asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs there are in the paper and board industry in Wales; what is his estimate of the number of jobs lost to the industry since 1970; if he will make available cash grants to companies in the industry to help them face up to import penetration; and if he will make a statement.

Precise information on the number of jobs lost is not available. An indication of net changes in employment levels can, however, be gained from the Department of Employment's annual censuses of employment which are conducted in June. These are available only from 1971 to 1977 and indicate that during the period employment fell from 4,042 to 3,775. Assistance under sections 7 and 8 of the Industry Act continues to be available to the paper and board industry.