Wales Office

The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales supports the Welsh Secretary and the Parliamentary Under Secretaries of State in promoting the best interests of Wales within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Welsh interests are represented at the heart of the UK Government and the UK Government’s responsibilities are represented in Wales.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Humphreys (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Wales)

Scottish National Party
Richard Thomson (SNP - Gordon)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Wales)

Labour
Jo Stevens (Lab - Cardiff Central)
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales

Liberal Democrat
Sarah Green (LD - Chesham and Amersham)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Wales)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Labour
Gerald Jones (Lab - Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)
Shadow Minister (Wales)
Jessica Morden (Lab - Newport East)
Shadow Minister (Wales)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
James Davies (Con - Vale of Clwyd)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
Fay Jones (Con - Brecon and Radnorshire)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
Scheduled Event
Wednesday 6th December 2023
11:30
Wales Office
Oral questions - Main Chamber
6 Dec 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Wales
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Debates
Wednesday 8th November 2023
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 29th November 2023
10:00
Select Committee Inquiry
Friday 18th August 2023
Prisons in Wales

The Committee invites written submissions addressing any or all of the following areas: 

  • How has the situation facing prisoners and …
Written Answers
Monday 20th November 2023
Wales Office: Theft
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what data their Department holds on the (a) number and (b) cost …
Secondary Legislation
None available
Bills
Tuesday 7th June 2016
Wales Act 2017
A Bill to amend the Government of Wales Act 2006 and the Wales Act 2014 and to make provision about …
Dept. Publications
Thursday 30th November 2023
16:03

Wales Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Oct. 18
Oral Questions
Mar. 29
Westminster Hall
Sep. 19
Adjournment Debate
View All Wales Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Wales Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2019 Parliament

Wales Office has not passed any Acts during the 2019 Parliament

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
41,274 Signatures
(255 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
578 Signatures
(41 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
49 Signatures
(1 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
41,274 Signatures
(255 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
578 Signatures
(41 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
49 Signatures
(1 in the last 7 days)
Wales Office has not participated in any petition debates
View All Wales Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Welsh Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Welsh Affairs Committee
Stephen Crabb Portrait
Stephen Crabb (Conservative - Preseli Pembrokeshire)
Welsh Affairs Committee Chair since 27th January 2020
Beth Winter Portrait
Beth Winter (Labour - Cynon Valley)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Jamie Wallis Portrait
Jamie Wallis (Conservative - Bridgend)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Rob Roberts Portrait
Rob Roberts (Independent - Delyn)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Robin Millar Portrait
Robin Millar (Conservative - Aberconwy)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Ben Lake Portrait
Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Geraint Davies Portrait
Geraint Davies (Independent - Swansea West)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Virginia Crosbie Portrait
Virginia Crosbie (Conservative - Ynys Môn)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Simon Baynes Portrait
Simon Baynes (Conservative - Clwyd South)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Ruth Jones Portrait
Ruth Jones (Labour - Newport West)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 15th June 2020
Wayne David Portrait
Wayne David (Labour - Caerphilly)
Welsh Affairs Committee Member since 27th June 2022
Welsh Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Brexit and trade: implications for Wales The Dunlop Review and the UK Government’s union capability Freeports and Wales The Welsh economy and Covid-19 Wales and the Shared Prosperity Fund Brexit: Agriculture, Trade and the repatriation of powers inquiry The Cancellation of Rail Electrification in South Wales inquiry Broadcasting in Wales follow-up: S4C funding Agriculture in Wales post-Brexit inquiry Applications by Welsh pupils to Oxford and Cambridge Universities The future of the Severn River crossings inquiry The future of nuclear power in Wales inquiry The steel industry in Wales inquiry Welsh rates of income tax inquiry Devolution: Lessons for Wales inquiry Wales and Borders rail franchise inquiry Implications for Wales of the EU referendum result inquiry Police and Crime Commissioner Elections inquiry S4C review inquiry Brexit, trade and customs: implications for Wales inquiry Renewable energy in Wales inquiry Devolution of Air Passenger Duty to Wales inquiry Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales inquiry Prison provision in Wales inquiry City Deals and Growth Deals in Wales inquiry Wales and the Armed Forces inquiry Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station inquiry The proposed closure of Ford's Bridgend plant inquiry Work of the Police and Crime Commissioners Energy generation in Wales: Shale Gas The Severn Crossings Toll: follow up Implications for Wales of the Government's Proposals for Constitutional Reform The future of the Newport Passport office S4C Inward investment in Wales Organ Donation (Legislative Competence) Broadband in Wales Cross-border Road and Rail Connectivity The Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales Support for Armed Forces Veterans in Wales The impact of changes to housing benefit in Wales The Voluntary Code of Practice in the dairy sector The Work Programme in Wales Dairy Farmers in Wales inquiry Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales evidence sessions Broadcasting in Wales inquiry Pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Wales Bill inquiry Prisons in Wales and treatment of Welsh offenders inquiry Cross-border health arrangements between England and Wales International Representation and Promotion of Wales by UK bodies Silk Commission Part II: devolving legislative powers to Wales Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Wales Bill Nuclear power in Wales Broadcasting in Wales Floating Offshore Wind in Wales Water quality in Wales Defence industry in Wales University research funding Transport in Wales Prisons in Wales Impact of population change in Wales Renewable energy in Wales Railway Infrastructure in Wales Devolution of Air Passenger Duty to Wales Brexit, trade and customs: implications for Wales The proposed closure of Ford's Bridgend plant City Deals and Growth Deals in Wales Prison provision in Wales Renewable energy in Wales S4C review Wales and the Armed Forces Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

