0:00:00 > 0:00:00affairs and Brexit. Join me for a round-up for the day in both Houses
0:00:00 > 0:00:05of Parliament at 11pm tonight the first questions for the Secretary of
0:00:05 > 0:00:10State for Wales, Alun Cairns. Growth corridors are an important
0:00:10 > 0:00:13element of the industrial strategy for Wales and we are responding to
0:00:13 > 0:00:18local demand, building on the work undertaken by great Western cities
0:00:18 > 0:00:21and creating a great Western powerhouse. We want to see the
0:00:21 > 0:00:24skills and expertise of this important region recognised across
0:00:24 > 0:00:31the UK and internationally. Does the Minister agree with me that
0:00:31 > 0:00:35scrapping the tolls at the Severn Crossing, a commitment made by this
0:00:35 > 0:00:40Conservative Government, will prove an economic catalyst for further
0:00:40 > 0:00:43investment and significantly expand the links between South Wales and
0:00:43 > 0:00:46the south-west? Minister.
0:00:46 > 0:00:54I welcome those Severn tolls which sent a powerful message to be clean
0:00:54 > 0:00:59and this economic corridor to bring investment for South Wales and save
0:00:59 > 0:01:04the average motorist around £1400 per year.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Mr Speaker, my constituents want to have access to work in the
0:01:09 > 0:01:13south-west but it is claimed that the demand for rail services will
0:01:13 > 0:01:20grow and grow locally... But there are still too few carriages open and
0:01:20 > 0:01:22unreliable rail services. Will the minister talk to great Western about
0:01:22 > 0:01:26this? Will have a consultation at the
0:01:26 > 0:01:32moment and we help our constituents will take part. It is important we
0:01:32 > 0:01:35recognise investment in rail is important so as a Government that is
0:01:35 > 0:01:38why we are investing more as a country band since the Victorian
0:01:38 > 0:01:43era. And with the new trains, that is an investment of over £5.7
0:01:43 > 0:01:47billion. I hope she will welcome the positive news.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Kevin Foster. Thank you. South Wales is one of the
0:01:51 > 0:01:56key market for Torbay's holiday companies and industry. But we want
0:01:56 > 0:02:00the Minister to look at improving the direct rail link between Cardiff
0:02:00 > 0:02:06and painting, raising issues with Great Western about refreshments
0:02:06 > 0:02:10because at the moment there are not only by the whole journey.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14I their wealth is a good place for his constituents do have a
0:02:14 > 0:02:20definition, too -- Wales. We must make sure transport is as successful
0:02:20 > 0:02:23as possible and we are in constant discussions to improve services. In
0:02:23 > 0:02:29terms of food, we will make that point, I am sure.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35Real economic growth projects in that region, to deliver this
0:02:35 > 0:02:40project, and can I ask the Minister to get on with it and encourage the
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Secretary of State to defend and talk up for Wales in Cabinet?
0:02:44 > 0:02:46I can assure the honourable gentleman that my right honourable
0:02:46 > 0:02:49friend is always standing for Wales and Cabinet and does that
0:02:49 > 0:02:53effectively. Terms of the tidal lagoon, we're looking at this very
0:02:53 > 0:03:01carefully to ensure that it is value for money for the taxpayer as well.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06Number two, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and with your
0:03:06 > 0:03:11permission I will answer questions, two, seven and 11 together. I don't
0:03:11 > 0:03:13think the Welsh Government continuity bill is necessary and the
0:03:13 > 0:03:16UK Government wants to reach agreement with the Welsh Government
0:03:16 > 0:03:22and the European Union with all bill with the view of including national
0:03:22 > 0:03:27assembly support for legislation. Despite that answer, the Cabinet
0:03:27 > 0:03:33Office on Friday and today less than 24 devolved things that the UK
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Government will snatch back from Wales and Scotland and that proves
0:03:36 > 0:03:39the need for a continuity bill. Why is he not defending his devolved
0:03:39 > 0:03:46parliament and signing up for it instead of allowing this power grab?
