Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alexander Stafford Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd March 2022

(2 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Fletcher Portrait Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)
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2. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on establishing a freeport in Wales.

Alexander Stafford Portrait Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)
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12. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on establishing a freeport in Wales.

Jacob Young Portrait Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con)
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13. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on establishing a freeport in Wales.

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Simon Hart Portrait Simon Hart
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If nothing else, I think the Wales Office Parliamentary Private Secretary has won a bet in getting her constituency up in lights again on the question of freeports. My hon. Friend makes an interesting point about something we have been campaigning on for some time, and this fantastic scheme will create long-lasting sustainable jobs across the whole UK. I hope he will forgive me, however, for not trying to prejudge what that process may conclude regarding the actual venues. We are expecting a number of very enthusiastic bids into the scheme once it is launched. I think we can describe that announcement as “imminent”, so my hon. Friend, and the residents of Ynys Môn, do not have long to wait.

Alexander Stafford Portrait Alexander Stafford
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The flow of goods through free trade is a critical priority for prosperity, whether in the village of Wales in Rother Valley, or in the great nation of Wales. What role does my right hon. Friend see for freeports in that, and how might a freeport in north Wales—for example in Anglesey—help to improve the problems associated with a central corridor and the working of the Northern Ireland protocol?

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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He means Holy Island.