Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Stephen Mosley

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Gillan]

The hon. Gentleman and I share the same concern about youth unemployment. The unemployment rate in Wales remains unacceptably high at 9%, but I would have thought that he welcomed the fall in unemployment in Wales for the fourth month in a row. It means that the economy is moving in the right direction for many of the members of the work force who are still looking for work.

[Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con)]

Has my right hon. Friend considered the economic impact of having different corporation tax regimes on either side of the English-Welsh border, especially since, as we have heard, there is a single economic sub-region in Cheshire and north-east Wales?

[Mrs Gillan]

There is huge concern among the businesses that I have talked to about any prospect of changes in the corporation tax rate across the border between England and Wales. As my hon. Friend will know, that relates to the purpose of the Silk commission, which I established and which is looking particularly at the areas of taxation and accountability. I hope that it will report later this year and we will be able to see its recommendations.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Stephen Mosley

Wednesday 29th February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con)]

11. What recent discussions she has had with (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) others on the promotion of tourism in Wales.

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

As this is Welsh tourism week, I have been out on visits. I also have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and others on the promotion of tourism in Wales. Tourism is primarily a devolved matter for the Welsh Government but, as usual, we are keen to work with them to promote Wales internationally. [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The Secretary of State’s answers can scarcely be heard, and that is simply not fair. Let us have a bit of order for Mr Mosley.

[Stephen Mosley]

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

There are huge opportunities for boosting tourism in north Wales by working with the beautiful, historic border town of Chester. Has my right hon. Friend had any discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government to encourage the joint marketing of our tourism gems on both sides of the Anglo-Welsh border?

[Mrs Gillan]

I will certainly ensure that my hon. Friend’s request is on the agenda at my next meeting with the First Minister. I also hope that many people visiting this country, particularly for the Olympic games, will take the opportunity to visit the many attractions on both sides of the border, but especially in Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Stephen Mosley

Wednesday 11th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Gillan]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. There is indeed a body of thought that believes that with the power to spend public money should come accountability, and this is certainly a matter that we will be looking at. However, this is not something that should be entered into in haste, and I intend to engage fully with the Welsh Assembly Government on the matter.

[Stephen Mosley]

The national border between north-east Wales and Chester is almost unique in that it passes through an urban area, with large numbers of people travelling in both directions every day for health care, education and employment. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the remit of the review specifically includes looking at the impact of devolution on such cross-border services?

[Mrs Gillan]

I thank my hon. Friend that question too, because he knows that we in the Wales Office have been concerned about cross-border issues and their impact on health in particular. I cannot guarantee that that will fall within the scope of the Calman-like process, but I assure him that I will take into consideration any representations that he or any other Member wishes to make to the Wales Office.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cheryl Gillan and Stephen Mosley

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Far too many private conversations are taking place in the Chamber. I want to hear Stephen Mosley.

[Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con)]

8. What discussions she has had with the Welsh Assembly Government and other stakeholders on steps to attract inward investment into north-east Wales.

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

I have regular discussions with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers and other stakeholders on a range of issues affecting Wales, including attracting inward investment.

[Stephen Mosley]

North-east Wales and Chester share the single economic sub-region that straddles the Anglo-Welsh border, so inward investment in north-east Wales benefits Chester too. What action is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that local authorities and the new local enterprise partnerships in England, over the border, support much-needed inward investment in north-east Wales?

[Mrs Gillan]

My hon. Friend knows that I am very keen on inward investment. One of the things I did in the past two weeks was visit the Deeside hub to look, in particular, at the apprentice training taking place at Deeside college. The college has links to large cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, which are established clusters of high technology and innovative business. I am keen to work with the Welsh Assembly Government and other Departments of state to get institutions working together in the interests of the Welsh economy and attracting inward investment to Wales.