Oral Answers to Questions

Siân C. James Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab)]

1. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the electrification of the great western main line.

[Mrs Siân C. James (Swansea East) (Lab)]

6. What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the electrification of the great western main line.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mrs Cheryl Gillan)]

I have many discussions about this matter, and I remain fully supportive of electrifying the great western main line.

[Mrs Gillan]

I hear the hon. Gentleman, and I am pleased to agree with him that good infrastructure will be of great benefit to our economy in Wales. However, I should remind him that his party had 13 years to electrify the great western line to Swansea, yet failed to electrify a single inch.

[Mrs James]

I am sure that the Minister is aware that electrification of the south Wales main line to Swansea is vital, especially for the economy of the city, but also for the economies of west Wales. The recent Centre for Cities report forecast that Swansea would face severe challenges during the recovery period. Given that news, does she agree that rail electrification to Swansea is even more vital to local businesses and citizens in the region?