Live Wales Questions House of Commons

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

Question number one, Mr Speaker. This government's rail policy is

historic and more benefit Wales. We at electrifying the main line all

the way to Swansea and we are developing the rail line through ?43

million of investment and modernisation. I'd like to thank the

Minister for that response. The Department of Transport seems to be

making very little progress on the electrification so can I suggest

that his minister get together with his colleagues, and I'll come along

myself, to get a full engineering survey to find out what the costs

are, what the timescale will be of the electrification process. I

understand the importance of the North Wales rail mainline for his

constituency. We are engaged in a ?43 million process of modernisation

but I'd highlight the fact that the vast improvements in services

between Chester and Houston, benefiting North Wales, has already

happened. I would thoroughly welcome the opportunity to discuss this

further with the noble member as part of our strategy of the North

Wales growth deal. What the Minister join me in welcoming the recent

decision by the office of rail and road to permit regular direct rail

services from Chester to Manchester Airport? Would he agree with me that

journey times remain to lengthy. With that in mind, will he encourage

Network Rail to increase speed and work, in replacing the light switch

of Victorian? My honourable friend has touched upon a crucial point and

that pay tribute to his works and he came into this house. I remember his

first debate where he talked about the importance of the North Wales

rail line, and he's right in highlighting the fantastic

investment from Reeva trains which will see a crippling of services

from London know to Manchester Airport. This is a development most

welcome for the people of Wales. We need to modernise the signalling

system which is why we have this ?43 million investment. It is

interesting to note he did not preclude the decision by a Reeva

trains to increase their services dramatically. When the Secretary of

State was serving as the Parliamentary undersecretary, he met

with my predecessor to discuss a level crossing which causes a

significant amount of chaos in my constituency. Would he agree to meet

with me and the constituents to carry on those positive discussions

about improving the crossing? Can I first of all welcome the honourable

gentleman to his place and can I say that I'm aware the Wales office has

been working with local governments in relation to that issue. I'd be

delighted to meet the honourable member. My first by-election was

there, it was a very wet by-election and I'd be delighted to meet the

residents of that town again. There is great momentum both in North

Wales and north-west England to improve transport links. This is a

time for the Welsh government and the UK government to work together

to improve those links. Can we therefore have canned because the

?43 million the honourable gentleman referred to was actually investment

by the Welsh government so will the UK government step up to the plate

and invest a penny piece in infrastructure in North Wales

because that would be very welcome. I think it is important and

imperative we work together, Welsh governments, local government and UK

government, in developing transport links which is why we have opened

the door for the North Wales growth deal where we are working in

partnership with the North Wales ambition board and others. The

honourable member is right in saying an effective change will depend on

Corporation between Westminster and the Welsh government. The new Welsh

government is ready. Cross-party and cross-border. Members of Parliament

and local authorities are ready. Most important of the lot, we in

North Wales are ready. Can we have a commitment for proper

electrification is in top with a growth deal that is worth the name?

It is imperative we look very carefully at the best value for

money we can have in terms of investment in our transport

infrastructure. I accept there is a need to work together but I'd also

highlight the fact the CBI and the Federation of small businesses have

called upon more action on the Welsh government. There has been ?200

million allocated for the a 55 and, yet, we are to seek any action. We

need to work together and finger-pointing doesn't work in that

respect. Question number two, Mr Speaker. With your permission, can I

pay particular tribute to my predecessor, the current Secretary

of State at the Department for Work and Pensions for all the work you

did when he was Secretary of State in all matters support in Wales,

particularly relating to the steel industry. I would say we are doing

everything we can to support the sale of Tata Steel UK including

offering support to potential buyers with hundreds of millions of pounds.

