To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit the Leeswood, Clwyd, Laura Ashley factory now proposed for closure.

I have no present plans to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet the Clwyd, Delyn and Alyn and Deeside councils to discuss the job losses associated with the Laura Ashley company.

I very much regret the job losses recently announced by Laura Ashley Holdings Ltd. I, my officials, the WDA and DBRW are in close touch with the company and are exploring what might be done to off-set the job losses. The local authorities involved will have a part to play and I will not hesitate to contact them if necessary.