13th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what data their Department holds on the (a) number and (b) cost of replacing (i) laptops, (ii) mobile phones, (iii) memory sticks and (iv) external hard drives that have been (A) lost and (B) stolen in the last 12 months.

The Wales Office has reported no lost or stolen items listed in the question over the last 12 months.

Fay Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he plans to take steps to promote research in Welsh universities in the context of the Welsh universities showcasing event held on 17 October 2023.

I was delighted to welcome all eight of the universities in Wales and the Open University to an event showcasing the sector at Lancaster House on 17 October 2023. The event highlighted the strength and breadth of Welsh university research and its ability to deliver tangible benefits to communities in Wales, the UK and across the world. I am committed to ensuring Welsh universities play a vital role in positioning the UK at the forefront of research and development, and I firmly believe the event has helped make progress towards this goal. Senior representatives from each of UKRI’s research councils were present at the event and had the opportunity to see just some of the research excellence found across Wales’ areas of academic strength.

The UK Government is committed to supporting the higher education sector, demonstrated by our ongoing investment of £39.8 billion in research and development between 2022 and 2025. Moreover, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) recently announced a £60 million Regional Innovation Fund to support regions that have lower levels of research and development investment. As part of this, the Welsh Government will receive £3.4 million in Barnett consequentials. I hope this will be invested in the Welsh higher education sector.

Wales is already leading the way in areas as diverse as MedTech, AgriTech and Net Zero and also has a world-leading compound semiconductor cluster based in South Wales. I will continue to champion the strengths of the Welsh university sector. My officials regularly meet with their counterparts in DSIT and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Discussions with the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) are ongoing on how to build on the momentum created by the event held at Lancaster House on 17 October 2023.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
19th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provision through the medium of Welsh of public services in Wales for which the UK Government is responsible.

The Welsh language is a devolved subject and the responsibility of Senedd Cymru / the Welsh Parliament and the Welsh Government. Most public bodies in Wales are subject to Welsh language standards, made under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, in delivering public services. The Welsh Language Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that bodies fulfil their obligations in relation to specified standards.

Ministers of the Crown are not subject to Welsh language standards. In practice, this means most UK Government departments operate Welsh language schemes under the Welsh Language Act 1993. Schemes set out, so far as practicable, how departments treat Welsh and English on the basis of equality in respect of services they provide for Wales. The Welsh Language Commissioner approves schemes before they are implemented and departments report regularly to the Commissioner on performance against their respective schemes.

As lead department in UK Government for the Welsh language, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales works with other government departments to improve Welsh language provision, most notably through the official-level, cross-government Welsh Language Forum.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
19th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the adherence to Welsh language legislation of public services in Wales for which the UK Government is responsible.