Our discussions with buyers and the Welsh government and the unions

continue and we stand ready to negotiate with the preferred edit to

ensure the future of still making across Wales and the UK. I thank the

Secretary of State for his response. As we know critical meetings are

taking place in Mumbai later today. The future of the industry hanging

in the balance. What measures has the Secretary of State taken, and

his colleagues in the Cabinet, to ensure that a viable and sustainable

pension scheme will be developed as a result of the sale of the

business? Can hear sure the house that will be something that will be

sustainable for the 130,000 members of the scheme? Mr Speaker, I've

already spoken to the Secretary of State for business since his

meetings with Tata Steel in Mumbai. Pensions is one of those issues

under consideration and he will be aware this was highlighted by my

right honourable friend at the outset, that pensions, plant and

power were three issues. Pensions is a complex issue, it crosses a number

of government departments. The sale of steelworks is at a critical

stage. It is crucial to the survival of the plant that both governments

act with purpose to support a successful buyer for the plant. With

a new Welsh government, has my honourable friend discussed away

forward to ensure this is the case? I thank my honourable friend and can

I pay tribute for the work is doing? His constituency has a number of

steelworkers that reside there and for the responsible way he is press

the issue that are fundamental to the success of the successful steel

sale. I'll save in relation to the Welsh government that I met the

first minister earlier this week and we agreed this is our priority and

we are continuing in close dialogue to work closely together to ensure

that sale. The European Parliament has voted against giving China

market economy status. All he presses colleagues to agreed to hire

Arabs on Chinese steel? Well, I look forward to meeting the unions that

are marching through Westminster later today, as well as the

honourable member. We are determined to work with the unions and Tata but

market economy status for China is separate to the capacity for the

European commission to introduce tariffs. Where they've been

introduced, they work. There are 37 trade defence measures imposed at

the moment, wire rod imported down to 99%, and I could highlight a

range of other speciality steels so let's not confuse the two. Market

economy status and the capacity to introduce these measures. Steel was

a significant element in Wales' ?5 billion worth of exports to the EU

in 2015. That is a third of the whole of the Welsh government's

total budget. Will he make the positive case for the advantages of

the profitability in remaining in the EU? The honourable member is

right. 69% of still produced in the UK is exported to the European

Union. Access to that single European market is fundamental for

the steel industry and also fundamental to attracting the buyer.

This was the point I was saying. The steel produced at Port Talbot is

transported to Corby and used to produce steel tubes so what steps

are ministers taking to make the case that it is vital to keep that

supply chain together as one? Can I pay tribute to my honourable friend

in the way he is representing the interests of his constituents? He

recognises the interdependency all of these plants, such as the site in

Corby, and Port Talbot and others in the UK. We are talking to suppliers

on a regular basis because we need to maintain confidence that they

will be able to continue buying steel. That is in the interest of

workers and the economy. Is he inspired by the minor miracle that

has taken place in Newport where the enterprising workforce have bought

the dead Alpha steel company back to productive life? Isn't this spirit

of entrepreneurship am a corporation by the workforce, hope and

confidence is the way to stage a renaissance of the interpreters to

industry? The honourable member is right in

the interest of Celebrities feel demonstrates the diameters in the

industry. They have reopened the plant to close some time ago and

they see it as the future and British steel-making and I hope we

will continue to use that momentum to secure a deal for the whole of

the Tata operations in the UK. Given the secretary of state's previous

answer on the effectiveness of palates why does the UK Government

keep being at the head of a blocking minority? -- paddocks. Is it not the

case the Government has not done enough to save the British steel

industry? The honourable member is confusing the impact of the lesser

duty rule. That relates to the framework and there are currently 30

73 defensive measures in place and with the EU Commission has acted

they at a significant effect. I could highlight a whole range of

speciality steels where the tariffs are working within the duty rule.

