Commission on Devolution in Wales

Huw Irranca-Davies Excerpts

Monday 18th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I am sure that that certainly would be the intention of the Ministry of Justice.

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

The Secretary of State has described Opposition Members as Eeyores, so I will try to be a bit more like Tigger—a bit more optimistic—as long as he does not pooh-pooh this question. May I ask him for some more accuracy on when he expects the discussions between the Treasury and the Finance Minister in the Assembly Government to have concluded on the borrowing powers that will allow the M4 relief road to go ahead, releasing £2.1 billion into the south Wales economy?

[Mr Jones]

I am glad to see the more upbeat attitude of the hon. Gentleman. Those negotiations are continuing and, knowing both individuals involved—the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Finance Minister in the Welsh Assembly Government—I have no doubt that they have every intention of concluding them as quickly as possible.