The Welsh language is a devolved subject and the responsibility of Senedd Cymru / the Welsh Parliament and the Welsh Government. Most public bodies in Wales are subject to Welsh language standards, made under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, in delivering public services. The Welsh Language Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that bodies fulfil their obligations in relation to specified standards.

Ministers of the Crown are not subject to Welsh language standards. In practice, this means most UK Government departments operate Welsh language schemes under the Welsh Language Act 1993. Schemes set out, so far as practicable, how departments treat Welsh and English on the basis of equality in respect of services they provide for Wales. The Welsh Language Commissioner approves schemes before they are implemented and departments report regularly to the Commissioner on performance against their respective schemes.

As lead department in UK Government for the Welsh language, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales works with other government departments to improve Welsh language provision, most notably through the official-level, cross-government Welsh Language Forum.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
19th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Language Commissioner on the adequacy of the provision through the medium of Welsh of public services in Wales for which the UK Government is responsible.

As a fluent Welsh speaker and champion for the Welsh language, I take every opportunity to promote the language and communicate bilingually in my role.

My officials and I regularly meet with the Welsh Language Commissioner and her office to discuss matters relating to the Welsh language, including the provision of public services through the medium of Welsh by UK Government. Most recently in August, I met the Commissioner in Aberystwyth as part of my Welsh Language Roundtable to discuss the Census 2021 results and the causes of the decline in the number of Welsh speakers in parts of Wales.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how much their Department spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-2023 financial year.

On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service.

The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance.

The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what proportion of officials in his Department that are (a) graded as senior civil servant 2 and (b) on full-time equivalent contracts are women.

My Department has one official graded at SCS 2, who is male.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what proportion of officials in his Department on temporary contracts are women.

My Department has eleven staff members on temporary contracts, five (45%) of whom are women.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
19th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on supporting narrow gauge railway tourism in Wales.

Narrow gauge railways, like Rhyl Miniature Railway, are an important aspect of our tourism sector and it is vital they are supported. Although tourism is devolved in Wales, the UK Government invested approximately £18 million in funding during COVID to over 60 heritage steam organisations through the Culture Recovery Fund.

James Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
18th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when he last met the First Minister of Wales.

I last met with the First Minister of Wales on Thursday 12 October, 2023.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
11th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, on how many occasions (a) he and (b) the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales visited a (i) Government Hub and (ii) ministerial office outside London in (A) 2022 and (B) 2023.

I have worked from the Hub on 21 occasions between 2022 and 2023 and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has done so twice. We both also attend a large number of events, meetings and visits across Wales on a regular basis.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
5th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found within their Department's estate.

Departments have been asked to report on the current picture of suspected and confirmed RAAC in their estates as soon as possible. This will be updated on a regular basis as new buildings are identified and surveying and remediation are carried out.

The Wales Office does not own or manage any buildings. The Office leases space in Gwydyr House in London and Ty William Morgan in Cardiff. These buildings are managed by the Government Property Agency and HMRC respectively.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps their Department is taking to improve its digital services to provide better (a) accessibility and (b) user experience for the public.

The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) leads the Government Digital and Data function; this includes setting strategy and direction for the improvement of digital services and understanding current performance.

Since the publication of the National Disability Strategy in July 2021, CDDO has published the outcome of its work to monitor UK public sector websites and mobile applications. This can be found at the following link: Accessibility monitoring of public sector websites and mobile apps 2020-2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Outputs of this publication and other reviews of digital service performance across government have informed a new performance framework, created by CDDO, for service provision in Government.

This framework forms part of mission 1 of the Transforming for a Digital Future strategy, which commits HMG to move 50 of its Top 75 services (by volume) to ‘Great’ standard on the framework by 2025.

It explicitly requires compliance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (“accessibility regulations'') and sets thresholds for user experience, which are in line with global best practice.

CDDO is working proactively with departments to ensure that public services meet the requirements set out in the framework, in order to move them to ‘Great’ standard.

Alongside this, Government Digital Service (GDS) continues to monitor legal accessibility compliance across the public sector and CDDO monitors adherence to the Service Standard and Design Standard, all of which set out minimum requirements for user experience and accessibility and are formally monitored by CDDO through its Service Assessment process.