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Mr Speaker, my relationship with the vice minister of the Welsh
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Government is a positive relationship and we don't agree with
0:03:51 > 0:03:56everything but we agree on the objectives and that is to improve
0:03:56 > 0:04:01businesses and communities in Wales. In relation to Wales, there are 64
0:04:01 > 0:04:06areas the devolution settlement, and 24 areas that we want to discuss
0:04:06 > 0:04:09further with the Welsh Government to come to an agreement of how best to
0:04:09 > 0:04:14ensure that common rules apply across the UK to ensure that Welsh
0:04:14 > 0:04:16businesses are protected in order to be able to market their produce
0:04:16 > 0:04:22across the rest of the UK. Earlier this week, the long-awaited
0:04:22 > 0:04:28Government amendments to clause 11 were published, despite assurances
0:04:28 > 0:04:32and policies, they were published without the consent or support or
0:04:32 > 0:04:34agreement of the devolved administrations. Can I ask the
0:04:34 > 0:04:40Minister, is it still the Government policy to obtain the consent of the
0:04:40 > 0:04:43devolved administrations, and if further agreement is reached, will
0:04:43 > 0:04:49he bring forward further amendments? Well, Mr Speaker, the honourable
0:04:49 > 0:04:53member is relating to amendments tabled in relation to clause 11 in
0:04:53 > 0:04:55the other place, and of course commitments were made that
0:04:55 > 0:04:59amendments would be tabled and that is exactly what we have done. If we
0:04:59 > 0:05:02have not tabled this amendments, then we would have been criticised
0:05:02 > 0:05:06for not having brought those forward. As I have said in this
0:05:06 > 0:05:09chamber and elsewhere, we are determined to work with devolved
0:05:09 > 0:05:12administrations to come to an agreement, but it is the UK
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Government which has the interests of looking after the whole of the
0:05:16 > 0:05:19UK. UK Government wants to act in the interests of business and
0:05:19 > 0:05:22communities to ensure a Scottish business can sell or buy products in
0:05:22 > 0:05:29Wales and same regulations that a comment UK market would have.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31One of the reason the Continuity Bill has come forward is because
0:05:31 > 0:05:36there is no agreement on this blatant Westminster paragraph and
0:05:36 > 0:05:40that has not stopped them pressing ahead anyway, but can they agree no
0:05:40 > 0:05:44deal could be agreed a new powers unless there has been a joint
0:05:44 > 0:05:48ministerial committee? Help the agreements of the devolved
0:05:48 > 0:05:51administrations will come as soon as possible and I will not tie down to
0:05:51 > 0:05:54one particular committee. But there was a joint ministerial committee
0:05:54 > 0:06:01last week another enjoyable thing. I have been this position before work
0:06:01 > 0:06:05was that would not get a consent motion for the Wales Bill is that
0:06:05 > 0:06:09progressed through Parliament by only by constant hard work and
0:06:09 > 0:06:12engagement and optimism, acting in the interests of business and
0:06:12 > 0:06:15communities, not on politicians, that allowed this.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Can my right honourable friend confirmed that not only is there not
0:06:17 > 0:06:22a power grab, but there will be a significant increase in powers to
0:06:22 > 0:06:29the devolved administrations as Britain leaves the European Union?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Mr Speaker, my honourable friend is right and there is no intention of
0:06:32 > 0:06:36any power grab out of the 64 areas relating to Wales, and we have
0:06:36 > 0:06:41already said that 30 would pass without any need for any further
0:06:41 > 0:06:46agreement or, at the very most, an informal agreement between the UK
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Government and the devolved administrations. There are 24 areas
0:06:49 > 0:06:52combined in the interests of businesses in Wales and Scotland and
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Northern Ireland and England to have common practices so we can protect
0:06:56 > 0:07:00the UK market. 80% of Welsh agriculture is sold to the rest of
0:07:00 > 0:07:05the UK. Mr Speaker, does he recall that
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Wales is a principality in the United Kingdom as a nation and
0:07:08 > 0:07:12worried to leave the European Union, therefore, rather than looking back
0:07:12 > 0:07:15continuity of the EU, we must be focusing on how to strike the best
0:07:15 > 0:07:20deal for Britain leaving the EU, to be ready and they won prepared at
0:07:20 > 0:07:26Dover? -- prepared at Dover at the front
0:07:26 > 0:07:32line on day one? Wales voted to leave the EU and we
0:07:32 > 0:07:34are obligated to act on that instruction from the referendum but
0:07:34 > 0:07:38we must also highlight that 80% of output of goods from Wales coast of
0:07:38 > 0:07:41the rest of the UK and Scotland sells four times more to the rest of
0:07:41 > 0:07:48the UK than to the rest of the European Union. On that basis,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52protecting the UK market must be a priority. Acting in the interests of
0:07:52 > 0:07:56business and communities is our priority.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Are my right honourable friend update the House on the advantages
0:07:58 > 0:08:01do Wells of having a Common Market across the whole of the United
0:08:01 > 0:08:07Kingdom, -- can he? My honourable friend is right
0:08:07 > 0:08:12because much focuses as -- understandably and rightly placed on
0:08:12 > 0:08:15selling and trading with the European Union but the most
0:08:15 > 0:08:20important market in Wales is the UK market. Eight out of ten lorries are
0:08:20 > 0:08:24output to Wales and the supply chains are complex... Two weeks ago
0:08:24 > 0:08:27we recognise the investment of Toyota in Derbyshire and that has
0:08:27 > 0:08:39major positive impact on Toyota and...
