Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Stevens Excerpts
Wednesday 25th May 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right that there are several examples of the strange priorities shown by the Welsh Government. Investment in railways is a priority of the UK Government, as shown by the electrification of the line from Swansea through to Paddington. That in itself will provide greater opportunities for rail travel, such as the upgrade of the valleys lines, which, in turn, provides a knock-on, positive effect on more rural communities.

Jo Stevens Portrait Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) (Lab)
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Air passenger duty has already been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is shortly to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, but despite this, the Budget did not propose that it be devolved to the Welsh Assembly. Will the Secretary of State support the devolution of air passenger duty, and if not, why not?

Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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Rates of taxation, including air passenger duties, are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, who always keeps levels of taxes under review. The hon. Lady will be well aware that the Treasury is looking at this matter and will report in due course.