GOV.UK’s strategy aims to improve the overall user experience by making it quicker and easier for users to access information and services, in formats and channels of their choice.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what has been the average time taken to respond to public inquiries by his Department in each of the last five years; and whether he plans to introduce measures to improve this.

The Department which has sponsored a public inquiry is responsible for providing the response to the inquiry’s recommendations to the Government. The Wales Office has sponsored no public inquiries in the last five years.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps his Department is taking to (a) enhance cybersecurity and (b) protect personal data.

Being cyber secure and protecting personal data underpins everything we do in the Wales Office. In accordance with the Government Cyber Security Strategy are working to ensure that our critical functions will be significantly hardened to cyber attack by 2025, with all government organisations across the whole public sector being resilient to known vulnerabilities and attack methods no later than 2030.

The Wales Office uses IT services provided by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and therefore benefits from the cyber security embedded in MOJ IT systems.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what data their Department holds on the average response time to written parliamentary questions in the last six months; and what assessment they have made of the adequacy of that response time.

The Government attaches great importance to the effective and timely handling of Written Parliamentary Questions.

There are three types of Written Parliamentary Question. The Cabinet Office’s Guide to Parliamentary Work sets out the timelines departments should seek to meet.

This can be found here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1116933/2022-10-11_-_Guide_to_Parliamentary_Work___1_.pdf

Departmental performance on Written Parliamentary Questions is published at the end of each session by the Procedure Committee and is therefore publicly available.

You can find details of the last session's PQ performance here:

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmproced/385/report.html

This year's data will be published by the Procedure Committee when the session concludes.

The Wales Office make every effort to reply to Written Parliamentary Questions within original deadlines by ensuring strict internal deadlines are in place, regular guidance is issued to all staff and monthly corporate reporting.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps their Department is taking to improve response times to written parliamentary questions.

The Government attaches great importance to the effective and timely handling of Written Parliamentary Questions.

There are three types of Written Parliamentary Question. The Cabinet Office’s Guide to Parliamentary Work sets out the timelines departments should seek to meet.

This can be found here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1116933/2022-10-11_-_Guide_to_Parliamentary_Work___1_.pdf

Departmental performance on Written Parliamentary Questions is published at the end of each session by the Procedure Committee and is therefore publicly available.

You can find details of the last session's PQ performance here:

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmproced/385/report.html

This year's data will be published by the Procedure Committee when the session concludes.

The Wales Office make every effort to reply to Written Parliamentary Questions within original deadlines by ensuring strict internal deadlines are in place, regular guidance is issued to all staff and monthly corporate reporting.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the average time taken by his Department to respond to freedom of information requests in the 2022-23 financial year.

Official National Statistics on FOI performance for all UK government departments can be found on www.gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-foi-statistics.

In 2022-23, the Wales Office answered over 90% of FOI requests within statutory deadlines. The Office continually monitors and looks for ways to improve its FOI performance.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps their Department is taking to improve the response time to FOI requests.

Official National Statistics on FOI performance for all UK government departments can be found on www.gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-foi-statistics.

In 2022-23, the Wales Office answered over 90% of FOI requests within statutory deadlines. The Office continually monitors and looks for ways to improve its FOI performance.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
4th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what the average response time to subject access requests was by their Department in the latest period for which data is available; and if they will make an assessment of the adequacy of that response time.

My Department has only received two subject access requests in the last five years. One request was responded to within the statutory limit. The other request was sent to my Department in error and was forwarded to the Ministry of Justice as the correct Department to provide a response.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what information their Department holds on the level of staff retention; and what steps they are taking to improve staff retention.

My Department monitors staff retention monthly and engages regularly with staff to create a thriving workplace, which helps improve retention. Latest information shows a retention rate of 100% for August 2023, and 98% for the quarter (April-June 2023).

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what data their Department holds on the average response time to enquiries by Members; and what assessment they have made of the adequacy of that response time.

The Government attaches great importance to the effective and timely handling of correspondence, particularly from Parliamentarians. As per the Cabinet Office’s Guide to Handling Correspondence on gov.uk, departments and agencies should aim to respond to correspondence within a 20-working day target deadline.

