Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:01 pm on 24 September 2019.
That is welcome news, First Minister. Last week's announcement—confirmation of the investment of Ineos in my neighbour's seat in Bridgend—was welcomed throughout Bridgend and Ogmore and the whole region, showing once again that the Welsh Government has indeed stepped up to the mark to support our manufacturing base and jobs. Whilst this can't replace in its entirety the 1,700 jobs, it shows a confidence in the area and in the skills of the workforce that is hugely reassuring.
But could I ask the First Minister about the wider and sustained investment and support by the Welsh Government and its agencies in the Ogmore constituency over the last three years of this Assembly term: how many jobs and training places created and sustained, how many business start-ups, how many business support grants and loans and advice provided? If the Minister could give me a flavour in his response today, I'd be grateful, though I'm happy to have chapter and verse in a more detailed answer afterwards. And would he confirm that the Bridgend and Ogmore M4 belt is still home to some of the largest concentrations of manufacturing in Wales and some of the most highly skilled workers?