Wales Questions House of Commons

Order, order. Motion for an

unopposed return, minister to move.

Thank you. Questions to the

Secretary of State for Wales. Lauren

Smith.

Secretary of State for Wales,

Alun Cairns. Before I answer the

first question I conveyed the

thoughts and prayers of the whole

house to the family and community in

Wales after the tragic fire earlier

this week. With permission I will

answer questions one, four and 15

together. The government is

delivering the biggest investment

programme in over a century. The

weight Western modernisation

programme includes five on £7

billion of investment in new trains.

-- great Western. It will cut times

by 15 minutes and will make South

Wales more attractive for investment

and bring significant benefits to

the economy and passengers.

Lauren

Smith.

Can I associate myself with

the Secretary of State's comments

and offer my deepest condolences?

The decision not to go ahead with

electrifying the mainline to Swansea

has been a bitter blow for South

Wales. My constituency in Nantwich

is less than 20 miles away from

North Wales. Many constituents have

written to me and asked what steps

the Government are taking to

electrify the North Wales coastline.

Can they give me clarification

today?

Mr Speaker, the honourable

lady raises an interesting question

and will be aware of the responses

and advances in technology which

mean electrifying Cardiff and

Swansea would not say passengers

significant journey times. She makes

an interesting point related to

North Wales and I hope she is aware

of the £43 million of signalling

improvement which has taken place in

North Wales to improve speed and

reliability on the line. Also the

crew hub offers great potential to

bring HS2 benefit, which is the UK

major rail investment programme to

North Wales and the North of

England.

Liz twist. What will the

secretary of state be doing to

create a more competitive and cost

effective environment for rail

infrastructure in Wales?

There is a

major multi-billion pound investment

programme which is benefiting

railway journeys and passengers in

Wales. The Public Accounts Committee

earlier this year asked for a

reassessment of the elect vacation

programme on a state-by-state basis.

That is what we did and that is why

we are using the latest advancements

in technology to make sure

passengers in Swansea and West Wales

gets the benefit of the most modern

trains in the network immediately,

rather than waiting for the

traditional technology of

electrified trains only.

On the 16th

of May the transport secretary said

electrification was definitely

happening and he wanted an end to

smelly diesel trains. There was

disappointment on the 20th of July

when it was cancelled from Cardiff -

Swansea and the Midland Mainline.

Ministers cited new technology

making a letter vacation

unnecessary. Can you satisfy the

House that this is not a cynical

broken promise by outlining what

breakthroughs were made after the

closure of the ballot boxes?

One of

the strong advocates for a letter

vacation was Professor Mark Barry.

He said the mood neutralised the

case. He made an interesting point

in relation to diesel trains. These

trains will be using the latest and

most environmentally friendly diesel

generators on the trains. The

maximum speed which can be retrieved

between Cardiff and Swansea can even

be exceeded with the latest trains.

-- achieved. It demonstrates the

flexibility.

Antoinette sandbag. The

benefit of the station rely on five

trains per hour to deliver

improvements not only to my

constituents but in North Wales.

What is the Secretary of State doing

to support that case?

I am grateful

for the question. The Secretary of

State for Transport, I regularly

meet and discuss the range of

infrastructure programmes taking

place in Wales, but also the way the

network works by the harbour and the

potential it offers not only for her

constituency but also North Wales by

bringing the benefit of rail to crew

which will benefit North Wales as

well.

As a former member of the

Public accounts committee, when the

recommendations were come up with in

every I am pleased they had been

sighted. Will he agree that any

future litigation needs to be based

on robust assessment and the trains

he is proposing to Swansea are

exactly what most parts of the

network including Pinilla --

Plymouth and Torbay will be getting

anyway?

He makes a logical and

helpful point. He recognises we are

using the latest technology,

offering more capacity and much

faster trains. These are a major

benefit for Swansea and West Wales.

Criticising the decision to use the

latest technology to Swansea does

nothing more than undermine

investment in the city itself.

Geraint Davies.

A letter vacation

from London to Cardiff will save 15

minutes. The new Swansea Metro

proposal will save 30 minutes

journey time between Cardiff and

Swansea. The city deal will create

10,000 more jobs and more passenger

demand. Will he look again at the

business case for an electrified

Swansea Metro between Swansea and

Cardiff, to provide an

environmentally friendly a stronger

future which will offset the

negative impact of HS2 in South

Wales?

Clearly the Swansea Metro is

a different proposal. But I am keen

to meet with Professor Mark Barry to

discuss the potential. That is an

interesting addition to a wide

ranging debate. There are also

proposals where we can improve train

frequency going to Carmarthen and

Pembroke because at the moment

passengers from West Wales will

often drive to Port Talbot to get

onto the train. I think a more

imaginative solution can become

about and I think the Metro is an

additional solution that can be

considered in part of that debate.