With regards to the timeliness of responses to enquiries received by members, the Cabinet Office published data on this for 2022 for all government departments on gov.uk in March 2023, and will be publishing data for Q1 and Q2 2023 shortly. The 2022 data can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-on-responses-to-correspondence-from-mps-and-peers-2022

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps they are taking to reduce backlogs of Member correspondence in their office.

The Government attaches great importance to the effective and timely handling of correspondence, particularly from Parliamentarians. As per the Cabinet Office’s Guide to Handling Correspondence on gov.uk, departments and agencies should aim to respond to correspondence within a 20-working day target deadline.

With regards to the timeliness of responses to enquiries received by members, the Cabinet Office published data on this for 2022 for all government departments on gov.uk in March 2023, and will be publishing data for Q1 and Q2 2023 shortly. The 2022 data can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/data-on-responses-to-correspondence-from-mps-and-peers-2022

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether the Government plans to hold a Wales investment conference.

The UK Government is committed to growing the economy of Wales, creating well-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.

The second Global Investment Summit will be hosted by the Department for Business and Trade this Autumn, showcasing Welsh businesses to investors from around the world.

Day to day, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales works closely with the Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Investment to support growth and investment. This has led to forty-seven new foreign direct investments in Wales during 2022/23, creating 3,062 new jobs (a five-year record).

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has made an economic impact assessment of the decision of the Welsh Government to introduce 20mph speed limits.

Speed limit issues were devolved to the Welsh Government in the Wales Act 2017, which amended the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

In terms of the 20mph speed limit, it is disappointing that the Welsh Government seems to be ignoring its own impact assessments, which suggest that the damage to the Welsh economy could be as high as £4.5 billion.

The UK Government does not have any current plans to change the national speed limits, or to introduce 20mph as the default speed limit for urban areas in England.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether his Department has made an assessment of the impact of introducing 20mph speed limits in Wales on the economy.

My officials and I have discussions with the Welsh Government on a wide range of transport matters. Speed limit issues were devolved to Wales in the Wales Act 2017, which amended the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and the Welsh Government has the power to change national speed limits.

In terms of the 20mph speed limit, it is disappointing that the Welsh Government seems to be ignoring its own impact assessments, which suggest that the damage to the Welsh economy could be as high as £4.5 billion.

Local Authorities in England have the power to set 20mph speed zones where appropriate and the UK Government has no plans to introduce default or national 20 mph speed limits in urban environments.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when he plans to announce upgrades to the South Wales mainline railway.

In February 2023, the UK Government announced £2.7 million funding for a study to improve transport connectivity by developing options for new stations and services on the South Wales Main Line, including the development of 5 brand new stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel.

In addition, a proposed upgrade to the South Wales relief lines is being progressed to a full business case by Network Rail for consideration by the Department for Transport.

The UK Government has committed over £390 million to rail improvements in Wales in recent years.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
19th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what their Departments policy is on Civil Servants in their Department working from home and receiving the London Weighting Allowance.

London Weighting was removed as a centrally set allowance for civil servants in 1996 when full pay delegation was introduced across the Civil Service. Pay arrangements, including pay ranges for London based staff in my department, are set by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), who provide employment services for the Wales Office.

Flexible working is a fundamental element of the Civil Service employment offer, which is consistent with other sectors. Wales Office staff decide their working arrangements based on business needs and in accordance with the department’s Hybrid Working Policy.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jul 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to meet with the Welsh Government to discuss the relief of traffic congestion on the M4 around Newport.

The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales regularly engages with the Welsh Government on a wide range of transport matters.

The Welsh Government’s continued opposition to the M4 Relief Road is holding the Welsh economy back, which is of great disappointment and only serves to project that Wales is closed for business. In rejecting the case for the M4 Relief Road, the Welsh Government are going against the findings of their own £150 million report, which recommended that the M4 Relief Road be built. The UK Government urges the Welsh Government to reconsider the impact of their roads policy on the long-term prosperity of Wales.

While decisions around the M4 in Wales remain a devolved matter, the UK Government is committed to playing its part in delivering better connectivity in reserved areas – including funding a study to develop options for new stations and services on the South Wales Main Line.

