Wales Questions House of Commons

Hello and welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage from the

house. David Cameron will face Jeremy Corbyn for Prime Minister's

Questions. The main chamber will see the Labour Party raised two issues

for debate. The first would tax avoidance and evasion, calling on

the Government to order an immediate public enquiry into the revelations

of the ban papers. The second focuses on the schools' White Paper,

looking at giving all schools in England and Academy status to move

them from authority control. Join me for a round-up at 11pm tonight.

First, questions to the new Secretary of State for Wells. The

first comes from Julian Sturdy and it's about rebalancing the economy

in Wales. Order, order. Questions for the

Secretary of State for Wales. As the economy Britain begins to grow, we

see Wales regenerating a city deal for God of capital region and we are

looking to follow suit with a deal for Swansea in the west. I have

opened the door to growth in north Wales. Maybe the first to welcome

the Secretary of State Andy a new minister to their new roles. With

the announcement of the north Wales growth deal in the budget, what

plans are therefore this deal to be genuinely cross-border in nature and

plug into northern powerhouse which has the potential to deliver huge

benefits right across the north, not only for the distinct regions like

north Wales, also own county of Yorkshire? -- God's own county. We

are seeking to grow the economy right across UK, not just in Wales.

We are looking to move this to the saloon, Western and eastern parts of

the country. I was talking to local authority leaders and business

goods, they were all keen to support of Wales growth deal and we want to

ensure that north Wales plugged into northern powerhouse. Given the

importance of north Wales, will be Secretary of State press very clear

links to Manchester Airport and HS2 benefits? As an MP, will I be able

to build on them? The honourable member makes an important point and

you'll be aware of the cross-border task force that is set up. This is

making a bid to CP6 to see if they can establish links between the

rails and the roads were not well. We also want to make sure everyone

has the right representation in the negotiations. Thank you. May I

welcome my honourable friend disposition. I'm very thankful for

his agreement on the growth deal, but I hobby recognises the

disassociation with the west England. Does he agree that, in

order to maximise the benefit, there has to be a degree of political

devolution, or at least an element of it, to Wells? -- Wells? It is

essential that we get devilish and to north Wales. It was interesting,

at that meeting in north Wales, the north-west part of Wales, the border

and the English side of the boundary all wanted this growth deal to work

on a cross-border basis and I am determined to by the interest of

that region. One of the most effective ways to rebalance the

economy is to empower the Welsh Government with the necessary job

creation, which is why I move to help increase growth for Wells. In

order for this work, it has to be celebrated within the right

framework. -- facilitated. What is the preferred reduction method for

Wells? -- Wales? Welcome any draft bill that we want to bring forward,

in terms of pride and tax varying powers, especially income tax, we

want to see this making a load tax economy. There are mechanisms that

need to be introduced in order to protect the Welsh interest in this.

I have met with the Chief Secretary this week and we have spoken about

early proposals, and they would have early discussions next week about

this. Does this for the most exciting prospect and what steps are

you taking to encourage them? He will be aware that the budget

focused on the city deal for Cardiff, and that is the largest

city deal across the whole of the United Kingdom, ?1.2 billion

covering ten authority areas. We are ambitious and we would likely growth

deal to keep increasing. We have to remember that this is in addition to

the Barnett agreement. Is the growth dependent on growth in the Republic

of Ireland and England as well? Can I well along with the secretary, a

ploy to ensure that we get more details about this so-called growth

partnership because we are the partners for north Wales. I am

grateful to the honourable member for his kind without support. Yes,

we are determined to work... The purpose of the growth deal is a

bottom-up approach. They have met with local authority businesses from

north Wales and we are determined to pursue that further. In relation to

Northern Ireland and the links with Republic of Ireland, I'm not quite

sure I can make the growth deal stretch that far, although I would

be interested in trying to get across the English border. This

Government's commitments is a major boost to the economy and the people

of South Wales. It makes a great difference that commuters and small

business owners in the strategy to rebalance the economy. May I say I

also welcome him to his base, it seems that not long ago we were

competing for the then safe Labour seat. Would my honourable friend

agree with me that the reduction in the tolls would also have a great

benefit from the Welsh tourism sector? Would you also now agree

that it is now time for the Welsh Government to pull its finger out

and develop the investments for the' four corridor. I'm grateful for the

kind words. May I say, there are no infrastructure projects more

important to the wealth economy than the upgrade to the' four corridor.

