Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Robert Halfon

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Far too many noisy private conversations are taking place. Let us have a bit of hush for Mr Robert Halfon.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

10. What recent assessment she has made of the effect of petrol and diesel prices on the Welsh economy.

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

The Government recognise that businesses, individuals and families are struggling with the rising cost of fuel, particularly in rural areas. We have eased the burden on motorists by approximately £4.5 billion through the abolition of the fuel duty escalator and the introduction of the fair fuel stabiliser and by cutting fuel duty.

[Robert Halfon]

I welcome the Government’s cuts in fuel duty, but the market price of oil is still too high, partly because of oil speculation. The United States is bringing in tough penalties for price fixing and market manipulation. Will the Minister urge his Government colleagues to look at this and put pressure on the big oil firms to cut prices at the pumps?

[Mr Jones]

As I have said, the Government recognise the impact of the rising cost of fuel on people and businesses in Wales. However, it should be remembered that the duty increase that was expected to take place in January this year has been deferred to August and we have cancelled the inflation increase planned for August, which means that there will be just one inflation-only increase this year.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Robert Halfon

Wednesday 11th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the existing cross-border protocol is supported by an annual transfer of funds—currently £5.9 million—to the Assembly Government, and an additional payment of some £12 million was made in the last two financial years. These matters will have to be discussed with Welsh Ministers once the new Assembly Government has been established.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

8. What estimate she has made of the number of jobs to be created in Wales as a result of electrification of the Great Western main line to Cardiff.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Robert Halfon

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

The Government are doing a great deal. It is clear that the high-tech, high-value-added industries will be the powerhouse for the economy in the future, which is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State visited the Deeside area recently to see what is being done by companies such as Toyota. As my hon. Friend says, there are some extremely good high-value, high-tech companies in his constituency.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

7. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on the effects of her Department's policies on apprentices on the number of apprentices in Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Robert Halfon

Wednesday 8th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I am glad to see that the hon. Lady recognises the appalling financial legacy of her Government. Under the last Government, unemployment in Wales increased by 60%, from more than 82,000 to 130,000 in the last 10 years. We can restore the Welsh economy and return life to it only by allowing the private sector to grow. On that basis, we have introduced measures, such as the national insurance holiday, that will stimulate significantly the private sector in Wales. Wales cannot rely on the public sector alone.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

8. What discussions she has had with the First Minister and ministerial colleagues on the proposed referendum on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales.