0:00:00 > 0:00:00for a round-up of the day in both houses of parliament at 11 o'clock
0:00:00 > 0:00:05tonight. Firstly have questions to the Welsh Secretary.
0:00:09 > 0:00:16Hors d'oeuvre. Questions to the Secretary of State for Wales --
0:00:16 > 0:00:17order.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28Thank you Mr Speaker and with your permission I will answer questions
0:00:28 > 0:00:33two and nine together.Last week I hosted the first cross-border summit
0:00:33 > 0:00:38in Newport. More than 350 people attended the event, looking to
0:00:38 > 0:00:41strengthen the economic links between South Wales and the
0:00:41 > 0:00:43south-west. Through our industrial strategy we want to build on this
0:00:43 > 0:00:46with cross-border collaborations to create prosperous communities before
0:00:46 > 0:00:53the full Wales. -- the whole of Wales.I like to thank the
0:00:53 > 0:00:58honourable friend for that answer. Shrewsbury relies on cross-border
0:00:58 > 0:01:00trade with our friends and neighbours across the border. What
0:01:00 > 0:01:07discussions has he had with his counterparts in the Welsh assembly
0:01:07 > 0:01:10about the AA five which crosses the border between England and Wales and
0:01:10 > 0:01:14will be joining in paying tribute to my neighbour, the Right Honourable
0:01:14 > 0:01:19member for North Shropshire who thus campaigned a lot on this issue but
0:01:19 > 0:01:22has been very badly injured in a riding accident and is recuperating
0:01:22 > 0:01:27at home at this time.I was Right Honourable gentleman full speedy
0:01:27 > 0:01:31recovery in the fullness of the recovery is more important than its
0:01:31 > 0:01:36speed. The Secretary of State. I'm grateful to my honourable friend and
0:01:36 > 0:01:41pay tribute to him as well as the Right Honourable member for North
0:01:41 > 0:01:48Shropshire. Both are assiduous and relentless in their pursuit of the
0:01:48 > 0:01:52re-doing of it a five. The second with investment strategy for England
0:01:52 > 0:01:55and dahlias with the Welsh government minister Ken skates on a
0:01:55 > 0:01:59regular basis to raise and pursue this issue because clearly in works
0:01:59 > 0:02:02for a much better cooperation for both sides if we can bring together
0:02:02 > 0:02:07both investment priorities and I know that the efforts in this app is
0:02:07 > 0:02:15paying dividends in the negotiations.The journey from Essex
0:02:15 > 0:02:19to Wales involves the most expensive toll bridge charges in the country.
0:02:19 > 0:02:28So I am delighted that this government have removed those
0:02:28 > 0:02:33barriers for tourists and businesses and from commuters generally in
0:02:33 > 0:02:36terms of the burden across the border. Will my right honourable
0:02:36 > 0:02:40friend tell the House how he intends to capitalise on that wonderful
0:02:40 > 0:02:46news?I'm grateful to my honourable friend for reminding us of that
0:02:46 > 0:02:50iconic Gavin and Stacey seem with smithy struggling into Wales because
0:02:50 > 0:02:55he had to pay the 6.70 toll charge in order to cross bridge. I would
0:02:55 > 0:03:00point out to the Honourable member that it has been reduced by 20% in
0:03:00 > 0:03:03the interim and by the end of the year the tolls will be abolished and
0:03:03 > 0:03:07this will be one of the biggest stimulus to the Welsh economy in
0:03:07 > 0:03:10decades, it would provide an opportunity for more and better paid
0:03:10 > 0:03:15jobs providing £100 million boost to the Welsh economy and this is an
0:03:15 > 0:03:18opportunity for the south-west of England and the South Wales to come
0:03:18 > 0:03:22together as an economic powerhouse in order to provide better
0:03:22 > 0:03:30opportunities on the western side of the UK.My constituents, who worked
0:03:30 > 0:03:33in Bristol and beyond, have to put up with chronically overcrowded rail
0:03:33 > 0:03:38services as fears increase. But ministers topped the UK Government
0:03:38 > 0:03:42transport ministers because they are not devolved in order so we can sort
0:03:42 > 0:03:47this out.The Honourable Lady raises an important point about public
0:03:47 > 0:03:53transport in general and the great Western franchise is out for
0:03:53 > 0:03:58consultation as we speak and I would encourage members to make
0:03:58 > 0:04:03representation about the improvements they would like to see.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05She thought about overcrowding but I would say one of the greatest