0:08:39 > 0:08:49Microphone? I can't hear. I can't hear.
0:08:49 > 0:08:57The consent... And in so doing this Government has changed the
0:08:57 > 0:08:59fundamental principle of the devolution settlement against the
0:08:59 > 0:09:06settled will of the people of Wales. Mr Speaker, I don't recognise the
0:09:06 > 0:09:10statements of the honourable member being used there. The amendment that
0:09:10 > 0:09:14has been tabled in the other place is a significant amendment where it
0:09:14 > 0:09:19recognises powers automatically fall to devolved administrations but also
0:09:19 > 0:09:23introduces the prospect of bringing those essentially to protect the UK
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Common Market, in the interest of Welsh business. I have been
0:09:26 > 0:09:29privileged to sit in front of panels of industry representatives and we
0:09:29 > 0:09:33are acting in the way they are calling for rather than the interest
0:09:33 > 0:09:38of politicians who are more interested in powers.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Mr Speaker, I thank the Secretary of State for his response, but the UK
0:09:41 > 0:09:46Government has said that this amendment merely creates a temporary
0:09:46 > 0:09:52place for the 24 powers to be kept, in a freezer, until new arrangements
0:09:52 > 0:09:56are discussed. If this is a temporary measure, why permanently
0:09:56 > 0:10:01alter the Government of Wales act 2006?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Mr Speaker, protecting the UK market is absolutely a priority for us and
0:10:04 > 0:10:10the honourable lady will have people in her constituency who want to sell
0:10:10 > 0:10:13their products in England according to common practices on food
0:10:13 > 0:10:17labelling. That is an example of an area policy we seek to get agreement
0:10:17 > 0:10:21on. We will continue to work hard with the devolved administrations in
0:10:21 > 0:10:24order to get agreement, but it is only the UK Government backtracked
0:10:24 > 0:10:28on the interests of the whole of the UK rather than some politicians in
0:10:28 > 0:10:32other areas seeking to represent a regional dimension only.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Last week the Secretary of State published a list explicitly
0:10:36 > 0:10:41outlining which powers Westminster intends either to halt or to dole
0:10:41 > 0:10:46out, as it sees fit. This week we published a set of amendments,
0:10:46 > 0:10:51without gaining the agreement of either of the devolved nations.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Could he explain how this is anything other than a power grab?
0:10:55 > 0:11:00Mr Speaker, in the first instance, I would say that list is still subject
0:11:00 > 0:11:03to discussion, as it clearly states, in terms of the headings under the
0:11:03 > 0:11:06three various sections. I am also pleased to say a devolved
0:11:06 > 0:11:10administration, as in Scotland and Wales, they have recognised we
0:11:10 > 0:11:13wanted to publish that list and supported the publication of the
0:11:13 > 0:11:15list, not necessarily that they recognise the three elements of the
0:11:15 > 0:11:19list. This demonstrates the positive way in which we are seeking to work
0:11:19 > 0:11:23with a devolved administration, the devolved administrations in order to
0:11:23 > 0:11:25get agreement. Only the UK Government can act in the interests
0:11:25 > 0:11:32of the whole UK.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36The Welsh continuity bill will pass through its first stage of the
0:11:36 > 0:11:40timetable, if it passes, debate over the power grab will be forced out of
0:11:40 > 0:11:42this chamber and into the courts. Will be Secretary of State confirm
0:11:42 > 0:11:47when beginning to tell passes whether he intends to fight this in
0:11:47 > 0:11:55the courts?I do not think, as I said earlier, but the continuity
0:11:55 > 0:12:00bill is necessary. The Welsh amateur said that do not want to --
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Government were not wish to pursue the continuity bill. I believe there
0:12:04 > 0:12:10is enough goodwill to come to an agreement. If we are focusing on the
0:12:10 > 0:12:15needs of businesses and communities, we will get to a positive outcome.
