Wales Questions House of Commons

Order, order. The chairman of ways and means to move the motion for an

unopposed return in his name. LAUGHTER

Questions to the Secretary of State for Wales, Mr Neil Carmichael. Thank

you, Mr Speaker. May I say it is a pleasure that the increased interest

this house has in Welsh versions. This garment is investing a record

amount in Welsh where -- railways. The new railway will significantly

enhance the travel experience of passengers in Wales and the

south-west. Does the Minister agree with me that the investment so far

national transport infrastructure national transport infrastructure

and it must be continued but does he always agree -- also agree that you

need to have stations of the right places so that more and more

passengers can get access? I agree with my honourable friend who is

well-known for his campaigning efforts on behalf of rail commuters.

The investment that this government is making in the railway

infrastructure is at rebels -- record levels. We are seeing great

investment in signalling in North Wales, and that new capacity will be

good for the economy of South Wales in the south-west. The Minister will

know there is no economic connectivity between South Wales and

the south-west than between South Wales and North Wales, so will he

give an undertaking to speed up the electrification of the railways, in

particular at a time where we see Brexit leading to a lot of

uncertainty about inward investment in Wales. The honourable member

makes an important point about interconnectivity. I don't think it

is a case of either or, I think it is very important to have greater

interconnections between North and South Wales but we also need to

recognise that South Wales needs to be linked with the London area and

the south-west and when you do have the same in North Wales. In terms of

speeding up I don't think I'd will take any lessons from the party

opposite who failed to invest a single penny during a 13 year

period. In stark contrast to the last government what this government

is doing to the great Western line is remarkable, the electrification

and the new trains. But will the Minister will meet with me to

discuss direct trains from Cardiff Central station to London to build

on that capacity and that investment? My honourable friend is

a great champion for railway connections between South Wales and

London and it would be a pleasure to meet with him to discuss further

developments in a Welsh context. I fully agree that the modernisation

of the South Wales railway line will have a great effect, not least for

example the new link into Heathrow Airport. Improving Cardiff Central

station is a vital part of this. Can he update the house on the

discussion is the government has had recently with Cardiff Council and

others about modernising and upgrading Cardiff Central? I can

confirm my right honourable friend has met with council leaders in

Cardiff in relation to the developer of Cardiff Central station. The

government has already invested in enhanced capacity in terms of

platforms. That process needs to continue. We recognise the

importance of Cardiff Central station to the economy, not just to

the capital city of Wales but the wider economic area and talks are

ongoing. Plans for future South Wales rail links were heavily

dependent on EU cash so will the Minister asked the Treasury to

support mail -- rail links like the Metro for the future? The South

Wales metro links will be important for the right Honourable member's

consistently -- constituency. But it is a ?1.2 billion investment of

which less than 8% was earmarked marked a BET you funding. This

government has committed ?4.5 million for that investment.

With permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions to and for

together. The British people have voted to leave the European Union,

and my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has been clear that

there will must be respected and delivered. We are now preparing for

a negotiated exit from the European Union, which will involve close

engagement with all of the devolved administrations to ensure that the

interest of the parts of the United Kingdom are protected and advanced.

Structural funding for Wales is guaranteed until 2020, given the

substantially budgetary gains that will be made after withdrawal from

the EU, can my right honourable friend make every effort to ensure

that the current level of funding will continue until at least that

date? Mr Speaker the government has a strong record in guaranteeing

funds for Wales. Most notably, the Barnett formula which was ignored

for 13 years by the party opposite. It demonstrates we work hard in

demonstrating areas that need and deserve support. Has the Minister

had talks with major employers in Wales such as Ford, Everest, to find

out what the investment intentions are following the vote to leave the

EU? The honourable lady raises an important question and within a week

of the Brexit referendum I met a number of business leaders in

Cardiff, and last week I met a number of business leaders in North

Wales, and I was struck by the pragmatism and the approach, the

positivity they were showing. One of the most positive quotes was that

entrepreneurs thrive on change. They recognise we are not turning our

backs on Europe that we are opening up new markets across the globe.

