Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Flynn Excerpts
Wednesday 19th October 2016

(7 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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The hon. Lady and I agree that we would like something like that to be developed and to go ahead for the prospects and opportunities it will provide, but we have an obligation to the taxpayer: we have to ensure that it provides value for money. Only in recent weeks, the hon. Lady and her colleagues have complained about the cost of energy for Tata and other energy-intensive industries. It is important that we generate energy in a cost-effective way that suits consumers as well as taxpayers.

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)
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5. What steps he is taking to encourage increased tourism to Wales.

Guto Bebb Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Guto Bebb)
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I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman for his time as shadow Secretary of State and thank him for his contribution at the Dispatch Box in that role.

As the House will know, tourism is vital to delivering economic growth in Wales. It has been a great year for inbound tourism in the UK and in Wales, with day visits increasing by 24% in the last 12 months.

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn
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Will the Minister pay tribute to the magnificent tourist attractions in Newport—Tredegar House, the wetlands, Celtic Manor, and the splendid Roman baths and amphitheatre—all of which increased tourist numbers last year by up to 70%? Will he confirm that visitors to all parts of Wales always praise the warmth of our hospitality?