Oral Answers to Questions

Maria Caulfield Excerpts

Wednesday 25th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Guto Bebb]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right to highlight the importance of the agricultural industry to Wales. Almost 60,000 people are directly employed within the sector, and more than 95% of all Welsh agricultural exports go to the European Union, so I fully subscribe to her view that the Welsh agricultural sector will be protected if we vote to remain in the EU.

[Maria Caulfield (Lewes) (Con)]

5. What recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of employment in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Guto Bebb)]

The labour market in Wales is going from strength to strength. Last week’s figures delivered a hat-trick of good news for the Welsh economy: employment is up to a new record high, unemployment is down to its lowest level since 2008, and the number of people on the claimant count continues to fall.

[Maria Caulfield]

Do not the Minister’s figures show that the Government’s welfare reforms are working in Wales and helping employment for ordinary people?

--- Later in debate ---

The Prime Minister was asked—

[Maria Caulfield (Lewes) (Con)]

Q1. If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 25 May.

[The First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne)]

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker—as always. The Prime Minister is attending the G7 in Japan, and I have been asked to reply on his behalf. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, and in addition to my duties in this House, I will have further such meetings later today.

[Maria Caulfield]

I am sure Labour Members will disagree, but the first priority of any Government has to be the defence and security of our country, so will the Chancellor outline the steps this Government are taking to replace our Trident nuclear deterrent?

[Mr Osborne]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The first duty of the Government is to defend the country. For almost 70 years our independent nuclear deterrent has provided the ultimate insurance for our freedom. We will review our Trident deterrent, and bring forward votes in this House; we ask MPs from all sides of the House to support this vital commitment to our national security. When she stands up, the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), representing the Labour party, should indicate that support today.