Lord Davies of Gower
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Jul 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations the Wales Office has received concerning cuts to the Welsh National Opera by Arts Council England.

The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales received email correspondence from the Welsh National Opera in February 2023 requesting a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss this matter.

Further information was sought and once it is received we will progress the matter further.

Lord Davies of Gower
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Arfon constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Arfon. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 157,000 payments delivered in Arfon through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 9,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £22 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £36 million was given to businesses through government backed business loans

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Arfon with over £10 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Arfon has also received over £70,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Gwynedd, the local authority for the Arfon constituency, is receiving over £24 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Gwynedd is also receiving over £18 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the LLewyrch o’r LLechi project which includes upgrades to walking and cycling routes for the National Slate Museum. This is in addition to the £250,000 awarded to the Tyn Llan Pub in Llandwrog through the Community Ownership Fund. Arfon is also benefitting from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal, including a £3 million investment in the Digital Signalling Processing Centre at Bangor University.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Aberconwy constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Aberconwy. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 170,000 payments delivered in Aberconwy through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic over 10,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £24 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £49 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Aberconwy with around £100,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Aberconwy has also received over £5,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Conwy, the local authority for the Aberconwy constituency, is receiving over £24 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Conwy is also receiving over £18 million from the Levelling Up Fund to improve transport connections in the Conwy Valley. Aberconwy will also benefit from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Blaenau Gwent constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Blaenau Gwent. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 194,000 payments delivered in Blaenau Gwent through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic over 10,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £19 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £34 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Blaenau Gwent with around £680,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Blaenau Gwent has also received around £48,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities. Blaenau Gwent will also benefit from UK Government funding to refurbish public tennis courts across the UK.

Our Semiconductor Strategy targets UK strengths, including compound semiconductors. As the home of the world's first compound semiconductor cluster, South East Wales, including Blaenau Gwent, is well placed to benefit from the Semiconductor strategy and the funding announced.

In addition, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, the local authority for the Blaenau Gwent constituency, is receiving over £28 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Blaenau Gwent is also receiving over £9 million from the Levelling Up Fund for a new High Value Engineering (HiVE) training and education facility based in Ebbw Vale. This is in addition to the £90,000 awarded to the Queen’s Ballroom in Tredegar through the Community Ownership Fund. Blaenau Gwent is also benefitting from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, including a £2 million investment in Apex Manufacturing and a £1.7 million investment in Pulse Plastics.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last visited Cynon Valley constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Cynon Valley. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 197,000 payments delivered in Cynon Valley through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £26 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £30 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans. The UK Government has also supported innovation within Cynon Valley with over £810,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019.

In addition, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the local authority for the Cynon Valley constituency, is receiving over £45 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is in addition to the £124,000 awarded to the CANA Resource and Training Centre in Penywaun. Cynon Valley also benefits from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, including the £4.4 million Zip World facility near Hirwaun.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last visited Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Dwyfor Meirionnydd. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 203,000 payments delivered in Dwyfor Meirionnydd through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £34 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £62 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Dwyfor Meirionnydd with over £680,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Dwyfor Meirionnydd has also received over £23,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Gwynedd, the local authority for the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency, is receiving over £24 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Gwynedd is also receiving over £18 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the LLewyrch o’r LLechi project which includes upgrades to walking and cycling routes for the National Slate Museum. Dwyfor Meirionnydd will also benefit from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, on what date a Minister from his Department last undertook an official visit to Clwyd South constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Clwyd South. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 189,000 payments delivered in Clwyd South through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic over 12,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £27 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £41 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Clwyd South with over £1 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Clwyd South has also received around £78,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities

