Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Crabb and Karl McCartney

Wednesday 25th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) (Con)]

2. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of Wales’s international business links since the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

5. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of Wales’s international business links since the UK's decision to leave the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)]

The UK, including Wales, remains the same outward-looking, globally minded country that we have always been. To support Wales’s international business links further, I am jointly hosting a Wales business export summit in Cardiff in early March to ensure that businesses in Wales have full access to UK Government support.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Crabb and Karl McCartney

Wednesday 21st January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

1. What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of steps taken to rebalance the economy in Wales since 2010.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)]

The previous Government were content to allow the British economy to become dangerously imbalanced with far too much reliance on the financial sector in London and the south-east. During this time Wales became poorer and fell to the bottom of the economic league tables, but we are determined to turn that around and achieve a stronger and more geographically balanced economy through a long-term plan, which is already starting to bear real fruit for Wales.

[Karl MᶜCartney]

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer—and offer him belated birthday wishes.

With regard to the rural economy of Wales, I heard talk when I recently returned to St David’s university college in Llanbedr Pont Steffan of moves to reopen the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth railway line that passes through the Teifi valley. What effect does my right hon. Friend think this would have in reinvigorating the local rural economy, and might it help to rescue my alma mater from the parlous state various vice-chancellors since Lord Morris of Castle Morris have allowed it to descend to?

[Stephen Crabb]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and his good wishes. I am a believer in investment in infrastructure. I recognise the important role investment infrastructure plays as a driver of economic growth. We have discussed at previous Wales Office questions the reopening of the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen line. He will be interested to know that I will shortly meet the campaign group Traws Link Cymru to discuss the business case for reopening the line and what support we can give, if appropriate.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Crabb and Karl McCartney

Wednesday 16th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)]

In 2013, the increase in the personal allowance for income tax will be the largest ever cash increase and shows that this Government are committed to creating a fair tax system that rewards hard work.

[Karl MᶜCartney]

Like many in my constituency, I am sure that the people of Wales and, perhaps in particular in Llanbedr Pont Steffan, welcome the changes to personal allowances that our Government have implemented. Would the Minister care to take this opportunity to confirm how many residents in Wales have benefited since 2010, having been taken out of income tax altogether following this Government’s welcome changes to the personal tax allowance?

[Stephen Crabb]

It is indeed great news in Llanbedr Pont Steffan and elsewhere in Wales that, as a result of the decisions taken by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in the autumn statement, an additional 13,000 people will be lifted out of tax altogether, with a total benefit to people of £1.1 million.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Crabb and Karl McCartney

Wednesday 17th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

6. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and others on the role of Ofqual in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Stephen Crabb)]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Education. For clarity, Ofqual is the independent regulator of qualifications in England. It is the Welsh Government who regulate qualifications in Wales.

[Karl MᶜCartney]

Does the Minister share my concern that a dangerous precedent is set when Ministers take it upon themselves to mark exam papers?