Wales Questions House of Commons

first we have questions to the Secretary of State for Wales.

Order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Wales.

Question number one, Mr Spe`ker Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'm sure the

whole house will join me in marking the 50th anniversary of the tragedy

which takes place this Frid`y. This was an event that shocked not just

Wales, but the whole of the country and the wider world. I'm sure

colleagues across the House will also pay tribute to the bravery and

strong community ties which pull the people through the immediatd

aftermath and provided so mtch support in the months and ydars that

followed. Wales is benefiting from millions of pounds of UK investment

across the country. We are modernising our rail infrastructure,

investing and providing significant funding and support to improve

Internet speeds. This is a clear demonstration of the governdd plasma

commitment to delivering and improving infrastructure in all

corners of Wales. Wales recdives its funding from the Barnet pluck. Does

my right honourable friend recognise that the UK Government has ` part to

play in UK infrastructure, so that it meets the UK's strategic need as

well as in Wales with yellow my honourable friend -- in Walds? We

are pleased to introduce a funding which gives Wales and ?50 for every

hundred pounds that is spent in England. We have the electrhc

indication of the great Western mainline. The significant prison

project and their broadband roll-out. We interconnected

economies, and are determindd to do our best to the whole of thd UK Can

I associate myself with the gentleman's marks. I'm pleased to

hear the emphasis on interconnectivity of infrastructure.

He will note the North Wales bid growth supported by cross-p`rty

politicians and local authorities. It needs support, financial support,

from the UK Government. Will the UK Government give support fin`ncially

to the growth bed? Can I pax tribute to the honourable member for the

work he's doing on a cross-border basis with the Mersey Alliance and

the all-party group this arda. This resonates with our policy to develop

a growth that works on cross-border basis. We are working with those who

are developing the North Wales growth deal. In negotiation with

that. We have received a bid and of course we will analyse it in due

course. It has been recentlx submitted, but we are keen to work

together. Is my right honourable friend knows, trade passages from

and to my constituency is p`rt of the great Western Railway lhne.

Could my right honourable friend tell me when the new interchty

express trains will be oper`tional? The honourable member highlhghts the

investment in the great Western mainline, and much of the attention

is rightly drawn to the infrastructure of the

electrification itself. But it is fair to say that as soon as we have

electrified as far as Didcot all Swindon, then the new trains will be

operational. Both his consthtuents and mine and those in Wales and the

South West in general, will benefit from modern trains well before the

infrastructure has been completed. In terms of infrastructural

investment on both sides of the border. Can I ask him what

conversations he's had with the Welsh government about the @5, which

goes towards the Wrexham arda, with particular road safety problems The

honourable lady raises an ilportant point, and this is something that

has crossed the discussions over the North Wales growth deal, and

underlines the interactivitx of the region, in particular with

Manchester, Merseyside and North Wales. We are working closely with

the government on their infrastructure plan and the National

infrastructure plans for thd whole of the United Kingdom. It is

important that they dovetail appropriately. The Minister will be

aware of a range of infrastructure improvement proposals contahned with

in the North Wales and Mersdy plan. Did he advise on the merits of

seeking funding via North W`les growth bid by cross-border partners

to accelerate the delivery of those which are priorities in the

short-term, and help facilitate it? Can I pay tribute to my honourable

friend for his work on this. It was one of the first meetings that he

drew attention after the general elections, which has led to the

growth track proposal. Of course, there are growth elements and also

transport infrastructure eldments. It's important that we ensure these

come together for the benefht of the whole region. I'm happy to work with

him and the Department for Transport as we approach the consider`tions

which will take place in dud course. I would also like to associ`te my

party and myself with his comments in relation to the disaster. The

Treasury aims to pull government pension schemes in well in Dngland

to great wealth to invest in infrastructure, and each fund

containing assets of ?25 billion. Welsh assets come up to 30 billion.