Mr Stephen Dowty.

The Secretary of

State will be aware that along with

a deep concern about failure to

electrify beyond Cardiff there is

also concern great Western Railway

will not of a bilingual service on

the mainline service operating into

Wales. As he had a discussion about

that? Other companies have been

offering a bilingual service even

though they go between Wales and

England.

I have noticed the public

statements which have been made by

the Welsh government. As the

comments the honourable member has

made. I suggest he raises it with

first great Western, Riva are also

changing it and it is a matter for

the operators, but I think it is a

positive oppose all.

Jessica Morden.

-- proposal. Can I also associate

myself with the condolences paid by

the secretary of state by those

affected by the fire? Our thoughts

are with them. Does he agree with

the leader of the Welsh Conservative

party, who this week said

electrification of the line to

Swansea would be beneficial to Wales

and should still take place? He said

he has not given up the ghost of

fighting that campaign. Can I assure

the Secretary of State on this side

of the House neither have we.

Mr

Speaker I would hope the honourable

member would recognise we are using

the latest technology with more

capacity and faster trains that will

go to Swansea. She needs to look at

the 15 minute savings which were

originally going to be between

Swansea and Paddington and they will

also be a 15 minute savings still

under the bimodal trains. We are

bringing about the most modern

technology with bimodal trains on

the network now rather than waiting

a couple of years with the

destruction it would bring Swansea

in the process.

Jonathan Edwards.

--

disruption. It would cost over £100

billion. 15 billion, HS3 and over 13

billion for crossrail two. It is a

scandal the Government broke the

promise to electrify to Swansea

despite it only costing 400 million.

Considering the peril of the British

Government is it not the case the

only way to make sure Wales gets its

fair share of investment is to

devolve full responsibility for rail

infrastructure?

I am surprised by

the tone of the member is taking.

Bimodal trains would be able to

improve the connectivity to his

constituency and West Wales. Under

the former proposal of electric only

trains into Swansea, his

constituency would not benefit from

that. But of course the network in

Wales is part of the UK network.

When he compares the spending, he

should think of a logical basis. He

has been supportive of the curve in

England but which would bring major

benefit for North Wales into

Liverpool as a network.

Immensely

grateful.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The

Secretary of State has regular

discussions with Cabinet colleagues

on a range of UK investment projects

including the proposed expansion of

Heathrow airport. Estimates suggest

the Heathrow proposed expansion

would require 370,000 tonnes of UK

steel, securing 700 British steel

job. Welcome news for community such

as Port Talbot.

As well as benefit

to Wales construction related to the

expansion of Heathrow, does my

honourable friend agree there are

also opportunities for what industry

to support the ongoing operation of

Heathrow when expansion has

completed? As my constituents do in

nearby Glasgow airport?

I agree with

my honourable friend. The

opportunities for Wales and the

Welsh supply chain is significant.

The Welsh office is working with

government to make sure that we have

round table discussions and we meet

in Wales and South Wales and North

Wales soap was companies can be in a

position to benefit from the

investment in Heathrow.

Airport more important than ever so

will the Minister join me in

congratulating the Welsh Government

in order to sink Cardiff airport,

which has led to a great increase in

passenger numbers.

-- input a single

Cardiff airport.

The Wales Office is

very proud of the involvement we had

in relation to the decision to have

a direct flight from Cardiff airport

by Qatar. You are right about the

importance of hub airport. We have

had a meeting recently about the

possibility of direct flights from

Liverpool into Heathrow, Wood --

which would be significant for the

connectivity of Wales.

Can he keep

up pressure on his colleagues to

give slots to the distant regions in

the north and in Wales.

I agree with

my honourable friend. The importance

of hub airport is understood by

businesses across the UK and it is

imperative that we have regular

flights into Heathrow, one of the

reasons why we need the expansion of

Heathrow. This expansion will be

good for the UK and regional

economies, were connectivity into a

major hub airport such as Heathrow

will be beneficial for our local

economies.

The trade unions and

local authorities support these

extra £2 billion worth of investment

that the Heathrow expansion will

bring. But it depends on two things.

The extension of HS2 and also a

final decision on Heathrow. When

will this happen?

The honourable

gentleman X an important point. This

decision will be forthcoming soon.

-- makes an important point. I would

agree entirely on drums of the Mike

Warren. There is a new opportunity

for north woods. -- north Wales.

This is something we have been

involved in.