Does he agree that every single government minister who has spoken

on this issue has expressed their desire to ensure that spending

remains at exactly the same levels in Wales as it always has done,

doesn't this show the commitment this government has to the people of

Wales? My honourable friend makes an important point and allows me to

underline once again the positive financial commitments this

government has made to Wales. In addition to the 115% funding for the

Barnett formula we have introduced, there is an basement in

electrification, and a city deal on top of a range of other projects, UK

taxpayer money during invested in Wales on top of the Barnett

consequential 's. Given that Wales will no longer receive funding

through the European INAUDIBLE

What consideration is he giving to developing a clearly needs -based

formula for allocating funding to Wales. There were many campaigns for

a Barnett for, but it was only this government that deliver that. With

relation to European funds, we have not yet concluded a negotiating

position. I would add that simply releasing what are currently EU

funds with one source that is another with Westminster Mrs the

point. Those errors that receive most EU fans were the areas sadly

that voted to leave the EU. We need to look at models of European aid in

a different way. The debates on our future in the European Union was

very badly informed. Will the Secretary of State convene an

independent enquiry to identify and quantify and publish the losses and

indeed any benefits to Wales from leaving the European Union, and the

steps that he can take within his powers to safeguard our national

interest? A European Union unit is being set up in Whitehall that will

consider all the implications for my right honourable friend, the next

pie Minister, in order to form judgments and direct government

policy. But I think we need to recognise that if any country can

make a success of leaving the European Union, it is the United

Kingdom, with its proud history of the global trading nation. I did ask

about his department. Anyway, I am concerned about the loss of

convergence funding of research monies to universities and lost

opportunities to young people to live and work and study abroad. But

also, being Welsh, and European, I fear the closing of our horizons

towards a parochial little Britain. What more can he do to ensure the

future of our Welsh cultural London bypass to the rest of our continent?

Mr Speaker, I am disappointed with the question that the honourable

member has raised, because he will understand that I have got a close

working relationship with the Welsh government, with the First Minister

in particular. What is in Wales's interest is in the United Kingdom's,

and I intend to do all possible to maintain that positive relationship

as we negotiate to leave the European Union. The Secretary of

State's answers have been predictably vacuous and ambiguous.

Can I give him a chance to boost his promotion hopes today by giving a

straight answer, and flout all Parliamentary traditions? Brexit is

perilous to Wales, especially to the steel industry. There will be an

immediate loss of 600 million, and there might be further losses later.

The simple question is, and a one word answer will do, well he

guarantee that Wales will not lose any of the funding it has under

Brexit? I can guarantee that Wales will get

its fair share. And the Barnett formula and all of those issues that

I have highlighted. This party can give certainty of leadership with

strong visionary negotiating stance as we approach the referendum, as we

approach the departure from the European Union. It is quite obvious

that we cannot get that certainty of leadership from that party opposite.

Number three, Mr Speaker. This government is taking unprecedented

steps to ensure great and fat disparity across the UK and the UK

Government cities and local growth agenda is revolutionising the way we

achieve this. Region city deal, alongside an ongoing discussion in

Swansea, is a clear commitment to rebalance the economy in Wales.