0:12:15 > 0:12:23Politicians to focus on the powers...Thank you.I want answers
0:12:23 > 0:12:30question 35 together, the UK,'s rail infrastructure is focused on
0:12:30 > 0:12:34maximising the benefits to passengers while delivering the best
0:12:34 > 0:12:39value for taxpayers. The fleet of modern trains running on the great
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Western mainline to Swansea bring significant time savings to and from
0:12:43 > 0:12:46London and tangible benefits to about a dozen times of speed,
0:12:46 > 0:12:51comfort and reliability without the need for costly programme of
0:12:51 > 0:12:55electrification. Instead into a lector like to
0:12:55 > 0:13:01Swansea, more people will use that cars. Following the removal of the
0:13:01 > 0:13:05tolls on the Severn bridge, they said no further modelling was
0:13:05 > 0:13:10undertaken in terms of increasing cars. Happy Minister's department
0:13:10 > 0:13:15assessed the further gridlock? I do not accept that not a lecture
0:13:15 > 0:13:20finding lines to Swansea will not bring benefits, it will. The train
0:13:20 > 0:13:25journey times to London will reduce that by 15 minutes. We have to
0:13:25 > 0:13:29recognise because of gone up significantly, benefit to cost ratio
0:13:29 > 0:13:33was extremely low and even the Public Accounts Committee
0:13:33 > 0:13:35recommended that it was looked at again.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Does the city of state agree with me that his Government's broken
0:13:39 > 0:13:48promises on rail electrification and its unwillingness to provide funding
0:13:48 > 0:13:52for rail enhancements will damage the connectivity and therefore
0:13:52 > 0:13:55hinder our opportunities for economic growth and development?
0:13:55 > 0:14:00I find it very hard to hear from of the party opposite talking about
0:14:00 > 0:14:04rail investment when in 13 years they properly electrified ten miles
0:14:04 > 0:14:09of line. We are bringing record investment that is being seen all
0:14:09 > 0:14:12over the country, particularly in Wales, we are proud of our
0:14:12 > 0:14:17achievements. Is he aware of press reports
0:14:17 > 0:14:24suggesting that the Welsh Labour Government are now cancelling a al
0:14:24 > 0:14:29education projects in the valleys? They would get on with building the
0:14:29 > 0:14:33M4 relief road. It is this Government that has been
0:14:33 > 0:14:37bringing in the investment in rail infrastructure and he is right that
0:14:37 > 0:14:46the rate that car door does need some solving. -- Mforce. Frankly it
0:14:46 > 0:14:50is time the washroom got on with it. Can I urge my honourable friend to
0:14:50 > 0:14:55look at the evidence the transport select committee received on this
0:14:55 > 0:15:03issue. We had that the new trains will run to the same timetable if
0:15:03 > 0:15:07they are operating under diesel power or electric, it is no loss of
0:15:07 > 0:15:10service by having these lines electrified.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15He is a great expert in transport matters and he is absolutely right,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18actually having the lines above the train are not going to improve
0:15:18 > 0:15:22performance. What passengers want is being able to get to their
0:15:22 > 0:15:28destination reliably and that is what we are going to bring.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34Yesterday the Labour Government cancelled electrification, using
0:15:34 > 0:15:39exactly the same as the Secretary of State that travelling
0:15:39 > 0:15:43electrification on the line to Swansea. Is it the case that when it
0:15:43 > 0:15:46comes to the Welsh railways, they are being let down by the Government
0:15:46 > 0:15:52at both ends of the M4? I would not accept that. The fact is
0:15:52 > 0:15:56that we are investing in railway and let us not forget that some of the
0:15:56 > 0:15:58investment but we made, maybe in England will actually benefit
0:15:58 > 0:16:06passengers in Wales. Helping north Wales, north Wales passengers get to
0:16:06 > 0:16:13Liverpool and the north-west. Number format.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18We are working with the unions added devolved administrations to develop
0:16:18 > 0:16:22a long-term viable solution. We are deeply disappointed by the US
0:16:22 > 0:16:26announcement are taking all possible action to support the industry.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31The still works in Corby is part of steel supply chain that involves
0:16:31 > 0:16:35sites in Wales, further to the conversations that he has been
0:16:35 > 0:16:40hammering in Wales, what conversations with the having with
0:16:40 > 0:16:43ministers how he can best support the steel industry in the UK going
0:16:43 > 0:16:48for? Can I pay tribute to my honourable
0:16:48 > 0:16:52friend for the work that he is doing in supporting the steel industry. He
0:16:52 > 0:16:55was absolutely forefront of the debate two years ago when the steel
0:16:55 > 0:16:59industry was facing a particular crisis, it is through his influence
0:16:59 > 0:17:03that we have introduced an entity compensation scheme, flexibility
0:17:03 > 0:17:11over EU emissions, 45 trade defence measures, it is his influence that
0:17:11 > 0:17:16is pretty strong in this debate. If the aware of the factor when
0:17:16 > 0:17:21President Bush introduced Deal tariffs in 2002, a lead to 200,000
0:17:21 > 0:17:29job losses in the US what steps are being taken to ensure that American
0:17:29 > 0:17:31politicians are pressing President Bush to drop these are truly,
0:17:31 > 0:17:37President Trump 's sorry, to drop these terrorists.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42We have said -- drop these terrorists.