There would be an impact on other manufacturers and we must work

within the rule because it operates effectively. Question three, Mr

Speaker. " The two begin a truly accountable, the Welsh Government

must take responsibility for raising more of the money it spends and that

is why as part of the wheels Bill we will devolve income tax powers to

the Welsh Assembly. I look forward to working alongside the Welsh

Government to implement these powers. I got my right honourable

friend would agree that while the Welsh Government are profligate in

many ways the railway line expansion will be helpful to the entire

economy and all citizens who realised investment in transport is

the because to economic prosperity. My honourable friend is right. There

are several examples of how the comedy strange priorities of the

Welsh Assembly Government 's. Investment and railways as a

priority highlighted by the electrification of the line which

will provide greater opportunities for real trouble such as the upgrade

of the Valley lines which concern provides a knock-on effect of rural

communities. Air passenger duty has already been devolved to the

Northern Ireland Assembly and shortly will be devolved to the

Scottish Parliament is what the budget did not propose it be

devolved to the Welsh Assembly. We'll be secretary of state support

this and if not, why not? I say to the honourable lady that rates of

taxation, including air passenger duty, is a matter for the

Chancellor. He always keeps levels of taxes under review and she will

be well aware that the Treasury are looking at this matter and will

report in due course. If you years ago and Boston, Massachusetts if you

are revolutionaries said no taxation without representation. Does he

agree with me it is very important the Welsh Assembly to take advantage

of the Welsh bill and do imply and do have their own income tax? I am

grateful to my honourable friend and the continued interest he shows them

on wheels. I want the Welsh Assembly to be a mature legislator taking

more responsibility for the money it spends by raising money itself. Its

will become truly accountable to the people of Wales Mac and it will have

to look differently at the spending priorities and commitments. Number

four. Small businesses are leading the economic recovery in Wales and

are now 30,000 more employing 65,000 more people than in 2010. Watch them

accounting for more than 90% of all businesses and Wales the UK

Government recognises the important contribution to the growth of the

Welsh economy. He will also be aware of the Chancellor's recent budget

announcement to either reduce greatly or remove completely

business rates for the smallest businesses has gone down very well

and bulges advantages. Can he tell the house what steps is he taking to

make sure businesses in Wales will also benefit? He is perfectly bright

and highly in the way in which the announcement was welcomed across

small businesses in England and the Welsh office is calling to replicate

these steps to ensure small towns and cities and their businesses

benefit in the same way from the changes are being implemented in

England. The Welsh Government has done well and attracting investment

but in terms of business confidence, Devon at the Brexit, what will the

Government do to shore up certainties about the real life

electrification and supporting Swansea as the city in terms of city

deals? The honourable gentleman should be aware the Welsh office is

working closely with the Treasury to develop a Swansea City Deal.

Electrification of the main line to Swansea as part of that and also a

review to look at the viability to ensure it offers value for

taxpayers. 242,000 jobs are directly or indirectly dependent on a

successful tourist industry. Can I invite the Minister to concede one

of the ways we can boost those businesses is a reduction in VAT on

hospitality and tourism or raising the threshold in which those small

businesses should pay VAT? The honourable member is a champion for

this issue and has been ever since I have been in this place. I share his

view of the tourism industry in Wales. It is a success story. The

tourism industry in my constituency and his constituency is doing very

well at this point in time, regardless of changes to VAT. Mr

Speaker, as the minister well knows, many of our small businesses and

Wales are dependent on the steel industry and they will be anxiously

awaiting the outcome of the meeting in Mumbai today. The terms of the

package his Government proposes will be crucial to any potential deal.

Can he come from his Government will do everything it takes to secure a

successful future for steel industry? She is absolutely right

and highlighting the importance of the steel industry, not just direct

employment but also supply chains. I can assure the honourable lady that

this office and UK Government are doing everything in our powers to

ensure the steel industry and the skilled supply chain is protected in

the future. Many of our small businesses will also be concerned

about the EU referendum. Not least those in the Welsh agricultural

sector which received some ?350 million a year from the Common

agricultural policy. The Wales Office Minister previously confront

in the event of a Brexit vote there is no certainty the Government would

replace these funds. Does the Minister agree it is in the very

best interests of Welsh farming and the broader Welsh economy we should

remain in the EU? The honourable lady is right to highlight the

importance of the agricultural industry for Wales. Around 60,000

people are directly employed in the sector. I thoroughly subscribe to

the viewpoints at the Welsh agricultural sector will be

protected if we vote to remain in the EU. Number five, Mr Speaker.

The labour market in Wales is going from strength to strength. The

figures last week delivered a hat-trick of good news for the bulge

economy. Employment is at a record high, unemployment at the lowest

level since 2008 and the number of people in the claimant count

continues to fall. I thank the Minister. Use these voters not sure

that the Government welfare reforms are working in Wales and helping

employment for ordinary people. -- do these measures not sure? I was

recently visiting Cardiff with the Minister for employment and what was

inspiring was the way the team at the Cardiff job centre highlighted

the way in which Universal Credit and the flexibility offered by its

is encouraging people back to work. The Minister will have seen this

week's Treasury assessment of the impact of withdrawal from the EU.

Could you give us his view of what the impact would be of that

assessment on the Welsh economy? The honourable gentleman, right

honourable gentlemen is aware of my position on this. I passionately

believe the Welsh economy is stronger as part of the EU. Whether

manufacturing, agricultural industry or small businesses, the stability

and certainty of being part of the EU is good for Wales and good for

small business in Wales. The unemployment levels and tired of are

at a record low at 1.7%. Does the Minister agree with me to support

this trend is the new Welsh Government must deliver on

infrastructure promises such as the M4 relief road and other projects

this Government has given hundreds of millions of pounds towards? My

honourable friend has been a champion for Cardiff since he was

elected. The ?500 million contribution for the UK Government

to the City Deal in Cardiff will be essential for employment growth and

the continued success of Cardiff but we must keep up the pressure. The

questions over the relief road on a barrier to growth and the honourable

member is right to raise concerns over these delays. Order. A great

many people in Wales will be attending to these proceedings and

they must inform the house that today we are visited by the eminent

figure Connaught Charles Bowden from Rangoon and Burma and we want to

impress them, not only was the quality of our interrogation but

with the decency of our behaviour. A little less noise would be helpful.