An audible friend, Lord H, was very committed to this, only to have it

cancelled on them by the party opposite when they were in

Government. -- Hague. Commuters have called for it, visitors have called

for it and the Chancellor made money specifically available for this

project almost three years ago. We just wish the Welsh Government would

get on with it. The Welsh Affairs Committee found that the operational

and maintenance cost of the bridge represented one quarter of the tool,

yet the Government has reduced the tool to half. Therefore, they are

making a 100% margin. When will they reduce the cost of the maintenance

cost in to give every chance for South Wales and the Welsh economy to

perform as well as anywhere else, rather than have a stranglehold on

it? I would hope the honourable member, and although the directors,

would welcome the harvesting unequal fees. We saw no action when the

opposite party was in power, but we have gone further than this. A small

group vehicle will move from a current rate of ?13 20 two less than

?4 when the tolls are halved. We also taking away the second class

told. The announcement of the cutting tolls is a hugely welcome

one from this conservative comment but, would you also agree with me

that in the longer term, the revenue generated from the tolls should not

exceed the cost of maintenance of the two bridges? Can I pay tribute

to my honourable friend for his diligent, persistent campaign on

this issue? I know he was the light my honourable friend was able to

respond to his cold and, many other calls on the side. There will be a

debt remaining on the tolls, even when they come back into public

ownership by 2018. That debt needs to be serviced, as well as

innovations aren't free flow traffic that we want to introduce as well.

Can I start by congratulating the Secretary of State and the Minister

on their recent appointments? We, on this site, look for two working

constructively with them, particularly on new Wales Bill,

whenever that may appear. The Chancellor did make much of the

tolls on the Severn Crossing and halving the fees. This is not as

severe as we think it is. This discount includes a 20% VAT, which

disappears anyway when the bridge reverts to public ownership. Instead

of leaving businesses still paying thousands of pounds per year, why

would they Government do the right thing and scrap the tolls

altogether? This is a very different call, a very convenient, I would say

as well before an election from the party opposite. They have long

called for the devolution of the tolls and we will feel full that the

tolls, as soon as they are devolved, if that was agreed, they would get

to a position that they would be used as a cash cow in order to

support the Welsh Government. The marketing in Wales has never been

stronger but there is a to celebrate, however unemployment has

fallen and the number of people working in Wales as it an all-time

high... May I welcome the Minister to his position and while he is

quite focused on the issues of steel and Port Talbot, I wonder what you

would think of the decision of Aston Martin to make your new DBX car in

the UK. It is an investment. It is an investment which will create 750

highly skilled jobs in Wales and the West Midlands. I'm very grateful to

the Prime Minister and Michael Fallon for the work they have put

into achieving that success. What some name was mentioned, it

does not mean anything and the chamber. Sense 2012 jobs growth and

Wales has helped 15,000 people into meaningful employment. Devon youth

unemployment and Wales is falling faster than in the UK as a whole is

the right honourable gentleman agree the UK Government can learn from

Wales? These figures have highlighted some 80% of that

spending has been inefficient, however it is important to point out

that job creation success requires cooperation between the two

Government, exactly what we saw with Aston Martin. My honourable friend

102 dozen is a major employer. Will he take this opportunity to pay

tribute to Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservative leader, and

Anthony pickles for coming up with the idea of bringing the Prince of

Wales' regalia to wheels and particularly to praise the Prince of

Wales for following up that idea. What discussion is he having with

the Welsh Government to promote this? I will join with my honourable

friend and paying tribute to the leader of the most conservatives. It

is important to highlight the importance of tourism to the Bush

economy and bringing radially back to Wales would be the right thing to

do and I'm sure my constituents would be delighted to host it.

