Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Greg Hands

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Gillan]

I am sad to hear from the right hon. Gentleman that someone is thinking of moving business out of his constituency and across the border. I hope that he has made representations to the Welsh Assembly Government—I would not want to cut across anything that they are doing, as they are responsible for economic development, but my door is always open to him. If he would like to write to me about this particular case and company, and the associated issues, I will make investigations to see how I can help. I think that that is the proper way of conducting business.

[Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con)]

9. What recent discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on steps to assist economic growth in Wales.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mrs Cheryl Gillan)]

In the past week, I have met my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Transport and the Home Secretary, and the Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, to discuss a range of issues to assist economic growth in Wales.

[Greg Hands]

Given this year’s corporation tax cuts, the new national insurance contributions holiday for small businesses and the cancellation of Labour’s national insurance tax hike next month, does the Secretary of State agree that this Government are restoring Wales’s good reputation as a destination for inward investment, which was so badly damaged by the previous Government?

[Mrs Gillan]

My hon. Friend knows that we will be working night and day to restore Wales’s reputation as a good destination for inward investment. Indeed, my right hon. Friends have already started that work by reducing over-regulation on business, reducing the taxes on business, introducing national insurance holidays and rolling back the wicked jobs tax that would have affected business in Wales and all over the United Kingdom.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Greg Hands

Wednesday 23rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con)]

4. What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on marking Armed Forces day in Wales in 2010.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mrs Cheryl Gillan)]

Let me begin by paying tribute to the brave Welsh men and women serving in our armed forces throughout the world, particularly in Afghanistan. They are doing a very difficult job, and I am sure that all Members present will join me in thanking them for their bravery and dedication.

I am delighted to be attending the national Armed Forces day event in Cardiff this Saturday, along with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. My hon. Friend the Minister will also be attending the north Wales event in Caernarfon in July.

[Greg Hands]

The Secretary of State will know that the whole country is looking forward to Armed Forces day. Last week we were delighted when the Prime Minister and the President of France met veterans at Royal hospital Chelsea, in my constituency. Can the Secretary of State tell us what specific proposals there are to involve veterans in the ceremonies in Cardiff on Saturday?

[Mrs Gillan]

We should be very proud that Cardiff was chosen for this year’s Armed Forces day celebration. On Monday, when I attended the ceremonial Armed Forces day flag-raising event at Cardiff castle, I was privileged to have several conversations with some of our veterans who were present, representing veterans from all over the United Kingdom. I understand that they will play a prominent part in the ceremonies on Saturday.