0:04:05 > 0:04:09overcrowded roads in the UK is around the Brynglas tunnels in
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Newport and I hope the Welsh government will get on with building
0:04:13 > 0:04:17the road and the UK Government make money available almost two years ago
0:04:17 > 0:04:19and we are frustrated by the lack of response and reaction in building
0:04:19 > 0:04:20in.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Since assuming office Secretary of State has broken a promise to
0:04:25 > 0:04:29electrify the mainline to Swansea, vetoed the evolving therefore taxes
0:04:29 > 0:04:32to us because he doesn't want to upset Bristol Airport and has not
0:04:32 > 0:04:37delivered on the Swansea Lagoon. His record on the economy is Elliott,
0:04:37 > 0:04:42failure, failure.-- is failure.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I'm disappointed with the tone that the Honourable member takes and I
0:04:47 > 0:04:51would point a significant changes for Wales in recent years, the most
0:04:51 > 0:04:57important is that their funding settlement which was provided 5% of
0:04:57 > 0:05:02the end of funding settlement and it will be a £67 million uplift in the
0:05:02 > 0:05:05next financial year and similar terms in the year is going on, 13
0:05:05 > 0:05:11years of claims of understanding or underfunding by the Labour Party
0:05:11 > 0:05:14really have been corrected in the first year of a Conservative
0:05:14 > 0:05:21administration.I'm grateful to the Secretary of State for inviting my
0:05:21 > 0:05:26District Council and my tourism industry to his sudden growth
0:05:26 > 0:05:31Summit. I'm also grateful given that the old Severn Bridge is half in my
0:05:31 > 0:05:34constituency and the gateway to Gloucestershire, not just Wales and
0:05:34 > 0:05:39the tolls will be removed. And I urge him as he continues these
0:05:39 > 0:05:43cross-border opportunities to fully involved business industry in my
0:05:43 > 0:05:46constituency so we can take full advantage of growth in the western
0:05:46 > 0:05:52parts of our country?I'm grateful to the support my right honourable
0:05:52 > 0:05:57friend provides to the calling to abolish the Severn tolls because
0:05:57 > 0:06:01they will be a major boost to his constituency, two constituencies
0:06:01 > 0:06:07across the whole of South Wales. Can you imagine if there was a £6 70
0:06:07 > 0:06:10charge to do business between Cardiff and Newport and the impact
0:06:10 > 0:06:15that would have. That is what is in place in his constituency and South
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Wales economy for 50 years or abolishing the tolls is a commitment
0:06:18 > 0:06:27he has to deliver on.I like to welcome the new minister to this
0:06:27 > 0:06:33place and they say the first term is always the worst. I understand that
0:06:33 > 0:06:42you were born on Ellis Maughan and you were a member of the Labour
0:06:42 > 0:06:54Party. We would like to welcome you back but we might be full and with
0:06:54 > 0:06:59that I would like to congratulate the Welsh assembly. There was
0:06:59 > 0:07:04announcement by Storm all that they are the number one employer in the
0:07:04 > 0:07:08UK for the LB GT community. I won't mention that Swansea beat Arsenal
0:07:08 > 0:07:223-1 last night. Manufacturers across the UK consider the world leading
0:07:22 > 0:07:26tidal lagoon in display a lifeline for businesses. Thousands of skilled
0:07:26 > 0:07:32jobs in cross-border factories are earmarked to supply the lagoons.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37They are at risk because the UK Government cannot make a decision.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39The Secretary of State has said many times that he would love it to
0:07:39 > 0:07:46happen. The Welsh Labour government has pledged millions to the tidal
0:07:46 > 0:07:50lagoon, it is and now regrets decision. As the Secretary of State
0:07:50 > 0:07:55Kevin anything constructive, in the words of Gavin and Stacey, what's
0:07:55 > 0:08:02occurring?I would like to join the Honourable Lady in recognising the
0:08:02 > 0:08:07Welsh assembly for the recognition I Stonewall. That is something to be
0:08:07 > 0:08:10accepted and underlined and recognised and I would like to
0:08:10 > 0:08:17recognise the success Swansea had last night as a city supporter. The
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Honourable Lady raises an important point about the tidal lagoon and as
