Debates between John Spellar and Simon Hart during the 2019 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Spellar and Simon Hart
Wednesday 26th February 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Spellar Portrait John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
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7. What steps his Department is taking to encourage public bodies in Wales to buy British goods, products and services.

Simon Hart Portrait The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart)
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Apologies, Mr Speaker, for the novice performance from the Front Bench.

Now is an excellent opportunity for public bodies, Departments such as the Ministry of Defence and the NHS to buy British goods, products and services. Projects such as the £500 million F-35 repair programme in north Wales and the 2 million tonnes of steel needed for HS2 have the potential to level up regions and strengthen the Union.

John Spellar Portrait John Spellar
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In an answer a few minutes ago, the Secretary of State’s ministerial colleague was extolling the importance of the automotive industry to Wales, yet Welsh police forces are buying heavily from France and Germany. Given that we have come out of the EU, should we not be taking the opportunity in that sector and across public procurement to support British jobs and workers?

Simon Hart Portrait Simon Hart
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I can completely agree with the right hon. Gentleman, and that opportunity is now simpler, given that we have left the EU. Our job here and with the Welsh Government is to make sure that those procurement rules reflect the fantastic products Wales has to offer.