised in geographical areas where there are higher instances of unemployment or where there is a greater need to skill up the workforce. In terms of grants generally, we should be applying the economic contract more widely. That includes across Government departments and within local authorities, and also through the procurement process.