That's my honourable friend agree with me that in my area of North

Wells, good transport links are vital to balance the economy? What

plans does he have two address this? Last Thursday I was at a summit in

North Wales where we discussed the proposal for improving rail links

and road links in North Wales as part of a great deal. -- growth

deal. Central to rebalancing the Welsh economy, the Metro project and

the city region. Given that in the referendum campaign, 13 government

ministers signed a letter to guarantee continuation of EU

funding, will the Minister in sure that none of those projects lose out

as a result of after leaving the EU? I think he is asking me to make a

guaranteed in ratio to a future government which will be established

by the new Prime Minister from this afternoon onwards. The city deal was

an initiative which had cooperation between the Westminster and Welsh

government, it showed what can be done when governments work together

and the investment that is proposed into the South Wales metro was

something was not delivered over the previous government over 13 years

where they could have made difference. Given the opportunities

of the North Wales great deal for my constituency and north-east Wales,

what steps as the minister taken to follow the lead of the Treasury to

ensure that women business leaders are fully engaged in the North Wales

great deal? Meetings that we are having in North Wales have been with

council leaders, further education leaders, leaders of Welsh

businesses, and I am glad to say those leaders represent male and

female people. We have an approach in North Wales which is inclusive

and supportive by all stakeholders, people River potential of North

Wales joining in the northern powerhouse for the benefit of all

residents. Central to all balancing is exports, Wales has a significant

trade surplus as opposed to the English portion which does not. What

assessment has he made with the number of countries across the world

that Wales could export to, and does he not realise that tariff free

access to the single market is vital to the Welsh economy... We have got

his drift. I agree with him that access to the market is very

important to the Welsh economy but he should also recognise that Welsh

export growth has been faster to those countries outside the EU. What

we need for a balanced approach to the Welsh economy is to ensure we

have access the market around the world so that Welsh businesses can

carry on with the success they have had recently. Number five, Mr

Speaker. As the secretary of state, I'm determined to maintain the

economic success that we have seen in recent times and that we manage

our transition to the new arrangement in a calm and measured

way. As we negotiate our way out of the European Union, a whole range of

decisions will have to be made in due course. The A456 Road heads

through my constituency and it has had a very bad safety record. Order,

I think the people of Merthyr Tydfil will at least want to hear the

honourable gentleman. Thank you, Mr Speaker. A456 run through my

constituency and has historically had a bad safety record. With EU

funds, this road has been turned into a dual carriageway but some

phases of this work are yet to start. Will the Secretary of State

providing assurance that he will do all he can and work with the bulk to

provide support and ensure this government and many like it will not

be jeopardised by Brexit? He raises an important point, and I would

underline that we remain full, active members of the EU, with all

of the benefits and obligations that brings for at least two years. The

project highlighted is one of the more successful projects of European

aided funded programmes. But not all of those projects were as

successful. Some of the strategies were questionable and some of the

outcomes were Willie, we need to reassess how we support regional

aided programmes. Can of the Shadow Secretary of State good absolute

commitment that no regenerations will be loose out as a result of the

disastrous Brexit result? I can guarantee for the next two years at

least that no European supported project will lose out. Of course we

have not yet concluded our negotiating position. And simply

replacing one source of funding with another misses the point. The EU

referendum sent out a clear message from those communities that are

purported to benefit the most from European aid, and they simply did

not want was being offered to them. Number six, Mr Speaker. They have a

significant potential at donating to the energy mix. We have commissioned

independent report on tidal lagoons and I look forward to reading it in

the autumn. The Bristol Channel is the highest second highest ride --

the second highest rise and fall inside in the world and we need to

harness that power, it will create powerful hundreds of years. He is

absolutely right, the potential does exist, that is why we have

commissioned an independent report which will report in the autumn. He

needs to look carefully at the cost and benefits of a potential tidal

lagoon. We are supportive of the content but we have to make sure

that element with the cost to the UK taxpayer. The Minister will note

many renewal Project... CHEERING

Mr Speaker, I did not know I was a popular. -- I was that popular. As

you will know, many renewable energy projects will depend on EU funding.

Can he give a cast iron guarantee that the UK Cabinet will meet that

funding if it is lost through our exit from the European Union? I can

assure the honourable member that he is not. The tidal lagoon issue is

being considered in its complexity. We are looking at all the issues. I

am not aware of any EU funding which was committed to the tidal lagoon

and therefore I can offer no guarantees. The Henry review team

has met representatives of business and civic society right across

Wales. The tidal lagoon infrastructure project will be a

massive economic opportunity for Wales and especially my constituency

of Swansea East. Can the Minister assure this house that he will be

emphasising to the Henry review how much support there is, how much

enthusiast and how important this vital scheme is to be done as a

matter of urgency? Can I welcome the honourable lady to her place on the

front bench. Also fully accept the comments made in terms of the

support by the concept in the Swansea area, and I can also confirm

that my right honourable friend has already met with Charles Henry in

order to discuss the project. It is not my position to prejudge an

independent report. I can assure the honourable lady that the support is

known to Charles Henry. Question, number seven. The voice of

Montgomeryshire must be heard at! With permission, Mr Zika...

Charing with permission, Mr Speaker, I will

answer question 11 and seven together.

The farming sector is the economic backbone of the Welsh rural economy.

The total income is estimated at 125 million. More importantly is the

contribution... CHEERING that it makes to our rural

communities. It is crucially important and

discovered will continue to support it. Does the Minister share my

concerns, Mr Speaker, the Welsh farming unions, about the

administration of the single farm payment scheme in Wales,

particularly in relation to cross-border issues? And will he

agreed to meet the farming unions at the Royal Welsh show next week to

discuss this very serious issue? I agree completely, with my honourable

friend, any delays in payments to the farming community is

problematic. It is an issue which is devolved to the Welsh garment, an

issue which I have already discussed this farming unions. My right

honourable friend the Secretary of State will be at the Royal Welsh

next week subject to the discussions with the next Prime Minister, and

meetings had been arranged at this event which is the premier farming

event in the UK. Welsh and British farmers are response Paul for

producing some of the finest food in the world. Now that we are to leave

the EU, what effort is my honourable friend making to make sure that

department ensures all of the UK's home-grown produce is promoted to

international markets? She is absolutely right in saying the

quality of food produced in Wales is second to none. We have produced the

best lamb in the world, and the contribution to such produce to the

economy is vital. We have met with leaders including food producers to

give them confidence that they can still access international markets

following the EU referendum results. The Royal Welsh show next week will

show the very best of Welsh agriculture. When the Secretary of

State goes there, he will have the same question that I have received

in the last few weeks since 23rd June, what guarantees are there that

the support for the family farm at its present level will remain in the

future to sustain the essential rural economy in Wales?

CHEERING I thank my honourable friend for the

question, it he is a champion of the rural sector. I can assure him that

we have already had meetings with the farming unions, we can certainly

offer the guarantee that the current funding arrangements will be in

place until 2018. The ongoing support for Welsh farming will be

subject to agreement between this government, the way in which we exit

the EU and the decisions taken by the future Prime Minister. Given

that the common agricultural policy end world element programme

contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to the Welsh rural economy,

what UK exits scenario could possibly benefit Wales? I argued for

Wales and the UK to stay within the EU but the reality is Wales voted to

leave. It is crucial that we support the industries that are dependent on

exporting to the European Union. We do have a quality product offered by

the Welsh agriculture, we need to talk that up. I give assurances to

the farming unions at the current funding situation is in place two

years. Does the Minister agree with me that leaving the European Union

offers a golden opportunity to assess the level of subsidy paid to

farming in Wales to see whether that money can be more effectively and

efficiently spent in other areas? Well, I would say that there is a

need to look at the way in which government spends money. If there is

going to be a funding mechanism in the future for Welsh agriculture, it

must be looked at in the totality of government spending. It is important

to state that over 60,000 jobs in Wales are dependent on the

agriculture sector and it would be short-sighted in the extreme to turn

its back on a sector which put Wales on international map.

I know the whole house will join me in congratulating Andy Murray,

Heather Watson, on their stunning success