'Can't do' approach to prosperity not working

12.58.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Sep 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat Enterprise spokesperson Kirsty Williams AM will today call on the Assembly Government for action, not words on the prosperity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK.

Kirsty said: "Rhodri Morgan has made it clear he wants the next round of European funding to be spent on human resources and training. This is all very worthwhile, but West Wales and the Valleys need infrastructure: better transport, better broadband links. People need to be able to get to and from jobs in the first place.

"We have seen thousands of jobs lost recently in manufacturing: 450 jobs last December at Sony Bridgend, this year, 250 at Panasonic in Port Talbot, 315 going at LG in Newport, another 320 at Burberry in Treorchy. Next April DARA close their St Athan operation making 1,000 people redundant.

"Wales urgently needs its government to undertake an audit of manufacturing businesses in Wales. This would prepare the government for potential job losses, create a clear strategy for the future of the economy and help the Government assist companies which have potential."

"Too often the Assembly Government has only been involved in offering assistance as jobs are lost. This supposedly 'can do' government has been full of words, not action.