It will be swallowed up by ` cross-border pool. Will he demand

specific Welsh wealth fund, so that the contribution of Welsh government

workers are used to invest hn infrastructure in Wales? Thd

honourable member raises quhte a technical error of policy. There are

appropriate economies of sc`le in -- technical part of policy. The worst

government have made their views clear. It is not only Welsh money

for Wales which on the basis of it would sound good, it's about having

the economies of scale so that we can access funding elsewherd as

well. It is therefore not necessarily the right thing, but I'm

certainly not closing the idea. Question to you, Mr Speaker. --

question two. I'm very supportive of achieving a deal for Swanse` Bay

City. It is about empowering them to bring forward specific proposals for

their region. I welcome the announcement in the budget that we

will be opening negotiations, but it must be the right deal, a wdll

thought out deal, that delivers the whole region. The Minister will know

that Brexit will deal a major body blow for Swansea universitids in the

Swansea region overall. What assurances can he give it in a

statement from the autumn the Chancellor will give a firm

commitment to put his money where his mouth is? We want hard cash not

hot air, to provide the support we want for jobs and prosperitx

stoplight I should correct ,- prosperity. Swansea voted to leave,

so that was their decision. He has to be slightly fair or not this

government has delivered. Wd have delivered a city deal for C`rdiff,

over ?1 billion investment. Including a guarantee that the

European element would be stpported. If the Swansea East eg deal is as

good as it appears to be, and as good as the indications would appear

to be -- if the Swansea citx deal. The Swansea Bay City Deal ahms to

turn the region into a digital super hub, to boost the local economy

transform energy delivery and improve health and social c`re. With

the Minister ensure the house that this deal would not face delays as

experienced by the tidal lagoon In terms of the delay, I think it is

important to point out that this was announced at the largest budget but

has been taken forward. But it is a bottom-up approach. Better `t the

latest budget. We believe vdry strongly that the proposal should

come from the region, and it is fantastic to see in way the four

authorities are working togdther. If the detail is persuasive, then their

support will be there. Numbdr three please, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. This week will see the completion of the works on the

Severn Tunnel. This is a trtly historic occasion and is a clear

demonstration of this government's commitment to deliver a real

investment strategy which whll benefit the people of Wales in its

entirety. The Secretary of State has already spoken about the calpaign

which as the Minister will know has the potential to transform the area

by delivering 70,000 new jobs over 20 years. Including my constituency,

identified as the first priority. Will the Minister join with me in

the words of encouragement heard this morning and to make

representations to the Chancellor, to ensure this much-needed

investment? Am very pleased to echo the words of this Secretary of State

for Wales. These are made in the north-west and made in Wales

connectivity. They are proposals that we are supportive of, `nd I'm

very pleased to say that thd Treasury this morning actually wrote

to the proposals in North W`les stating its support the proposals in

question. ?730 million has been ring fenced for the electrificathon of

the Valley lines, although this is not expected to be completed until

at least 2022 or 2023. What assurances, however, has thd

Minister had that the ?120 lillion from the European new regional

development fund will in fact be still forthcoming for this project

before the UK leaves the EU? I'm very grateful to my honourable

friend the question. The situation is very clear. The proposals for the

south wales metro are part of the Cardiff city deal. There ard

significant investments which includes a contribution frol the

European fund of around ?110 million. Minor stemming frol the

Treasury is that if necessary, that element of the contribution will be

-- my understanding from. It will be footed by the Treasury if rdquired.

The European element will bd funded by the European Union.

I associate myself with the words of the Secretary of State on the

Aberfan disaster. I was the same age as the children kill any tr`gedy.

Also I do agree that it was the darkest day of many of our lives

when Aberfan lost a generathon. Kenny Minister tell the hours

whether he has had discussions with the Welsh and Irish governmdnts on

conductivity between rail and the poll of Holyhead? I assure xou, the

Wales Office has had discussions with the Welsh and Irish governments

and with the rail minister `t Westminster as well. Isn't ht a

scandal that in 13 years in Government, Labour held to dlectrify

a single-track in Wales. It is not germane to the responsibilities I

agree with the comments. But the Secretary of State agree with me

that rail electric occasion in north Wales has been neglected for over 14

years? We have not been givdn a definite date for this projdct to

the head. I agree with the honourable lady that investlent is

long overdue. It is important to highlight that the investments easy

at this point in time, ?43 lillion for signalling and a signifhcant

investment in the Chester lhnks into Wrexham, and it is important that

the growth proposals are looked at carefully and coherently to see how

we can increase collectivitx in north Wales. Thank you. Can I join

the Secretary of State in m`rking the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan

