Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alberto Costa and Alun Cairns

Wednesday 30th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Alun Cairns]

Our negotiations with the EIB will run in parallel with our negotiations with the European Commission. The hon. Lady has a responsibility to try to instil confidence in investment in Wales, not to undermine it. Only last week, the Chancellor announced a further capital injection of £436 million. I would hope that the hon. Lady would want to welcome that, not undermine investment, employment and jobs—it really does not become her.

[Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) (Con)]

4. What assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of inward investment in Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alberto Costa and Alun Cairns

Wednesday 19th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) (Con)]

1. What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on future infrastructure investment in Wales.

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

I am sure the whole House will join me in marking the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy this Friday. That event shocked not just Wales but the whole of the country and the wider world. I am sure colleagues across the House will pay tribute to the bravery and strong community ties that pulled the people of Aberfan through the immediate aftermath and provided so much support in the months and years that followed.

Wales is benefiting from millions of pounds of UK investment across the country. We are modernising our rail infrastructure, investing in the North Wales prison, and providing significant funding and support to improve internet speeds. This is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to delivering improvements in infrastructure in all corners of Wales.

[Alberto Costa]

Wales receives its funding from the Barnett bloc, but does my right hon. Friend recognise that the UK Government have a part to play in UK infrastructure so that it meets the strategic need in the UK as well as in Wales?

[Alun Cairns]

My hon. Friend raises an important point. He rightly underlines the Barnett arrangements, and we were pleased to introduce a funding floor that provides Wales with £115 for every £100 that is spent in England. In addition, we have the electrification of the Great Western main line, North Wales prison is a significant project, and we have broadband roll-out. After all, we are interconnected economies, and the Government are determined to do the best for the whole of the UK.