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I said previously, this is something I would really like to happen, the
0:08:24 > 0:08:27whole of the UK Government, media planning permission for this after
0:08:27 > 0:08:31the 20 15th general election, we would like to see progress on this
0:08:31 > 0:08:36but it must be value for money. The Welsh government has communicated
0:08:36 > 0:08:42with the UK Government about something they call as an offer. The
0:08:42 > 0:08:48Welsh government officials and those from other places established what
0:08:48 > 0:08:54accounts to this offer from the Welsh government and we will
0:08:54 > 0:08:57continue ongoing discussions that I would point out to the honourable
0:08:57 > 0:09:03lady that she has two because this jobs created in the long term and
0:09:03 > 0:09:05not those thousands of jobs she talked about because the project
0:09:05 > 0:09:11itself will deliver 40 or more jobs. I'm glad you mentioned the jobs
0:09:11 > 0:09:16because these cross-border deals include local government
0:09:16 > 0:09:21apprenticeships for 16 and 17-year-olds. Now at risk because of
0:09:21 > 0:09:26the UK Government's dithering. Is the government money that now the
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Welsh Labour government is introducing Vokes for 16 and
0:09:30 > 0:09:3317-year-olds in local government elections, Welsh young people will
0:09:33 > 0:09:38be able to vote on their future and fought for apprenticeships and
0:09:38 > 0:09:45fought for tidal lagoons.It is part of the UK Government's manifesto and
0:09:45 > 0:09:48we recognise the Welsh government has followed the ambition we have
0:09:48 > 0:09:52set out for apprenticeships and I would also point out and pay tribute
0:09:52 > 0:09:55to the Welsh government for the actions over changing the voting
0:09:55 > 0:09:59structure but the Honourable Lady who given the poor to do that in the
0:09:59 > 0:10:04first place is that it was refused for 13 years by Labour.Is the
0:10:04 > 0:10:06minister aware that the Welsh affairs Select Committee has invited
0:10:06 > 0:10:11the First Minister in Wales to come before us and spell out exactly what
0:10:11 > 0:10:15this offer is and so far the First Minister has refused to do so. If
0:10:15 > 0:10:20there is a serious offer from Welsh Labour to support tidal lagoons,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23does he agree that the Welsh First Minister should come before the
0:10:23 > 0:10:30committee and tell us exactly what it is that he is offering.I pay
0:10:30 > 0:10:32tribute to the Honourable member as chairman of the Welsh affairs Select
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Committee in the way in which he had been vociferous in pursuing these
0:10:35 > 0:10:41sorts of issues and the case for value for money. He has obviously
0:10:41 > 0:10:48invited the First Minister to give evidence. He will respond positively
0:10:48 > 0:10:53wants to do everything to me this project, bright and prove the value
0:10:53 > 0:10:57for money case we are seeking to achieve all
0:11:16 > 0:11:19With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions three and six
0:11:19 > 0:11:24together. At the Budget, the Chancellor announced that all
0:11:24 > 0:11:27claimants will be eligible for Universal Credit from the first day
0:11:27 > 0:11:37they claim it, removing the seven waiting days.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50The universal credits from six weeks to five weeks was welcomed on this
0:11:50 > 0:11:56side of the House. This has not gone far enough. Household claimants in
0:11:56 > 0:12:00Wales and across the country are suffering from rising debts, housing
0:12:00 > 0:12:04arrears and evictions. With the Secretary of State stand-up for
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Universal Credit claimants in Wales and asked his Cabinet colleagues to
0:12:08 > 0:12:15reduce this time further?I love the introduction. First of all, the need
0:12:15 > 0:12:24for reform was absolutely clear. Under the old system, people had to
0:12:24 > 0:12:26go to various authorities and potentially more. What we're doing
0:12:26 > 0:12:29is simple buying that into a system that encourages people into work.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Surely we should all be welcoming that? We are rolling this out slowly
0:12:33 > 0:12:37so we make sure we are learning the lessons, that is what we have done.
