asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the prospects for the Welsh economy for 1983.

Economic and employment prospects within Wales will benefit, in line with the rest of Great Britain, from the steady progress in reducing inflation and providing a secure basis for expansion. Recent decisions, such as reduction in the national insurance surcharge, and the end of the deferment of payment of regional development grant will be of particular benefit to the Welsh economy, while the process of investment in providing and developing necessary infrastructure will continue to strengthen the economic base.