disaster. I would like to p`ge gets to the spirit and resiliencd of the

people of Aberfan. Rail passenger numbers into our capital city

station, Cardiff Central, h`ve increased. The expansion of the

station, in conjunction with the south wales metro project, hncluding

the branding, is critical. Canny Secretary of State -- funding. Say

why he will not allow artists to have a station fit for purpose? I

welcome the honourable lady. In relation to Cardiff under this is

another example of the old-fashioned thing of hearing whispers and you

know best. We are still waiting clearly proposals. This is ` matter

of investing in something that a Labour Government neglected for 14

years. We will look at it in a constructive manner. In Aprhl's

Welsh questions, my honourable friend told the house that xou make

a massive contribution to the Welsh economy, the largest trading partner

and support loads of jobs and investment for project all `round

Wales. For months on from the referendum result, what is the

Secretary of State's Brexit line for Wales to replace that trade, those

jobs and infrastructure? Whdre is it? When the leading edge? @gain, on

the issue of Brexit, I have do say that Wales didn't vote to ldave the

European Union. I stand by ly comments but it is important to

point out that the Wales Office have been going around, talking to

stakeholders, identifying areas and trying to reassure. I hope the

honourable lady would build on the commitments made by the Chancellor

to ensure that we will support European funding projects in Wales

and agriculture funding in Wales. These are written proposals from the

Treasury which should be welcomed. I've remain in close contact with my

friend, the Secretary of St`te for friend, the Secretary of St`te for

business energy. This is an exciting project for Wales. I'm due to meet

with Charles Hendry tomorrow to get an update on the progress of the

independent review and look forward to hearing the findings when he

reports later this autumn. Last week saw Sheffield masted and lots of

others back Charles Hendry with this review. Will they listen and get on

the Swansea Bay deal? I recognise the honourable lady s

what Charles Hendry's intervention what Charles Hendry's intervention

has been seen as a positive thing. The point is welcomed. Not only by

politicians, but the business community in South Wales and across

the northern powerhouse. We recognise the contribution this

could make and we looking forward to his judgment. While it is ilportant

that the findings of the Hendry review are able to be taken into

account, will the Secretary of State, as soon as it reports, press

for progress on this exciting project which am not only h`s the

potential to deliver clean dnergy, but will increase environs that

characterises Swansea. Thank you. I look forward to the inclusion of the

Charles Hendry report. Therd is no doubt that this has great potential

for Swansea Bay, at a test project. They, as do I, have a project to the

taxpayer to make sure it works the consumers, taxpayers and represents

Alea from money for all concerned. Having taken a bloody nose for

Hinckley and a blood line for fracking, is it time that wd reached

a decision that fully supported the house and the population at large?

Why hold up any further British made British owned product that could

change the focus of Wales and businesses across the country? The

honourable lady and I agree they would like to see something like

prospect and opportunities ht prospect and opportunities ht

provides what we do have an obligation to the taxpayer. We have

to make sure this is value for money. Only in recent weeks,

honourable lady and her colleagues honourable lady and her colleagues

have been complaining at thd energy to Tata and other firms. We have do

make sure we demonstrate thhs in a cost-effective way suit taxpayers.

Well, let me pay tribute to the mayor for his time and thank him for

his contribution. Tourism, `s you know, is vital to the econolic

growth in Wales. It has been great for the UK and Wales with btsiness

increasing by 24% in the last 1 months alone. Well he paid tribute

to the magnificent tourist attractions in Newport? -- well he?

All of which have increased Tory's numbers last year by up to 70%? Will

he confirm that visitors to all parts of Wales always praisd the

warmth of our hospitality? H would clearly agree fully with th`t

comment about everything av`ilable in Wales but, in particular, can I

Newport campaign? It shows hn Newport campaign? It shows hn

Newport is not just a great place to live what a great place to visit.

Thank you. With the and bees on the lake, and new management -- B and

Bs. Especially ones that will Bs. Especially ones that will

deliver gay weddings, do yot not think Wales B and bees deliver

greater welcoming to the English? Yes, it does not matter if xou're

English, Welsh, or any other nationality. Everyone is kex to

dualism. Control of Smoke Pollution Act to risen -- tourism. I `lso wish

to add my support to the victims of Aberfan disaster on this

anniversary. The Secretary of State is a very passionate campaigner in

reducing the AG. He made sole pronounced comments about the

campaign in the past. But hd stand by them? -- VAT. What point did he

make about the benefits to lack That is right. I advocate wdll

taxes. I do welcome the fact that the governments has got nathonal

businesses and corporation tax for businesses and corporation tax for

small businesses. I think is a case to be made an VAT for many sectors

of the economy and that will be made by the Wales Office I'm afr`id.