0:12:37 > 0:12:45I'm aware that the Chancellor made the announcements so that people
0:12:45 > 0:12:52have the money they need when they apply.The analysis shows that those
0:12:52 > 0:12:57with red arrears under Universal Credit have gone into arrears after
0:12:57 > 0:13:02making the claim. Is the Minister content that families that were not
0:13:02 > 0:13:09previously in arrears...?That is why we make announcements in the
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Budget. What will happen now is from April that households who what
0:13:12 > 0:13:17already climbing housing benefit will automatically receive an
0:13:17 > 0:13:21additional two weeks of benefit when they claim Universal Credit. We are
0:13:21 > 0:13:24responding to the lessons we are learning and we will continue to do
0:13:24 > 0:13:30so as we roll out the project.May I first welcomed my honourable friend
0:13:30 > 0:13:37to the dispatch box. Can I also urge him in looking at the administrative
0:13:37 > 0:13:40change the Universal Credit not to lose sight of the over arching goal,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43which is to have a simpler welfare system that actually encourages
0:13:43 > 0:13:50people into work, a far cry from the old system it is replacing?I'm
0:13:50 > 0:13:54delighted to take a question from my honourable friend, and I mean that
0:13:54 > 0:13:59in the sincerest sense. He is right. What we are seeing is that an
0:13:59 > 0:14:03appointment in Wales is currently 73,000, which has decreased by
0:14:03 > 0:14:0852,000 since 2010. We are seeing that people are going back into work
0:14:08 > 0:14:11because Universal Credit is encouraging that. If you look at the
0:14:11 > 0:14:17old system, if you work a minute over 16 hours, you would lose your
0:14:17 > 0:14:22whole jobseeker's allowance. No incentive to get into work. That is
0:14:22 > 0:14:30why we have introduced this new system.I too would like to welcome
0:14:30 > 0:14:33my congratulations to the honourable member for his elevation to his new
0:14:33 > 0:14:42position. Waiting times are important to all claimants, but none
0:14:42 > 0:14:46more so than the terminally ill. That is those that the DWP deems to
0:14:46 > 0:14:53or expects to live for less than six months. The DWP's own data shows
0:14:53 > 0:14:59that PIP claimants who are too ill have their claims reassessed at the
0:14:59 > 0:15:04rate of seven in 100 in the south-east, and 17 in 100 in Wales.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08That is the highest in the country. Why is there such a huge variance,
0:15:08 > 0:15:15and will the Minister join me in requesting a meeting with the
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to discuss these issues?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22First of all, can I thank the honourable Jedward for the warm
0:15:22 > 0:15:26welcome. I appreciate that. It is important to recognise that with PIP
0:15:26 > 0:15:31we are bringing in a system that is trying to help people live with the
0:15:31 > 0:15:38conditions that they have. If we compare the systems, with PIP, 29%
0:15:38 > 0:15:40of claimants are receiving the highest possible support, compared
0:15:40 > 0:15:46with just 15% with disability living allowance. I have only been in this
0:15:46 > 0:15:51job a few weeks, but this is something I will be taking up with
0:15:51 > 0:15:53my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State, and will report
0:15:53 > 0:16:01back to him.We need to speed up a bit. What we now need is pithy
0:16:01 > 0:16:13questions.Question four.Mr Speaker, superfast broadband is now
0:16:13 > 0:16:17available to more than 19 out of 20 UK homes and businesses, including
0:16:17 > 0:16:2395% to premises in Wales will stop this and as lines -- this underlines
0:16:23 > 0:16:36Aaron West Madrid six to £9 million -- our investment of 69 million.
