Railways: Swansea to Paddington

Lord Taylor of Holbeach Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd July 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Richard (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Con)]

I think it would be useful if we heard from the Labour Party Benches and then perhaps from Plaid Cymru.

[Lord Richard]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Noble Lords]

This side!

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

My Lords, I had hoped that we would have a trouble-free occasion.

[Lord Teverson]

My Lords—

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

Would the noble Lord mind sitting down, please? I think that we should hear from the noble Lord, Lord Anderson of Swansea, as the Question refers to Swansea.

[Lord Anderson of Swansea]

My Lords, as perhaps the only Swansea resident in the House, might I say that, whatever the priorities of the Government—and we are well aware of the pressure of the 40% cut in public expenditure—for us in Swansea this is a major matter? It is part of a trio of developments, including the lagoon and the new university campus. I therefore assure the Minister that this project is not only important for Swansea and the region but will send a signal to businessmen that there is life beyond Cardiff.