Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Peter Bone

Thursday 9th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

My hon. Friend makes an extremely good point: the UK market will be the biggest export market for the continuing European Union after we leave. I am glad to say that that is recognised not only by Herr Schäuble but by the Belgian chamber of commerce, with which I spoke earlier this week.

[Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)]

Does the excellent Minister agree that it is much more in the EU’s interest for it to do a deal with us than it is in ours, because it has a £60 billion trade surplus with us?

[Mr Jones]

I think it is very much in our mutual interests, and I am sure that once the negotiations begin we will move towards a sensible and satisfactory mutual conclusion.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Peter Bone

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I think the hon. Gentleman had better speak to his colleagues in the Welsh Assembly Government, who will shortly be allotting the contract for broadband in Wales.

[Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)]

10. What discussions she has had with the First Minister on the effectiveness in Wales of the Human Trafficking Commissioner.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

Combating human trafficking is a key priority for the Government, and we fully recognise the importance of tackling the issue in Wales. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not discussed this issue with the First Minister, although she has met the anti-human trafficking co-ordinator for Wales. [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. These are extremely serious matters. I think people would expect us to treat them with some seriousness and to listen to Mr Peter Bone.

[Mr Bone]

I thank the Minister for his response. The Prime Minister is leading Europe in the fight against human trafficking, but could we not learn something in England by adopting the Welsh idea of having an English commissioner against human trafficking?

[Mr Jones]

The principal reason that Wales has an anti-human trafficking co-ordinator is that, while policing and justice are undevolved, such issues as child care are devolved. It therefore makes sense for there to be a co-ordinator in Wales. In England, where there is no such issue of devolution, the question does not arise.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Peter Bone

Wednesday 18th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)]

6. What discussions she has had with the First Minister for Wales on cross-border human trafficking.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

The Secretary of State met the anti-human trafficking co-ordinator for Wales in December. Combating human trafficking is a key priority for the Government and we fully recognise the importance of tackling the issue in Wales.

[Mr Bone]

I thank the Minister for that answer. Of course, Bob Tooby is the tsar for human trafficking in Wales. He has warned of the problem of internal trafficking, both into Wales and out of Wales. Can this House learn something from Wales? Will the Minister recommend to the Prime Minister that we have a similar tsar for the rest of the United Kingdom?

[Mr Jones]

The Government are very supportive of the Welsh Government’s introduction of the anti-human trafficking co-ordinator for Wales. He works closely with the UK Human Trafficking Centre and I am sure that he will make his own strong representations in that regard.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Peter Bone

Wednesday 23rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)]

10. What her most recent estimate is of the level of public expenditure per capita in Wales in 2010-11.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

The latest public expenditure statistical analysis published by the Treasury in April included data up to 2008-09, in which identifiable public expenditure per head on services for Wales was £9,209 while the UK average was £8,206.

[Mr Bone]

Would the Minister agree that it is the quality of public money spent that matters, not the amount? Will the Government concentrate on quality rather than quantity?

[Mr Jones]

My hon. Friend is entirely right. The former Government seemed to regard it as a matter of success that they spent money that the country could not afford. We recognise the need for Wales to be properly funded, but yesterday’s Budget statement provides a firm foundation for good-quality jobs in Wales.