Question to the Wales Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have received from the Welsh Government concerning the maximisation of financial and economic benefit for Wales from the activities of the Crown Estate in Wales.

The UK Government has regular discussions with the Welsh Government on a range of issues, including our shared ambition for floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea, and the role of the Crown Estate therein.

The Crown Estate has played a significant role in attracting international investment into Wales to support the UK's net zero target and will continue to do so, particularly through leasing rounds for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. The Crown Estate is key to the £1.4 billion investment and over 5,000 jobs that this government wants to enable from floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

The Crown Estate works closely with the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales in support of shared priorities, ensuring that these resources are sustainably managed for the long term.

The UK Government’s focus is on taking maximum advantage of this opportunity for Wales. I was therefore pleased that the Secretary of State for Wales worked with Lords Livermore and Hain to agree an amendment to The Crown Estate Bill in the House of Lords that will appoint a Commissioner with special responsibility for Wales. This will ensure the interests of Wales are fully reflected in The Crown Estate’s work.