Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Howell and Stephen Crabb

Wednesday 3rd December 2014 Commons Chamber

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

9. What discussions he had with business leaders at the recent Newport investment summit.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)]

The UK investment summit in Newport was another important opportunity to focus on all that is good about the Welsh economy at this time. I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, the First Minister of Wales and businesses in Wales to bang the drum for all that is great about our nation. During the summit I met numerous companies that are looking to invest or to expand their investment in Wales.

[John Howell]

Did my right hon. Friend discuss with business leaders the fact that there were 79 foreign direct investment projects in Wales in 2013-14, the highest level in 24 years?

[Stephen Crabb]

My hon. Friend is exactly right; there has been a sharp increase in inward investment in Wales. The important point to note about those projects is that they were all secured with the help of UK Trade & Investment and the UK Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Howell and Stephen Crabb

Wednesday 12th February 2014 Commons Chamber

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

2. What recent assessment he has made of employment trends in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)]

Our long-term economic plan is working, and it is working for Wales. The economy is growing, and there have never been more people in work in Wales as unemployment continues to fall. I want to see all parts of Wales share in that positive trend.

[John Howell]

Can the Minister confirm that, because of the difficult decisions the Government have made, Wales has seen a larger fall in the rate of economic inactivity than any other UK nation?