Oral Answers to Questions

Huw Irranca-Davies Excerpts

Wednesday 14th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab)]

3. What estimate he has made of the level of trade undertaken by businesses in Wales with countries in the EU.

[Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab)]

4. Whether he has recently discussed the importance of UK membership of the EU with leading employers in Wales.

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

The EU remains a vital export market for Wales, together with countries outside the EU, but Wales and the UK would benefit from a renegotiated position within Europe, which is why the Prime Minister has committed to negotiating a new settlement in the European Union, to secure jobs and growth and to enable the EU to become more competitive, flexible and prosperous.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I call Huw Irranca-Davies.

[Huw Irranca-Davies]

No. 4, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

No, the hon. Gentleman misses the point. His question has been grouped and his moment is now.

[Huw Irranca-Davies]

I apologise, Mr Speaker. I misunderstood.

[Mr Speaker]

He was too busy looking at his iPhone. Let us hear his question.

[Huw Irranca-Davies]

I am rightly reprimanded, Mr Speaker. I must pay attention.

On the basis that the head of European operations has made it clear that to threaten exit from the EU would be cutting off our nose to spite our face, and that 14,000 jobs in Ford Bridgend and in Dagenham would rely on our not leaving the EU, will the right hon. Gentleman say that he, as the Secretary of State for Wales responsible for protecting those jobs, is personally committed to keeping Wales within the UK and the European Union?

[Mr Jones]

I think that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the director of operations for Ford’s manufacturing operations in Europe, Mr Steve Odell. Mr Odell also said:

“there are absolutely some rules and regulations…that are difficult to take”.

We agree with Mr Odell on that and that is why we want the people of this country to have their say on their future in Europe after renegotiation, which only the Conservative party can and will deliver.