Commission on Devolution in Wales

Debate between Chris Evans and David Jones

Monday 18th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

My right hon. Friend raises a fair point, which has been made on many occasions. The devolution settlement, as currently constituted, does lead in some cases to a democratic deficit. These matters were raised on several occasions with the previous Labour Government. At the moment, my right hon. Friend is best served by finding a friendly Assembly Member who will raise the issues that are of concern to his constituents but which relate to matters on the Welsh side of the border. On the basis of the current devolution settlement, that is the best answer I can give.

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

The Secretary of State says in his statement that the National Assembly for Wales will be allowed to create new taxes with the consent of the UK Government. How does he envisage that process developing? Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer, rather than the Welsh Assembly, be deciding the tax regime in Wales?

[Mr Jones]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would understand that any new taxes would need to be constituted in such a way as not to unbalance the national economy, but the response that has been given to the Silk report makes it clear that, subject to that consent, the Assembly Government will be in a position to create new taxes.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and David Jones

Wednesday 3rd July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the effect of the Government's legal aid proposals in Wales.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

I recently met my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary to discuss matters relating to Wales, including the proposed reforms to criminal legal aid in England and Wales. I have also met Welsh representatives of the legal profession to hear their views on the proposed changes.

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

Research by the Monmouthshire Law Society found that law firms serving Gwent would have to make up to 15 members of staff redundant if they lost their criminal legal aid contract. Does the Minister share their belief that these changes are the final nail in high street law firms in Wales?

[Mr Jones]

No, I do not. It is clear that there have to be reductions in legal aid spend, and a consultation is ongoing. Recently, my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary made it clear that, having listened to representations, he believed that choice is important both to clients and to solicitors, and choice will be incorporated in the final proposals. [Interruption.]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and David Jones

Wednesday 17th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

Enhanced capital allowances are an extremely important element of enterprise zones. They have already been granted in the case of the Deeside enterprise zone and we are urging the Welsh Government to make appropriate representations to HM Treasury so that they can be extended to other enterprise zones, such as the one in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency.

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What assessment he has made of the potential effects of reductions in housing benefit in Wales.

Expenditure Reductions: Policing

Debate between Chris Evans and David Jones

Thursday 16th September 2010 Ministerial Corrections

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

9. What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the effects on front-line policing in Wales of planned expenditure reductions.

[Mr Jones]

The question of funding for the police is a matter that will have to await the comprehensive spending review, but I am heartened by the comments of the National Audit Office and the Wales Audit Office about how it should be possible to effect reductions of £1 billion without any effect at all on front-line policing.

[Official Report, 8 September 2010, Vol. 515, c. 310.]

Letter of correction form David Jones:

An error has been identified in the response provided to the hon. Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) during Welsh oral questions on 8 September 2010.

The Minister intended to refer to a report by the Wales Audit Office, the Audit Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Policing. The Minister did not intend to refer to the National Audit Office in his response.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and David Jones

Wednesday 8th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

9. What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the effects on front-line policing in Wales of planned expenditure reductions. [Official Report, 16 September 2010, Vol. 515, c. 3-4MC.]

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with Cabinet and ministerial colleagues on policing matters in Wales. We recognise that reductions in budgets will be challenging to our police forces, but will also present opportunities to refocus policing priorities and make operational efficiencies.

[Chris Evans]

I thank the Minister for his response. Given how successful the Safer Caerphilly community safety partnership has been in substantially reducing crime and antisocial behaviour, will the Secretary of State give an assurance that she will fight any plans to cut funding for next year?

[Mr Jones]

The question of funding for the police is a matter that will have to await the comprehensive spending review, but I am heartened by the comments of the National Audit Office and the Wales Audit Office about how it should be possible to effect reductions of £1 billion without any effect at all on front-line policing.