Asked by: Jonathan Evans (Conservative - Cardiff North)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government on the implications for the UK Government's policies of the recently issued gross value added statistics for Wales; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Stephen Crabb
I hold regular discussions with the Welsh Government on the Welsh economy. I welcome the recently published statistics showing that Wales recorded the highest annual growth of Gross Value Added per head of all the UK nations and regions in 2013. Furthermore, since 2010, Wales has been the fastest growing economy of the UK nations and regions after London. Coupled with sustained falls in unemployment, this shows that our long term economic plan is working for Wales.
Asked by: Jonathan Evans (Conservative - Cardiff North)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government on the economic development of Wales and steps to attract inward investment to Wales.
Answered by Stephen Crabb
Inward investment is crucial to the recovery of the Welsh economy. It contributes significantly to economic growth and I am delighted that Wales had 79 inward investment projects in 2013-14. This is a significant improvement on the previous year and is testament to the collaborative working that is taking place between the UK Government and Welsh Government.
The UK Investment Summit in Newport last month was another excellent example of two Governments working together and was an important opportunity to showcase Wales on a global stage. During the summit I met numerous companies that are looking to invest or to expand their investment in Wales.
Asked by: Jonathan Evans (Conservative - Cardiff North)
Question to the Wales Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government on the letting of the Wales and Borders railway franchise.
Answered by Stephen Crabb
I am delighted that we have settled a deal between the Department for Transport and the Welsh Government to deliver the full electrification package. Our investment in this transformational project shows our commitment to deliver long term social and economic benefits to Valleys communities by helping people access the job opportunities being created in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. As part of that deal, the UK Government has agreed to devolve executive franchising functions for the Wales and Borders franchise to the Welsh Government before the start of the next franchise in 2018.