Number six. I was delighted to visit S4C last week to see the

developments at the channel for the launch of the HD service in time for

the EU -- European Championships and we wish Chris Coleman and the boys

well. What assurances can he get the UK Government's review into S4C will

not be compromised as it will be conducted after the BBC Charter

review us and he can from all options will be on the table

including securing an independent financial stream for S4C funded from

public service broadcasting and direct Government support? I'm

grateful to the honourable member for the question. He will recognise

a fundamental principle is operational and editorial

independence. The BBC White Paper offers protection and support for

S4C but there is a ongoing review which will look at all these matters

such as governance, and finance to secure a long-term future for the

channel. Order. Mr Glen Davis. S4C is crucially important to Wales and

in particular to the Welsh language. Does my honourable friend for the

secretary of state agree that the Welsh language is too often seen as

a secondary line which in Wales. It is not, it is at least equal first.

I am grateful to the honourable member for his question. This

Government has a strong record in supporting S4C but the Conservative

Government has a strong record in establishing S4C, in establishing

the Welsh language Act concerning around the decline we saw previously

in the Welsh language so we should be proud about our heritage and

language. It through Conservative policy. Number eight, Mr Speaker.

With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions at seven and

eight together. At the regular European Council of the Government

negotiated new settlements giving you did the special status in a

reform EU. As I said in my speech in Swansea last week I believe Wales

and the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a

reformed EU. Seven and nine, for the avoidance of doubt. 80% of Welsh

farmers depend on, agricultural payments from the EU. The vast

majority export their goods to the EU. Given Wales receives ?245

million more from the EU that it puts on what assurances can the

Secretary of State give the loss to these farmers will be plugged by the

UK Government in the event of a Brexit? The Welsh economy is showing

some spectacular employment figures currently with more people in work

than ever before. The claimant count falling and employment rate well

below that of the UK average. That economic success is based on a

stable economic policy and all of the independent forecasts show there

will be a negative impact should we leave the single European market. EU

programmes such as a Rasmus bring enormous benefits to young people

and Wales, broaden experience and strengthening employability. Does

the Minister agree ensuring work benefits and continue to benefit

from such programmes are just one of many good reasons to vote Remain? I

would like to advise the house and the honourable member the new

Rasmussen programme was developed by Port Talbot man some years ago and

has provided fantastic opportunities to students across Europe to share

best practice and broaden their knowledge. -- Erassmus. The European

investment back has also invested hugely in higher education and the

new Swansea University campus is benefit but it perform at their best

vacation. The Minister will surely have seen the report from Cardiff

University yesterday showing Britain pays nearly ?10 billion a year to be

part of the EU. If we took that money under the Barnett formula does

he agree that money could be half a million -- half ?1 billion better

off if we bought leave? That a vote to leave. My honourable friend is

failing to recognise the impact of all of the independent forecasts,

the IMF, the OECD, the governor of the back of England who talks about

the negative effect on Brexit on the Welsh economy. Cost 24,000 jobs.

That is a step we cannot afford to take. Is it the case that Wales

Office special advisers had a meeting with representatives of the

Burton stronger in Europe campaign and if so what did they discuss? --

Britain stronger in Europe. We discussed a range of issues

affecting the world economy and the Brexit will do so in a negative way,

?2 million cost of the Welsh economy, 24,000 jobs. We are seeing

some spectacular employment data currently but that is based on

strong economic conditions and access to 500 million customers

across Europe. Given Wales is already underfunded by the Barnett

formula what a detailed guarantees can be secretary of state give to

the 245 million will actually reach Wales? I don't recognise the basis

of the question. The honourable lady forgets the historical funding for

but my right honourable friend the Chancellor introduced which

demonstrates the strength and commitment this Government is

showing to Wales. Will the secretary of state join me in welcoming the

fights that Toyota have made it clear that they will continue to

manufacture in the United Kingdom, including at their plant in Wales

regardless of the fact as to whether the British people vote to leave the

EU on the 23rd of June. I will certainly recognise the comments

that are made by Toyota because they specifically said, "British

membership of the EU is the best for our operators and the long-term

competitiveness." It is not only to water, there are 150 component

industries in the automotive sector that they bent on companies like

Toyota, Ford who want us to the main part of the single EU market.

Questions to THE SPEAKER: There's a process to

follow. Wait his turn! Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, as always.

The Prime Minister's attending the G7 in Japan. I've been asked to

reply on his MAFF. This morning I'd meetings in ministerial colleagues.