Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alun Cairns and Derek Thomas

Wednesday 5th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con)]

15. I appreciate the opportunity, Mr Speaker. Wales has appreciated European funding, as has Cornwall. Can the Secretary of State assure Cornwall and Wales that they will continue to receive money to tackle deprivation?

[Alun Cairns]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. He allows me to point to the UK shared prosperity fund, which was a manifesto commitment. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will outline at the comprehensive spending review the sums of money that will be available, but I am determined to get a much more efficient system that is responsive to the demands and needs of the community. After all, £4 billion has been spent in Wales over the last 16 years and we have not always received the best value out of that. [Interruption.]