Assembly asked to rethink BAE grant

Wings for the A3XX would have been built at Broughton

BAE Systems has asked the Welsh Assembly to reconsider its decision to turn down grant aid for its plant in north Wales.

The company is looking for £25m to enable workers in Broughton, Flintshire, to build the wings for the new A3XX super-jumbo airliner.

Around 1,400 jobs would be created

BAE says the project will create more than 1,000 jobs and generate £2bn for the Welsh economy.

The grant application was turned down in March by First Secretary Rhodri Morgan after the Wales Industrial Development Advisory Board, which assesses Regional Selective Assistance grants, said it was too large.

The decision meant that the factory's involvement in manufacturing the super-jumbo is uncertain.

On Monday, Transport and General Workers Union's General Secretary Bill Morris visited Broughton to lend his support and put the spotlight back on the grant campaign.

TGWU's Bill Morris in confident mood

"Having listened to the arguments, looking, learning, listening to the people, I'm confident that we've got a product here that will be a world-beater in its time and in its class." he said.

"And I'm confident that the jobs will come here to north Wales in Broughton."

When asked if a formula could be found to ensure the grant, Mr Morris replied: "I'm confident that everyone who hears the arguments for its support will be responsive and give it the support it so richly deserves."