Questionable tree,

please. -- question I will answer

questions we and six together.

I

hold regular discussions with

Government departments and the worst

Government in Wales. We have

invested in the new. -- and the

Welsh Government. 100,000 investment

in important and innovative new

infrastructure. The UK's first

energy positive office, creating

more energy than it uses.

Lasting

economic success on the comes from a

long-term approach to major

decisions economic. This is why it

is great to see that the Welsh

Liberal Government supports

investment in infrastructure. And

that the Government -- a Labour

Government works with the future. --

the Welsh Labour Government.

The

honourable Lady raises an

interesting point. I regret to say

that probably shows that she doesn't

understand the relationship between

the Wales Office and Welsh

Government. It's there to say that

infrastructure investment in roads

depends upon partnership approach --

in Wales depends upon partnership.

This is why we have crucial examples

of cooperation.

As with many

constituencies across Wales, we saw

huge benefits from European

structural funds. There is currently

great uncertainty about the future.

Can you assure the house that the

level of financial benefits we

currently enjoy from structural

funds will be replicated when we

leave the EU?

The gentleman raises a

point about structural funds. The

reality is that structural funds in

Wales doesn't make the difference we

anticipated. Communities such as

yours will want it and long-term

jobs, the type that I sought when I

visited. This is exactly what the

economy needs in South Wales.

The

excellent history of Parliament

website yesterday posted a link to a

bill to build a new bridge at

Chepstow. Does my friend agree with

me that we need a change to M4 as

well?

It is disappointing that we

are still waiting for a relief wrote

for Newport. The Government is going

for a new consultation. It is

important that we see action sooner

than later on the relief road for

Newport.

I'm pleased that the

minister mentioned the north Wales".

Its -- it is ten years since the

last action, the introduction of an

hourly service. Does he agree with

everybody else in north Wales that

it's high time that this step change

is repeated by the reproduction of

the north Wales call spread and

better transport services across the

border. -- north Wales growth rate.

This was on -- has worked on this is

appreciated. This was a key

priority, cross-border connectivity

is crucial. We need to improve

transport links. Whether by road or

rail.

And you very much. I would

like to add my condolences and those

of the side of the host of those

affected by the heartbreaking

tragedy. Mr Speaker, Wales is one of

the many areas in Europe who have

received EU structural funds to help

improve infrastructure. After 2020,

will Wales receive the same level of

funding as the comparative regions

of Europe will there be a reduction

in funding to Wales by this

Conservative Government?

The

honourable gentleman raises the

question about structural funds as

if they were a success story in

Wales. They were a failure in Wales.

Our comparative economic performance

fell. This Government is committed

to a UK chip with Verity -- Shared

Prosperity Fund. Rather than being

wasted than the way that the Welsh

Government wasted funds over the

past 18 years.

I'm afraid that the

gentleman did not answer my

question. There is a lack of clarity

of what will happen after 2020 in

Wales. I thank you for a meeting

with me to discuss these issues. Can

you convene a meeting with the Wales

team, the shadow Wales team and the

ties of the striker to sort this out

so that there is absolute clarity

for the people of Wales on this

issue? And the Chancellor -- and the

Chancellor of the Exchequer.

This

meeting has to be at the right time.

The key thing in a context of

structural funding is a strategic

approach across north Wales, this

was not possible when we had

structural funds. We have an

opportunity to have a strategic

approach across north Wales which

will be supported by a sheer duty

prosperity fund in due course. -- a

shared UK prosperity fund.

Wilson

made a great place to invest. As we

leave the EU, we will continue to

support existing relationships and

work to attract new projects and

work closely with the Department of

International trade to deliver this.

The secretary of State will note

that the Welsh Liberal Government is

successful in attracting businesses

such as Aston Martin. This could be

at risk if there is a new deal

Brexit. What does the Secretary of

State plan to do to reassure the

business community that Wales is

open for business?

The honourable

member is applicable right, Wales is

a great place to invest. 95% of the

projects that came last year were

supported and facilitated by the

Department for International Trade.

I've been to Qatar, Japan, I be

encouraged by the optimism and

flexibility that the Welsh economy

can bring.

Mr Gerry Mautner.

Can the

Minister provide assurance that the

important markets that he visited,

Japan and Qatar, are committed to

the current international business

links with Wales? What plans do they

have to expand?

Mr Speaker, as a

mentioned, I'm encouraged by the

interest and commitment. Japanese

companies by tradition made

long-term investments. The first was

in 1973, Sony. They have committed

to remaining longer.

We have a lot

of noisy private conversations

taking place but I think it's

important to listen to the products

of the secretary's meditations.

