Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Hardy and Guto Bebb

Wednesday 1st November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Guto Bebb]

The right hon. Gentleman makes a really important point. I hope that the decision on Heathrow will be forthcoming very soon. I agree entirely with him about the Crewe hub. A development in Crewe that links HS2 services into the north Wales main line represents a real opportunity for north Wales. We in the Wales Office have been involved in that with our colleagues in the Department for Transport.

[Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) (Lab)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on infrastructure investment in Wales.

[Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab)]

6. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on infrastructure investment in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Guto Bebb)]

I hold regular discussions with Government Departments and the Welsh Government about infrastructure investment in Wales. We have invested £212 million in the new HMP Berwyn and committed more than £600 million to city deals in Cardiff and Swansea. Just last week, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was in Swansea to announce our £800,000 investment in important innovative infrastructure—the UK’s first energy-positive office, which is capable of generating more energy than it uses.

[Emma Hardy]

Lasting economic success will come only from a long-term approach to major economic decisions, which is why it is so great that the Welsh Labour Government are supporting strategic investment in infrastructure. A Labour Government will ensure that they work with rather than against the devolved Governments. Is that the same for the Conservatives and, if so, will the Minister assure the House that Wales will get its full Barnett consequentials funding from HS2?

[Guto Bebb]

The hon. Lady raises an interesting point, but I regret to say that it probably shows that she does not really understand the relationship between the Wales Office and the Welsh Government. It is fair to say that infrastructure investment in Wales does depend on a partnership approach, which is why the growth deals secured for Swansea and Cardiff have been crucial examples of co-operation, and why I am working so closely with the Economy Minister to develop a north Wales growth deal.