In addition, Wrexham and Denbighshire, the local authorities for the Clwyd South constituency, are receiving over £22 million and over £25 million respectively, from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Wrexham is also receiving over £13 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site and Dee Valley AONB. Clwyd South will also benefit from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Swansea West constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Swansea West. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 218,000 payments delivered in Swansea West through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £18 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £63 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Swansea West with over £34 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Swansea West has also received over £25,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Swansea Council, the local authority for the Swansea West constituency, is receiving over £41 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Swansea is also receiving over £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the Copperworks site and Swansea Museum. Swansea West also benefits from the £235 million Swansea Bay City Deal, including investment in the Swansea Arena and 71-72 Kingsway projects.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last visited Delyn constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Delyn. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 188,000 payments delivered in Delyn through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic over 13,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £23 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £52 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Delyn with over £415,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Delyn has also received over £53,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Flintshire, the local authority for the Delyn constituency, is receiving over £13 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Delyn will also benefit from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Rhondda constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Rhondda. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 197,000 payments delivered in Rhondda through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £27 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £23 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Rhondda with over £33,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Rhondda has also received over £531,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the local authority for the Rhondda constituency, is receiving over £45 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Rhondda Cynon Taf is also receiving over £3 million from the Levelling Up Fund for a new transport hub in Porth. Rhondda is also benefitting from £500,000 for two Community Ownership Fund projects, and from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal. This includes the £31 million region-wide housing viability gap fund.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Alyn and Deeside constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Alyn and Deeside. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 220,000 payments delivered in Alyn and Deeside through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 17,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £24 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £74 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Alyn and Deeside with over £28 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Alyn and Deeside has also received over £51,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

The Chancellor announced at Autumn Statement that we will provide up to £10 million of support for the Advanced Technology Research Centre (ATRC), subject to a business case, to deliver a defence-focused Centre of Excellence site in Alyn and Deeside collaboratively with the Welsh Government. In addition, Flintshire, the local authority for the Alyn and Deeside constituency, is receiving over £13 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Alyn and Deeside will also benefit from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Clwyd West constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Clwyd West. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 208,000 payments delivered in Clwyd West through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic over 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £31 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £63 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Clwyd West with over £900,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Clwyd West has also received around £193,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Conwy and Denbighshire, the local authorities for the Clwyd West constituency, are receiving over £24 million and over £25 million respectively, from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Denbighshire is also receiving almost £11 million from the Levelling Up Fund to regenerate the historic fabric of the Ruthin area. Clwyd West will also benefit from the £240 million North Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Preseli Pembrokeshire. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 226,000 payments delivered in Preseli Pembrokeshire through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic over 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £32 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £66 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Preseli Pembrokeshire with around £1.7 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Preseli Pembrokeshire has also received over £26,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities. In addition, Preseli Pembrokeshire will benefit from the Celtic Freeport, backed by £26 million from UK Government. The Celtic Freeport aims to attract significant inward investment including £3.5 billion in green energy as well as the creation of 16,000 jobs, generating £900 million in Gross Value Added by 2030.

Alongside our March publication of Powering Up Britain, we have released the first tranche of the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund including support for the Trecwn Green Hydrogen Valley Project in Preseli Pembrokeshire. Additionally, funding from the UK Seafood Fund will boost the capability of fishers at Milford Haven to sustainably land, process and add value to produce for local, regional and international markets.

Pembrokeshire, the local authority for the Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency, is receiving over £23 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Pembrokeshire is also receiving over £17 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the regeneration of Haverfordwest. Preseli Pembrokeshire is also benefitting from over £900,000 for four Community Ownership Fund projects. The constituency also benefits from the £235 million Swansea Bay City Deal, including the £25 million region-wide digital infrastructure programme.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Swansea East constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Swansea East. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 226,000 payments delivered in Swansea East through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 13,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £19 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £60 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans. The UK Government has also supported innovation within Swansea East with around £2.5 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019.

In addition, Swansea Council, the local authority for the Swansea East constituency, is receiving over £41 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Swansea is also receiving over £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund for the Copperworks site and Swansea Museum. This is in addition to the £250,000 awarded to the Tabernacle Morriston Community Resilience Hub through the Community Ownership Fund. Swansea East also benefits from the £235 million Swansea Bay City Deal, including the £50 million innovation matrix and precinct project which supporting start-up business to work closely with academia.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last made an official visit to Aberavon constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Aberavon. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 186,000 payments delivered in Aberavon through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 9000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £15 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £39 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Aberavon with around £10 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Aberavon has also received over £34,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities. In addition, Aberavon will benefit from the Celtic Freeport, backed by £26 million from UK Government. The Celtic Freeport aims to attract significant inward investment, including £3.5 billion in green energy as well as the creation of 16,000 jobs, generating £900 million in Gross Value Added by 2030.

