7. Will the First Minister make a statement on the importance of the defence manufacturing sector to the economy of the south Wales valleys? OAQ54929

Dirprwy Lywydd, the sector is a significant employer in the south Wales Valleys. General Dynamics alone provides some 1,100 people with highly skilled and well-paid jobs at its sites in Oakdale and Merthyr Tydfil.

Thank you for that and answer, First Minister. In the case of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, can I place on record the huge importance that I attach to the jobs, the economic benefits and the profile that comes from General Dynamics Land Systems in the constituency? Indeed, I know such jobs are of great value across all of our Valleys constituencies, so would you confirm that the Welsh Government is doing all it can in support of General Dynamics Land Systems UK in winning the UK multi-role vehicle protected group 2 programme? These types of investments are clearly of strategic importance to the Welsh economy, and if successful, this will mean more well-paid, highly skilled jobs delivering the first-rate Eagle 6x6 vehicle for the British army? I'm sure you would agree with me that we must help them to achieve that.

I thank the Member for that and for her very strong support for those companies in her constituency that make such an important contribution to the Welsh economy and are such a valued employer in her constituency and in others as well.

I know that she will be pleased to know that the Minister for Economy and Transport visited the Merthyr facility last week and was shown the Eagle vehicle at first-hand, and as a result has written to the Minister for defence procurement in the UK Government this week supporting the UK multi-role vehicle protected group 2 programme and particularly emphasising the benefits that winning the contract will have on the south Wales Valleys area, and ensuring that those jobs that are so important in the Merthyr constituency go on being supported by this Government and by the UK Government too.

Thank you very much, First Minister.