Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Philip Hollobone

Wednesday 11th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Gillan]

I would never play into the hands of separatists; I am a devoted Unionist, as I hope the right hon. Gentleman is. Before the Assembly elections, he and his party consistently boasted that they would win a majority in Wales, and I consider failing to do so a significant failure for him and his leader. On the question of separatism, however, he will know that my door is always open, and I would hope that we could join in common cause on this matter. He and I, and his party, support the United Kingdom and I want to ensure that all steps taken by the Wales Office will reinforce the United Kingdom. I see him nodding, and I am grateful for his acknowledgement that he would join me in that cause. I am sure that we can work well together on that.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

3. What mechanisms her Department has used to identify efficiency savings since May 2010.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Philip Hollobone

Wednesday 16th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

12. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on electrification of the rail network in south Wales.

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

The statement made on St David’s Day by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport was excellent news for all parts of south and west Wales. This £1 billion investment will deliver all the benefits and improvements of an electrified railway to Wales, with faster acceleration, greater comfort and cleaner and greener travel. The decision to extend electrification to south Wales recognises that improved rail infrastructure and lower journey times are vital components for delivering a successful economic recovery in Wales.

[Mr Hollobone]

What estimate has the Secretary of State made of the number of new jobs that will be created in Wales as a result of the electrification programme?

[Mrs Gillan]

I hope that the electrification of the rail line, which was launched and announced with full funding by this Government, will bring the much-needed inward investment into Wales, resulting in the many jobs that we need.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Philip Hollobone

Wednesday 3rd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

12. Whether she plans to amend the administration and staff costs in her Department’s budget for 2010-11.

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

My Department’s budget for 2010-11 was fixed as part of the comprehensive spending review. On costs within my Department, since taking office I have been exploring ways to find efficiency savings and have already achieved significant savings on rail travel and hotel accommodation.

[Mr Hollobone]

Does the Secretary of State have any plans to reduce the number of days taken in sick leave by staff in her Department, so that it is the best in the public sector?

[Mrs Gillan]

I am not aware that there are different rates of sick leave in my Department from any other, but I will undertake to my hon. Friend to have a look at the records in my Department and return to the point in writing to him.