Does the Minister thank his colleagues plan to sack hundreds of

civil servants and Cardiff and will that help or hinder employment

trends and Wales? I think the honourable lady should be aware it

would be inappropriate for me to comment on leaked reports. We should

be aware that it does not matter where in Wales Kulik, what we're

seeing is employment growth, but it is not my position to comment on the

reports. I welcome my honourable friend to his position. Does he

agree with me that the reductions in the budget of business taxes and the

ability of people to keep more of their own earnings create an

environment in which the private sector can invest and employment

opportunities can come to Wales in the same way as the rest of the

country? I agree entirely. The tax cuts which have been brought in by

this Government are welcomed and of particular importance in the Budget

was the issue of small business rates and I would call on the Welsh

Government to follow the UK Government in ensuring Welsh

businesses have the same benefits from business rates as those in

England. 30% of working age of disabled people are in jobs and

Wales compared with 46% in the UK as a whole. Why? The honourable lady

asks a very important question and there is more work to be done. There

is a need to work together on this issue. However I would highlight

there are more and more people with disabilities and work. Over 300,000

more in the past 24 months. We must make sure the successes across the

country are replicated in Wales. Question number four, Mr Speaker.

This fuel industry is dealing with unparalleled global conditions and

the UK is concerned with the impact that is happening in South Wales.

While we cannot change the status of the global steel market our

objective is to overcome the challenges and achieve a sustainable

future for the steel industry in Wales and across the UK.

I thank the Minister for that answer but would he agree that in order to

secure the future of not only the Port Talbot site but Tata at sites

across the UK no option should be pulled out? Can I pay tribute to my

honourable friend, the member for Corbett, and how he has represented

his constituents and those who depend on steel-making in that area.

He recognises the way in which the plants are linked and I know he has

been working closely with the Business Secretary and myself to

secure the future. I can reassure my honourable friend no Stone will be

left unsound to secure a long-term future for the Corby plant as well

as those across the UK. I welcome the secretary of state to his new

position and I assure you that in my questions I will endeavour to give

them ample opportunity to explain themselves. So why didn't the

secretary of state travel to Mumbai for the Tata board meeting on March

the 29th? The Government has been in close dialogue with part Tata Steel

what many months. My right honourable friend the Business

Secretary was a Tata the month before the mum by meeting and

engaged with directors at start-up before that. -- Mumbai. And we

managed to avert the immediate closure and proposed a sealed. I

will get them another go, shall I? That he failed to attend because a

more senior Cabinet colleagues told him not to? That he decided not to

go off off its own back? What was it as was said to be Welsh Affairs

Committee yesterday, he would not have gone to Australia at the known

they were going to close the Corby works? Was it his pecking order,

insolence or plain ignorance? Mr Speaker I am disappointed by the

approach the honourable member is taking. Surely what the steelworkers

want to see if the Government and opposition working together, unions

and the company working together, to secure the long-term future. The

Government has been in long-term dialogue and that is demonstrated in

the sales process we're not going through rather than the risk of

immediate closure we were facing. What my honourable friend get me a

assurance that he, together with the Wales office, will work with all

relevant departments to ensure the long-term future of Port Talbot and

in particular those in my constituency? I would also like to

pay tribute to my honourable friend, a member and dour. I know he met the

Business Secretary last week and I have had several conversations with

him and an ongoing basis in support of his constituents. This

demonstrates the regional impact this plant hard and the Government

is determined to do everything possible to secure a long-term

viable future for the plant. Add the secretary of state knows at

cyclo-cross Wales Tata steel workers produce a range of specialist

products. What assurances has he obtained from Tata steel they will

not siphon of production of the most profitable lines to the plant

abroad. What guarantees had to receive that the intellectual

property will remain with the Welsh operations in order to attract a

suitable buyer and safeguard many Welsh jobs? The honourable lady rate

is a very important job in relation to the sale of the UK operations

which demonstrates the positive engagement between the UK Government

and Tata Steel which resulted in the decision to sell off of the

operations rather than simply dispose of what some might see as

the more profitable assets. Number five, Mr Speaker.

We have all been an intensive, extensive discussions with Tata pop

months and it is due to this Government intervention that Tata

have agreed to ease sale process rather than immediate closure of its

Welch operations. I spoke to the honourable member report he went to

the Tata meeting and mum by and I have kept in regular contact to

update them. -- in Mumbai. These are very important matters affecting the

livelihoods of tens of thousands of people. Let's have some respect for

that fact what ministers wittering away in the background. There are

important matters are being discussed. Mr Stephen cannot. The

secretary of state will know it is critical we now retain the order

book and customer base for the Welsh steel industry. A short answer to a

short question. Could the secretary of state and from what conversations

he had been having with customers such as Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land

Rover to secure the integrity of the customer base? Yes or no. Can I say

that my father was a welder at the Port Talbot plant for more than 30

years before he was made redundant several years ago. I am from that

community, I understand how important the steel as to the income

of that area. My family have been through the good things and the

difficult times. The Government is in regular engagement with many of

the companies that work with Tata, both those who supply them and

customers. We are determined to do everything to support them. The

secretary of state for business said we should work across party on this.