0:17:45 > 0:17:53I spoke about the issue, the US ambassador here in the UK are now
0:17:53 > 0:17:55spoken to the UK Trade Commission again in the US and just last
0:17:55 > 0:18:04Friday. This is a cross Government effort, someone is travelling to the
0:18:04 > 0:18:10US as I speak to pursue the issue. The Prime Minister has raised
0:18:10 > 0:18:18directly with the president. Number six.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21I have regular constructive discussions with the Welsh
0:18:21 > 0:18:25government on EU exit and the EU withdrawal bill and look forward to
0:18:25 > 0:18:28continue these discussions this afternoon at the joint committee,
0:18:28 > 0:18:34chaired by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Agriculture and health farming in particular are vital to Welsh
0:18:37 > 0:18:43economy. What is he doing to ensure the EU money going into rural
0:18:43 > 0:18:47economy continues to do so after Brexit? What discussions as he had
0:18:47 > 0:18:55with his desperate colleagues? -- Defra.
0:18:55 > 0:19:02He is right to highlight the importance of the -- to the Welsh
0:19:02 > 0:19:08economy. Committed to funding agriculture to the similar scale
0:19:08 > 0:19:14till 2022. The US UK Trade & Investment working
0:19:14 > 0:19:19group was set up in July of last year. What representations has these
0:19:19 > 0:19:24are clear statement about group about the impact that President
0:19:24 > 0:19:29Trump's tariffs would have on the industry?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I mention to the honourable member about the direct action by have
0:19:32 > 0:19:35taken but I also referred to a whole host of actions that were taken by
0:19:35 > 0:19:41my right honourable friend, this is such a priority for this team, a
0:19:41 > 0:19:46cross Government action to support the steel industry. My father was a
0:19:46 > 0:19:51welder, I recognise the importance of this industry.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55The Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff loves nothing more than a
0:19:55 > 0:19:58long and fuzzy row with Westminster over powers. Does you agree with me
0:19:58 > 0:20:03that they would do much better to work constructively and
0:20:03 > 0:20:05pragmatically with ministers here to make a success of Brexit, which is
0:20:05 > 0:20:08after of what the people of Wales waited for?
0:20:08 > 0:20:15I am grateful my right honourable friend is my predecessor, took some
0:20:15 > 0:20:19positive steps to get a positive relationship with the Welsh
0:20:19 > 0:20:25government and laid the foundations of the Wales Bill which is now the
0:20:25 > 0:20:29wealth that. That is clarified the devolution settlement that enables
0:20:29 > 0:20:32constructive debate to take place and I'm optimistic that over the EU
0:20:32 > 0:20:36withdrawal bill that we can win if we both focus on the outcome that we
0:20:36 > 0:20:41need to focus on, the interests of businesses and community 's.
0:20:41 > 0:20:50I network steel who are close to the... Does the Secretary of State
0:20:50 > 0:20:53not think it is ironic that a time when we need to be corporate and
0:20:53 > 0:20:59more than ever, we are planning to leave the European Union?
0:20:59 > 0:21:03I also want to support the steelworks but I remind the
0:21:03 > 0:21:06honourable member that Wales waited to leave the European Union and we
0:21:06 > 0:21:10have an obligation to act on that instruction. The honourable member
0:21:10 > 0:21:17is right about the diversion and be distorted to the market at the risk.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20We are working closely with the opinion in order to protect the
0:21:20 > 0:21:30interests of Wales steals workers. Members across this has recognised
0:21:30 > 0:21:38the economic activity is not hindered by the Borders. They
0:21:38 > 0:21:44supported the Northern Powerhouse. I was delighted to see that growth
0:21:44 > 0:21:47corridors were formally recognising the industrial strategy and will
0:21:47 > 0:21:51continue to develop these for the benefit of the 50% of the Welsh
0:21:51 > 0:21:56people who live within 25 miles of the border.