0:16:36 > 0:16:44Previously, you could get only 0.9 of 8 megabits. They now have given
0:16:44 > 0:16:51delivery to the home of several megabits. What can the Government do
0:16:51 > 0:16:59to give a legal obligation for everyone to have broadband?He is
0:16:59 > 0:17:03right to highlight the importance of good connectivity to broadband,
0:17:03 > 0:17:09especially in rural areas. It will maximise the economic benefits we
0:17:09 > 0:17:12will have. We decided that regulation is the best way to insure
0:17:12 > 0:17:17that everyone can get recent broadband connections, so a
0:17:17 > 0:17:20regulatory universal service obligation will be giving everyone
0:17:20 > 0:17:22in the UK access to speeds of at least 10 megabytes per second by
0:17:22 > 0:17:282020.Can I welcome the Anglesey born Parliamentary undersecretary to
0:17:28 > 0:17:36his place? The last Anglesey born Tory minister are big shoes to fill
0:17:36 > 0:17:43Indy. On the subject of broadband, the success of the roll-out in Wales
0:17:43 > 0:17:46is the partnership between the European Union, government here in
0:17:46 > 0:17:51Westminster and the one in Wales, working with BT. Can the Minister
0:17:51 > 0:17:54assure me that there will not be a cliff aged 2020, that we will have
0:17:54 > 0:18:00transitional money from Europe so we can roll out to 100%.I am grateful
0:18:00 > 0:18:05to have such a welcome from someone I have known for many years, and I
0:18:05 > 0:18:13am grateful to him. He is right. We want to make sure that we
0:18:13 > 0:18:18continue... I was a member of the Young Conservatives then! We are
0:18:18 > 0:18:23absolutely determined to roll out broadband. We are determined that
0:18:23 > 0:18:29that target of 2020 is one we want to achieve and of course it will be
0:18:29 > 0:18:33incumbent on us as the UK government to ensure it is rolled out to every
0:18:33 > 0:18:45part.We have some of the slowest broadband speeds in the UK, but was
0:18:45 > 0:18:51we were left out of a project. Can he ensure that rappers and Asians
0:18:51 > 0:19:01were made -- that representations were made for Wales' inclusion?The
0:19:01 > 0:19:10roll-out is the responsibility of the Bush government. We have -- of
0:19:10 > 0:19:18the Welsh government.If you're one of the households in Pembrokeshire,
0:19:18 > 0:19:24you could have been told you cannot get broadband. Would my honourable
0:19:24 > 0:19:26friend, the minister, provide an assurance that he will keep working
0:19:26 > 0:19:32with colleagues to ensure that we connect the whole of Wales?Again, I
0:19:32 > 0:19:35accept that we have got to make sure we roll this to every part of Wales,
0:19:35 > 0:19:40and Pembrokeshire is equally important. He is a big champion of
0:19:40 > 0:19:49his constituency and the area. I suppose I would say I am
0:19:49 > 0:19:53disappointed in the roll-out from the Welsh government. We need to
0:19:53 > 0:19:58make sure that we deliver the role that we envisaged. Question number
0:19:58 > 0:20:05five. With your permission, I will answer questions five, 13 and 14
0:20:05 > 0:20:11together. I hold regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding
0:20:11 > 0:20:19cross-border transport connectivity. Improving connectivity is central to
0:20:19 > 0:20:24delivering economic growth on both sides of the border.If providing
0:20:24 > 0:20:29funding for removing tolls from the Severn Bridge is enough for the
0:20:29 > 0:20:32people of Wales, why not extend such a generous government offer to the
0:20:32 > 0:20:36people of Cheshire and Merseyside, and do away with the polls on the
0:20:36 > 0:20:43Mersey Gateway?I would say that the tolls on the Severn Crossing have
0:20:43 > 0:20:48been there for more than 50 years, and the Mersey Gateway Bridge has
0:20:48 > 0:20:52very given to levels compared to those on the Severn Crossing. I
0:20:52 > 0:20:56would also point out that locals won't have to pay on the Mersey
0:20:56 > 0:21:05Gateway Bridge, other than the ten pounds administration fee.My
0:21:05 > 0:21:11constituents were pleased to see a constituency business case in the
