Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Selous Excerpts
Wednesday 17th October 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Jones Portrait Mr Jones
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When I used the word “could”, my intention was to point out that under the Labour Assembly Government, coupled with 10 years-plus of Labour Government here in London, Wales has been the poorest part of the United Kingdom. I believe that a lot more could be done to make Wales a happier place to live, and for that purpose it is necessary for us in the Wales Office to work closely with the Welsh Assembly Government. I am willing to do that; I hope that the hon. Gentleman will support me.

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)
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4. What steps he is taking to promote enterprise zones in Wales.

Stephen Crabb Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)
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I am strongly committed to working with the Welsh Government to encourage private sector investment and growth in Wales, including promoting enterprise zones in Wales.

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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Is it not important to have a much closer working relationship between the Governments in London and in Cardiff in respect of enterprise zones, so that we can make faster progress in creating jobs and wealth in Wales?

Stephen Crabb Portrait Stephen Crabb
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My hon. Friend is exactly right: it is vital that the two Governments—the UK Government and the Welsh Government in Cardiff—work together on a range of issues, not least the success of enterprise zones. I am committed to doing that, and I look forward very much to my first meeting with the Welsh business Minister, Edwina Hart, which is to take place shortly.