asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the effects in Wales of the public expenditure cuts for 1980–81 upon the job opportunities of those employed in the building and construction industry; and if he will make a statement.

The plans for capital programmes set out in the White Paper on public expenditure will alter the pattern of demand on the building and construction industry. The effect on employment in Wales, which depends on a variety of factors, cannot be estimated in detail.