Would the Minister agree th`t one of the dividends of Brexit has been the

falling of the pound against the euro, which means holidays hn Wales

counterparts? I more than h`ppy to counterparts? I more than h`ppy to

agree with my honourable frhend that to risen in north Wales has done

speaking to hoteliers and they were speaking to hoteliers and they were

saying they enjoyed 90% occtpancy during the summer, so there has been

a Brexit in an in retrospect. I'm in regular contact with my

honourable friend, the Secrdtary of State for business energy and

strategy. Needless minister and the Welsh Minister of the econoly. We

have not lost focus. The governments leaves no Stone unturned to support

the steel sector. What assurances can you Secretary of State gave that

the rent completion of a johnt bedroom between Tata and fighting

group that commitment will be made on jobs and the continuation of

primary steel-making in Port Talbot and across Wales? It's in the UK

strategic interest to maint`in the steel capacity making in thd UK And

Port Talbot. The Government is supporting any better. The latter

for Tata, it's about whether they pursue the joint-venture but we are

speaking to Tata and there `re much more discussions, as with wdre a lot

this year. Welsh deal is obviously this year. Welsh deal is obviously

of the highest quality. Wills Building expansion. -- steel. -

will it be used in the expansion? We need a positive decision as soon as

possible. The rubble member Anthony and he knows the decision comes in

but he makes an important point about the infrastructure and the use

of steel in infrastructure projects. The UK governments has alre`dy

changed the procurement rulds, which will make it easier for British

steel to be used. The red's largest civil engineering scheme usds almost

entirely British steel. -- Durope. As the representative for Bromley, I

want to associate myself with points on... Order. Order. The honourable

member has a very personal reasons to acknowledge the Aberfan disaster.

Thank you. I want to associ`te myself with the comments of the

secretary of state and the Shadow Secretary of State on the 50th

anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. I want to align my support the

families opportunity. One of the major challenges facing the steel

industry is that energy costs are far higher than those of our

competitors. Despite this, little action has been taken. Can H have

the secretary of state which action he is taking or what the Government

is doing to bring down energy costs? Can I Wellcome the honourable member

to his position and to the front of the room? He makes a very ilportant

point regarding energy costs. He will be well aware that the energy

intensive industry package that the Government has put forward responded

to demands of the industry `nd from Tata specifically. We reducd the

energy costs by ?9 million. Something that has been welcomed. It

has put us in a much strongdr position to turnaround profhts. A

loss of ?64 million, to a ?85 million operating profit.

They in principle agreement from the Welsh Government for transport and

other franchise was announcdd in 2014. Now, we are

constructively with bewilderment to constructively with bewilderment to

enable them to achieve the enable them to achieve the

successful procurement of the next franchise in 2018. Labour h`ve

tabled an amendment to the dconomy bill that will provide free Wi-Fi

into the inclusion of any r`il franchise. Is this Wellcome? Should

fair point. It would be appreciated fair point. It would be appreciated

by passengers in Wales but `s part of the devolution package, ht has to

be agreed with other members. I m sure they will have comments. During

role awareness in Wales is `bout keeping priorities. Broadband has

been supported, including ?04.2 million and ?13.2 million England.

The Secretary of State and H have had positive discussions around

infrastructure and the mist`ke the skills on future work to rule out

broadband in Wales. -- ruralise Do we agree that fast broadband is

incredibly important to rur`l immunities? BGE has to raisd its

game. I'm sure the mailbag of every MP have our full with this hn

broadband to rural economic broadband to rural economic

development, I can only agrde fully with my honourable friend in my own

constituency. This is around the blood broadband roll out. In a

Twitter message to me, it w`s said that the vast majority of rtral

Wales cannot access superfast broadband. -- can already. ,- 9 %.

The majority is overstating the case but the improvements over rdcent

months has been spectacular, with rate of 90%. There is still more

what to be done but I think, in terms of rural broadband, wd are

going in the right to set the direction in Wales and UK. The main

super fast broadband wind p`tterns, and, literally at the bottol of

people's Gardens. Ouija accdss substantial document about `lleged

the ant that would be an embarrassment, even in the last

century. When does he and hhs Confederates presume you will do

something to move this barrher? The honourable member would be `ware of

investment in his constituency that is approaching 1 million. There are

still issues regarding the broadband roll out in Wales. We are slightly

ahead of the situation in England, which is something we should all

applaud. As the broadband connectivity is in woodlands. We

have to make sure that is achieved sooner rather than later.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, I know everyone will want