Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Halfon Excerpts

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

3. What discussions she has had with Welsh Government Ministers on the economic outlook for Wales.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

4. What recent assessment she has made of the economy in Wales; and if she will make a statement.

[Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)]

5. What discussions she has had with Welsh Government Ministers on the economic outlook for Wales.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mrs Gillan]

I agree that if there are lessons to be learned from the Welsh Government, we must learn them, but the hon. Lady must remember that unemployment is a matter for both the UK Government and the Welsh Government, and under the last Labour Government youth unemployment in Wales rose by 73% over the Parliament.

[Robert Halfon]

Is my right hon. Friend aware of figures from the Office for National Statistics and the AA showing that more than £16 million could be injected into the Welsh economy this year alone because Labour’s 3p August rise in fuel duty has now been scrapped?

[Mrs Gillan]

Yes; my hon. Friend knows that the Government have shown that they have listened and are willing to help motorists further with their cost of living by acting at a time when the pump prices are still at historic highs and deferring the increase to January. I pay tribute to him, as he has of course played a great part in the campaign and has, in part, brought about this change by the Government, which will be welcomed throughout Wales, by businesses and families alike.