All 1 Debates between Rehman Chishti and Alun Cairns

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Debate between Rehman Chishti and Alun Cairns
Wednesday 24th February 2016

(8 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Bellingham Portrait Sir Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con)
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7. What assessment he has made of trends in the level of employment in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Cairns Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)
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Employment in Wales is now at a record high, with more people than ever before having the security of a pay packet to provide for themselves and their family. Aston Martin has been mentioned. That is testimony to the significant investment that Wales is attracting.

Rehman Chishti Portrait Rehman Chishti
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As a former student of Aberystwyth University, the oldest and the best law school in Wales, I have been pleased to see that more than 80% of employees in mid-Wales are now employed by small and medium-sized enterprises. Will the Minister join me in acknowledging the significance of that thriving community to the economy in Wales?

Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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My hon. Friend is right and he is a true champion of Aberystwyth and of mid-Wales. He will be pleased to hear that there are 3,500 additional small businesses in that area, with an extra 5,500 people going out to work every day since 2010 as a result of the economic stability we have brought about.