The secretary of state for Wales has also said that. I understand he is

to visit on Monday, when was he in sending to tell me? I hope the

honourable member would be grateful or approving of a visit from a UK

Government minister. I have been responding to calls from local

workers. I was in Wrexham on the day the news broke about Shotton and

spoke to business leaders about the impact. I said to the community that

as soon as more information is available I will return and that is

why I am returning to Shotton next Monday. Question number six, Mr

Speaker. The EU makes a massive contribution to the Belgian economy.

It is not largest trading partner, supports thousands of jobs. -- Welsh

economy. The benefits are far too great a risk leaving. He is

absolutely right. The Welsh economy depends on EU funding to a large

extent. Does the Minister agree with the remaining in the EU is vital to

employment and training opportunities and Wales and the UK.

I would fully endorse the comments. EU funding has been significant in

reskilling the Welsh workforce and the support given to higher

education institutions is phenomenal. Small family farms and

the backbone of the West Wales rural economy. Incomes have declined over

the past two years by ?5,000. Does the Minister issue the concerns of

many organisations that the last thing we must countenance as

withdrawal from the EU? I would entirely endorse the comments of the

honourable gentleman. Both the farming unions in Wales are strongly

in favour of others remaining in a reformed EU and the extent of Welsh

agriculture products exported to the EU, 90%, is exported and we should

not risk that. On the spot the Minister is right. -- on this point.

The best position for Wales is to stay within the EU. But can he tell

us, at the time when Sir Terry Matthews and others support our

membership, can you tell us why Andrew RT Davies, the person the

party opposite want to be First Minister of Wales, once Wales out of

the EU? It is a disgrace, isn't that? The honourable lady is right

to highlight the support of these groups but I would make this point.

The Conservative Party is the Democratic party who believes

passionately people can make a decision about this issue are the

people of this country. We have offered them in referendum and it

will make a decision in ten weeks' time. We believe any disabled person

who wants to what should be able to. There will be a real terms spending

increase in supporting disabled people into what which will ensure a

valuable talent and skill will be further recognised within the Welsh

workforce. We are discussing the situation of disabled people in

Wales. Disability rights, organisations, the equality and

human rights commission and many others have decried the lack of

evidence in support of the Government cuts of ?1500 a year for

disabled people who have been found not fit for work. How many employers

in Wales has the Government signed up as active disability, but then

employers to those disabled people who are fit for work? It is

important to point that first of all, getting as supporting disabled

people into what is imported and we have a track record of success. In

the past 12 months we have seen 150,000 disabled people enter the

workplace. I am proud of Swansea, for example, is the first disabled

friendly city in the UK supporting disabled people into employment. I

will write to the honourable lady with the specific figures that you

request. One the minister concede that with over one third of what

capability assessment appeal being successful Government policy is

damaging the lives of a great many disabled people and financially

starving them of money that they need to live a reasonable quality of

life? It is very important to point out again that when is the what

capability assessment should be refined and are being refined, it is

crucial to buy that we believe strongly people who are disabled

have a contribution to make if they want to and are able to work. Our

policy is to help people into employment where that is possible

and the figures show our policy is successful is. Meow welcome the to

this. This... SCO where the policy of the Conservative Government to

implement personal independence payment is living too many people

are being prevented from working because they are having mortar

ability cars taken away from them which prevent them being able to

travel to work? Will he speak to the person next to him and try and talk

sense into him? I find the comments to be slightly disappointing. When

you look at all the changes in the employment situation in his

constituency deeply should be welcoming the work of this

Government on welfare reform. These changes are contributing to

behavioural change, leading to more people supporting their own families

and contributing to the economy. When you look at the figures for the

Wrexham economy, he should be welcoming the changes, not

condemning them. Questions to the Prime Minister.

Warning this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and in

addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings

later today. Last week I visited a manufacturing company, which

supplied the Tower of London poppies. Would my right honourable

friend agree with me that supporting small businesses and personal web of

further increasing personal income tax allowance