In addition, Neath Port Talbot, the local authority for the Aberavon constituency, is receiving over £34 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Aberavon is also benefitting from the £235 million Swansea Bay City Deal including the newly opened £8 million Baglan Bay Technology Centre and the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH) facility.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister in his Department last made an official visit to Bridgend constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Bridgend. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 225,000 payments delivered in Bridgend through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 14,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £24 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £63 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Bridgend with around £1.5 million awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Bridgend has also received around £6,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Bridgend County Borough Council, the local authority for the Bridgend constituency, is receiving over £23 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Bridgend is also receiving nearly £18 million from the Levelling Up Fund for a major re-development of the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl. Bridgend also benefits from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, including the £50 million region-wide sites and premises fund.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister in his Department last made an official visit to Cardiff Central constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Cardiff Central. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 218,000 payments delivered in Cardiff Central through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 14,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £22 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £102 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans. The UK Government has also provided a £22.2 million boost for the media cymru project in Cardiff Central - creating 2,000 new jobs and adding £236 million to the Welsh economy.

In addition, Cardiff City Council, the local authority for the Cardiff Central constituency, is receiving over £41 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cardiff is also receiving £50 million from the Levelling Up Fund for Cardiff Crossrail which will deliver a new rail line between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central Station. Cardiff Central also benefits from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, including a £3 million investment in the Cyber Innovation Hub at Cardiff University.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last visited Llanelli constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Llanelli. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 229,000 payments delivered in Llanelli through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 13,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, over £21 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and around £54 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans. The UK Government has also supported innovation within Llanelli with over £700,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019.

In addition, Carmarthenshire, the local authority for the Llanelli constituency, is receiving over £38 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Llanelli also benefits from the £235 million Swansea Bay City Deal, including the £40 million investment in the Pentre Awel wellness and research hub.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last visited Islwyn constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Islwyn. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes around 200,000 payments delivered in Islwyn through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £21 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £47 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans. The UK Government has also supported innovation within Islwyn with over £390,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019.

In addition, Caerphilly County Borough Council, the local authority for the Islwyn constituency, is receiving over £34 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Caerphilly also benefits from the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, including the £50 million region-wide sites and premises fund.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales
13th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, when a Minister from his Department last visited Montgomeryshire constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I both live in Wales and serve Welsh constituencies. We have a consistent presence in Wales as we conduct many visits, events and meetings in Wales on a regular basis.

Details of Ministerial visits and meetings are published on the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales’ website and in Quarterly Ministerial Transparency Returns. In addition, visits and meetings conducted in support of the Wales Office priorities are published in the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Annual Report and Accounts.

The UK Government has provided extensive support to Montgomeryshire. A typical household in Wales has received almost £2000 in UK Government support to help with the cost of living. This includes over 171,000 payments delivered in Montgomeryshire through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. During the Covid-19 pandemic around 11,000 jobs were supported through the furlough scheme, around £37 million was claimed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and over £70 million was given to businesses through government-backed business loans.

The UK Government has also supported innovation within Montgomeryshire with around £450,000 awarded by Innovate UK since April 2019. Montgomeryshire has also received over £89,000 through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme to level up local sports facilities.

In addition, Powys, the local authority for the Montgomeryshire constituency, is receiving over £27 million from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Powys is also receiving over £13 million from the Levelling Up Fund to restore the Montgomery Canal. Montgomery will also benefit from the £110 million Mid Wales Growth Deal.

This Government is investing in Wales like never before; over £790 million in four City and Regional Growth Deals covering the whole of Wales, £585 million for local authorities to invest through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including over £100 million for the Multiply adult numeracy programme, £330 million in capital investment through the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million to preserve community assets through the Community Ownership Fund. Wales will benefit from two Freeports backed by £52 million, the British Business Bank’s new £130m Regional Investment Fund, and from Project Gigabit which will enable hard to reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit capable broadband.

David T C Davies
Secretary of State for Wales