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Budget but we have not heard any progress since then. I would like to
0:21:14 > 0:21:17see some improvements in both efficiency and frequency on that
0:21:17 > 0:21:24line. What regret has been made?I am grateful -- what progress has
0:21:24 > 0:21:30been made. It forms part of our cross-border growth strategy. It is
0:21:30 > 0:21:37reflected in the UK's industrial strategy. I spoke with the Welsh
0:21:37 > 0:21:40government's Transport Minister on Monday to discuss the project, and
0:21:40 > 0:21:44we will be updating the House in June course.The industrial areas
0:21:44 > 0:21:56around by constituency absolutely depend on the 56 running smoothly.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Has he had any discussions about when we will get that motorway
0:21:59 > 0:22:04running smoothly?He highlights the importance of cross-border
0:22:04 > 0:22:09connectivity. I would point him towards the second road investment
0:22:09 > 0:22:11strategy for England, which will provide an opportunity to highlight
0:22:11 > 0:22:18the priority. A million people across the border every week,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22between North Wales and the north-west of England. 2000 and go
0:22:22 > 0:22:29to Airbus.Does the Secretary of State agree that the UK government's
0:22:29 > 0:22:39investment in the rail lines improves my connectivity in my
0:22:39 > 0:22:42constituency, and there was a missed opportunity from the Welsh
0:22:42 > 0:22:46government for failing to include that train line in the last round of
0:22:46 > 0:22:53European funding?The Horton curve, which is approaching £18 million in
0:22:53 > 0:22:58terms of spending cap is an exciting project because it is a simple,
0:22:58 > 0:23:03straightforward investment, which will bring direct services once
0:23:03 > 0:23:08again, again improving cross-border connectivity, increasing
0:23:08 > 0:23:15opportunities for growth and development. That is what we want to
0:23:15 > 0:23:27encourage on either side of the border.Question seven.Mr
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Speaker,... CHEERING
0:23:30 > 0:23:34I know that wasn't for me.We continue to have constructive
0:23:34 > 0:23:37discussions on the European Union withdrawal Bill, with a view to
0:23:37 > 0:23:41securing the support for the legislation. The Welsh government
0:23:41 > 0:23:47have not discussed with us their proposals for EU continuity Bill,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51but we hope that would be unnecessary.So bad is the
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Westminster power grab becomes that the 17th of January, the national
0:23:54 > 0:24:04assembly, including the Conservatives, can the Minister
0:24:04 > 0:24:09confirm that the ministers will not meddle any further with devolved
0:24:09 > 0:24:15administrations?I do not believe that the continuity Bill is actually
0:24:15 > 0:24:21needed. We are engaging happily at every level of government, with the
0:24:21 > 0:24:23devolved administrations, to make sure we go through the EU withdrawal
0:24:23 > 0:24:29Bill to ensure that the causes we want to amend in the Other Place
0:24:29 > 0:24:34will be effective and get the support of open assemblies.We are
0:24:34 > 0:24:37short of time. I will call him if it is a single, short sentence,
0:24:37 > 0:24:42otherwise I won't bother. Alerted out, man.When will the Government
0:24:42 > 0:24:45publishes framework analysis and the proposed wording for the amendment
0:24:45 > 0:24:54deplores -- to clause 11?We are continually engaging. My right
0:24:54 > 0:25:02honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, and the Chancellor
0:25:02 > 0:25:05of the Duchy of Lancaster I going to Wales tomorrow to meet with the
0:25:05 > 0:25:10First Minister of the Welsh assembly so that we can further get the
0:25:10 > 0:25:12detail of those discussions and bring forward the amendments as soon
0:25:12 > 0:25:16as possible.
