Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 2:05 pm on 7 October 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of David Rowlands David Rowlands UKIP 2:05, 7 October 2020

Thank you very much, Minister, for that answer. Minister, we have heard much talk with regard to the centre of engineering excellence proposed for the Heads of the Valleys area, particularly around Ebbw Vale and other parts of Blaenau Gwent. Could the Minister give us an update on the projects envisaged for the region, in particular the possibility of TVR relocating to Ebbw Vale, which would of course be a catalyst for other automotive production companies?

And turning, Minister, to something I broached in a debate a little while ago, when I mentioned that there was a great opportunity with the closure of the RAF St Athan apprenticeship facility to set up a Wales university of modern technology under the umbrella of Cardiff University. Though of course not yet finalised, the prospect of Britishvolt locating to St Athan is something I believe everyone in this Chamber would welcome. Surely, Minister, setting up such a training facility in close proximity would greatly assist the company in recruiting the skilled personnel it will undoubtedly demand. It may also provide a catalyst for other companies in this sector to locate to St Athan, especially given its proximity to Cardiff Airport. Can I call upon the Minister to give the creation of such a facility serious consideration?