0:21:56 > 0:22:03Wells greater access to my constituency thanks to the M4. As
0:22:03 > 0:22:11the considered building the M31, the economic benefits will bring to
0:22:11 > 0:22:15everyone I would agree, we recognise the connectivity of them important,
0:22:15 > 0:22:22cross-border connectivity. The Department for Transport is
0:22:22 > 0:22:30collecting evidence at the moment. Attracting financial services to the
0:22:30 > 0:22:39economy. Now the M4 toll bridges coming down, as financial Wells
0:22:39 > 0:22:45Powerhouse from Cardiff to Swansea? Card already enjoys a centre of
0:22:45 > 0:22:48excellence in finance, I think the fact that the tolls are going on the
0:22:48 > 0:22:52bridge will make that opportunity even more available and we will do
0:22:52 > 0:22:56everything we can to make sure that it benefits in every way it can.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Can I tell my honourable friend that I had a meeting with commercial
0:22:59 > 0:23:03property people on Monday and they were telling me that the
0:23:03 > 0:23:08electrification of the realm line to Swansea has having no effect
0:23:08 > 0:23:14whatsoever on the investment, what is the effect is the lowering of
0:23:14 > 0:23:21tolls on the Severn crossing. I think we should be talking up the
0:23:21 > 0:23:23benefits of the investment that is happening in our rail infrastructure
0:23:23 > 0:23:28to bring about growth of cities like Swansea, it is disappointing to hear
0:23:28 > 0:23:32negative comments when really we should be pushing the opportunities
0:23:32 > 0:23:41that exist in the city. There 7 million residents in
0:23:41 > 0:23:49north-west England, 700,000 in north Wales, priming and connecting these
0:23:49 > 0:23:56two economies makes absolute sense. The issue is finding, money. Welsh
0:23:56 > 0:23:59government heavily committed hundreds of millions of pounds to
0:23:59 > 0:24:03these improvements, what new additional funding has this
0:24:03 > 0:24:09Government committed to date? As the honourable gentleman knows,
0:24:09 > 0:24:14we have given more money to the Welsh assembly under the new
0:24:14 > 0:24:17settlement but I completely recognise that actually the
0:24:17 > 0:24:20cross-border activity in north Wales and the north-west of England is
0:24:20 > 0:24:23incredibly important. That is wireless pleased to meet with
0:24:23 > 0:24:26representatives from the all-party group the other day and we are
0:24:26 > 0:24:32looking at some of the rail investment that is needed,
0:24:32 > 0:24:39particularly at the cow. -- fouls.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44Question nine.
0:24:47 > 0:24:58They cater investment in the Welsh railway structure. So the benefit of
0:24:58 > 0:25:01passengers, commuters and businesses.
0:25:01 > 0:25:15I am losing my voice. HS2... HS2 will cost £56 billion, 20,000 jobs
0:25:15 > 0:25:20for £1 billion we could build 2.5 miles of HS2 or half the time is
0:25:20 > 0:25:26between Cardiff and Swansea and have an electrified Swansea Metro. Why is
0:25:26 > 0:25:30the Welsh Secretary not objecting to the billion pound cut from Network
0:25:30 > 0:25:35Rail in our infrastructure and investing in Wales instead?
0:25:35 > 0:25:39He has done very well considering he has lost his voice.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45I would point out that HS2 of the UK scheme provides the opportunity of
0:25:45 > 0:25:48significant benefits to connectivity to north Wales. He is relating a
0:25:48 > 0:25:53Swansea Metro project which offers interesting opportunities and I
0:25:53 > 0:25:56happy to say that I am meeting the architect of that in the coming
0:25:56 > 0:26:00weeks. Does my right honourable friend
0:26:00 > 0:26:07agreed that the recently launched Wells strategic rail 's prospectus
0:26:07 > 0:26:10contains sensible proposals that would significantly improve rail
0:26:10 > 0:26:15connectivity in north Wales and they should receive favourable
0:26:15 > 0:26:19consideration by the Government? I am grateful to my right honourable
0:26:19 > 0:26:24friend for his hard work in this area because connectivity on a
0:26:24 > 0:26:27cross-border races is important and demonstrate how integrated the
0:26:27 > 0:26:33network is. There are significant investment is taking place across
0:26:33 > 0:26:37the north Wales network,