Ever

poured sort that there was a decline

in 44% this year. What will it take

the Secretary of State to admit that

the only way to protect jobs and

wages is to maintain economic things

with the EU and staying in the

single market and customs union

permanently?

Mr Speaker, as I

mentioned, last year was another

successful year. 85 projects came to

Wales, creating thousands of new

jobs. Exports to the EU were

increased by 15%, exports outside

the EU increased by 20%. This

demonstrates the great flexibility

of businesses in Wales, keen to

explore new opportunities exiting

the EU brings.

For a meaningful vote

on the final deal to be meaningful

we must not allow Parliament to be

able to condemn the UK to a notable

scenario, should that final deal

proved unsatisfactory. Would it not

be more prudent to explore any

problems around Article 50, to

appease businesses around Wales and

avoid damaging cliff edge?

I hope

the honourable lady will degrade

reassurances that we are doing

everything we can to make sure that

the whole of the UK is getting a

good deal. -- will take

reassurances. We must prepare for

all outcomes and every eventuality

because we need to preserve the

integrity of the UK market and

making it the most of new

opportunities as leaving the EU.

Will the Secretary of State in

Qureshi Department of trade to give

a higher priority to Wales as part

of the Government's efforts to bring

prosperity to all of the corners of

the UK.

I'm grateful for the

question and I think the Department

for International Trade is already

doing that but there's almost always

more we can do. I met with the First

Minister on Friday to consider the

paper as well as the new

opportunities. The establishment of

UK border trade, including stronger

sedition from Wales as an important

part of that work.

Thank you, Mr

Speaker. Since the referendum the

Secretary of State and I have

discussed the impact of the UK's

exit from the EU across Wales. We

have met farming unions, businesses,

universities. And you exit panel --

a panel will take place on Monday.

Does my right honourable friend

agreed me that this has to go even

further as negotiations continue?

Will encourage other Cabinet

ministers to come to Wales to hear

the views of Welsh businesses,

farmers and universities first-hand?

Thank you for the question, he is a

champion for the agricultural

industry and this is no surprise

given the constituency he

represents. Discussions with farming

unions will intensify and the

Secretary of State for International

Development will be in Wales this

week.

Silvino Louro. -- Elven Nolan.

Horner put gentleman, he discovers a

new his popularity every day.

On a

number of occasions I have asked for

the importance of Irish trade in my

constituency. Last week, a company

from Ireland suggested a new written

to Holland and Britain. Stakeholders

in my constituency are concerned

about this. When is the UK

Government going to wake up? -- a

new route to Belgium and Holland

circumnavigating Britain.

The

Secretary of State for Wales visited

the port with you. These concerns

have been heard in the Wales Office

and we have met with businesses, I

can assure you that our intention is

to ensure a frictionless border in

Holyhead as in Northern Ireland.

Dozens of academic staff from across

Europe have been vital to the excess

of our institutions in Wales. What

discussions has a miniature had with

Cabinet colleagues to ensure that

arrangements according to student

visas do not change? -- discussions

has the Minister had.

I've visited

Bangor and Aberystwyth University.

These issues were discussed. We are

in constant discussion with other

departments concerning this.

Including a matter of EU visas.

Mr

Speaker, can I welcome the fact that

the UK and above the ministrations

agreed the principles on which of

the common frameworks will be

constructed, particularly the

businesses and farmers unions of

Wales. Can I encourage him to

continue with this, the more

exchanges with devolved

administrations so we can get

agreement on how the common

frameworks should be established?

Can the Minister's reply exceed a

sentence?

I agree with how important

it is to go on and have deep

engagements with these

organisations. I hold regular

conversations on matters relating to

the UK leaving the EU.

Number 13, I

think.

Martyn Day. Thank you,

following the last joint ministerial

committee between the Welsh Scottish

and UK governments, I'd set of

principles was published. -- a set

of principles were spotless. Can the

ministers give an update on what

tangible actions have been taken to

institute these principles?

Mr

Speaker, there are 64 areas of the

war and Herceptin with the Welsh

Government and 111 relating to

Scotland. A lot of technical work is

ongoing between officials in the

Scottish Government and Russia

Government and the UK

administration. Many functions

beneath that. -- and Welsh

Government. The powers are returning

from the UK to the EU and we are

talking about this.

Will you, like

the Scottish Secretary, promise the

Welsh Government a promised bonanza

-- a powers bonanza?

64 areas that

are being worked on and we want to

move forward with the powers of the

Scottish Government as well as the

Welsh Government can be extended. We

need to maintain the integrity of

the UK market. We must member that

everything must suit business.

Businesses in Scotland will need