March 2009
The recent St David’s Day Debate in Parliament was dominated by the economy, and quite rightly so, as there is nothing more important for the people of Wales today.
I was glad to speak as the MP for Aberavon, dominated as it is by manufacturing especially steel, and as Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee whose activities have recently focused heavily on the economy, locally and globally.
Great emphasis was placed in the Debate on the Labour Government’s strategy of securing the banking system and people’s savings, taking action to support our economy by increasing people’s spending power and finally getting the financial system working again to support businesses, jobs and growth.
I praised the efforts being made locally and throughout Wales with the Welsh Economic Summit held by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Wales Office. I was proud that the Prime Minister has endorsed this strategy and the ProAct initiative to keep people in jobs and upskilling during the economic downturn.
In the Debate I was able to praise local companies which I have visited like Excel and Rhino Engineering. They have battled against the odds and won excellent contracts for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. They and many other companies I have recently visited have explained how important it has been for them to have reliable information and guidance in relation to Government assistance.
The same applies to individuals facing problems with jobs or homes. Government information in relation to benefits and other matters can be obtained from my office at Eagle House, 2 Talbot Road, Port Talbot SA13 1DH, Tel: 01639 897660 Fax: 01638 891725.
I was also pleased to participate in the recent Neath Port Talbot Economic Summit. This is an excellent initiative by our local authority and I hope further meetings of this kind will be held involving local businesses and trade unions.
Whilst President Obama and our Prime Minister Gordon Brown can set the scene on the global stage by calling for international agreements to revive the economy, local partnerships are also important to rebuild confidence.
I was glad to see the progress of the Autism Bill in Parliament and I will keep constituents informed of all developments and also to hear from Health officials at our Welsh Affairs Committee meeting that the National Carers Help Line will be extended to Wales. No doubt Deputy Health Minister Gwenda Thomas, had a hand in that. Well done Gwenda!