0:25:22 > 0:25:30The Minister will recall the Scottish Secretary claiming there to
0:25:30 > 0:25:39be a Scotland specific economic impact assessment.Order! The
0:25:39 > 0:25:43honourable lady should not be disquieted in any way. I think the
0:25:43 > 0:25:52robin is keenly attending to her words.Only for the Scottish
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Secretary to contradict himself a week later. It appears now the
0:25:56 > 0:26:06regional assessments do exist. Which road will be Minister take? Or he
0:26:06 > 0:26:10confirmed that they Welsh assessment has been produced, or will he
0:26:10 > 0:26:12concede that the Government is so heedless of Wales's future that
0:26:12 > 0:26:31there is no such assessment? another Bristol city have an emblem as their
0:26:31 > 0:26:36icon so they may be trying to interfere in these questions.! We
0:26:36 > 0:26:39will look at these in great detail and ensure we come up with an
0:26:39 > 0:26:43effective resolution that since every single part of the United
0:26:43 > 0:26:49Kingdom because having a statute book that is fit for purpose is
0:26:49 > 0:26:55incredibly important once we leave the European Union.Will the
0:26:55 > 0:27:00Minister in that case ensure that he shares those assessments, not by
0:27:00 > 0:27:03twitter but also with all members and with all members of the Welsh
0:27:03 > 0:27:12public.Obviously we will make things available at the appropriate
0:27:12 > 0:27:15time but I can assure the Honourable lady that I will not be sharing
0:27:15 > 0:27:21things that on twitter.A little bit of injury time because the
0:27:21 > 0:27:27Honourable member of Enfield South is getting left out!Number eight,
0:27:27 > 0:27:32Mr Speaker.I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues
0:27:32 > 0:27:36on new opportunities that leaving the European Union brings to Wales
0:27:36 > 0:27:40and to the UK. Wales is the fastest growing nation in the UK in 2016 and
0:27:40 > 0:27:47is well placed to seize the opportunities presented.Will the
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Minister reassured this house and businesses across Wales by
0:27:51 > 0:27:56confirming arrangements will be put in place to ensure that new trade
0:27:56 > 0:27:59deals negotiated after leaving European Union do not undermine
0:27:59 > 0:28:05devolved policies. The
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Honourable member points of the opportunities to build new trade
0:28:07 > 0:28:09deals which is exciting to every
0:28:09 > 0:28:16part of the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State for International
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Development and we have the privilege of having former chairman
0:28:19 > 0:28:24of the Welsh development agency as well as Heather Stevens, very
0:28:24 > 0:28:27successful business only part of the border trade looking at Welsh
0:28:27 > 0:28:35interests at all occasions.How will the Secretary of State guarantee
0:28:35 > 0:28:40that in the supply chains with the EU they will be preserved when
0:28:40 > 0:28:44Britain leads the European Union? The Honourable member knows that we
0:28:44 > 0:28:51are working to deliver a trade agreement that leads to frictionless
0:28:51 > 0:28:54trade between the UK and the European Union but I will also point
0:28:54 > 0:28:57out to the