7. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's strategy for increasing employment in South Wales West? OAQ54028

Llywydd, our economic action plan sets out our plans to increase employment across Wales. The establishment of regional units allows us to maximise the strengths of these distinct places and identify key economic priorities within each of those areas.

Thank you, First Minister. As has already been said, Ford's decision to close the Bridgend plant is a massive blow for my region, which has seen unprecedented job losses over the last few decades. With continuing uncertainty about Tata's Port Talbot steelworks, it is clear that we need a different strategy. Previous economic development plans have failed to improve the region, despite millions of pounds of investment. First Minister, what will you do differently to ensure that there are sufficient high-paid jobs in South Wales West?

Well, Llywydd, I don't agree with the Member that there haven't been improvements in the region. We have some of the best employment figures that we've ever had in Wales, and the improvement in reducing economic inactivity rates in Wales over the last 12 months has been seven times greater in Wales than across the United Kingdom as a whole. So, there clearly are improvements, and we shouldn't run those down as though they hadn't happened.

As far as Tata is concerned, we continue to work very closely with the company to make sure that there isn't uncertainty about its future, and we are fully focused on securing the future of steel making here in Wales. In an earlier answer, I referred to the Oxis Energy plant that has just been announced for Port Talbot in the Member's region. It will be a rechargeable battery manufacturer. It is supported with £3.2 million-worth of investment from the Development Bank of Wales, and is another sign—. Despite the difficulties that have been quite rightly explored on the floor of the Chamber his afternoon, it is part of our determination to fashion a successful future for that part of Wales.

And finally, question 8. Hefin David.