Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Roger Williams Excerpts
Wednesday 12th October 2011

(12 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Cheryl Gillan Portrait Mrs Gillan
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I can heartily endorse that recommendation. Whether the powers that be will be able to fly that flag I do not know, so I cannot give him that guarantee, but it will be flying proudly above Gwydyr house.

Roger Williams Portrait Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD)
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When I meet businesses in Wales, I am always impressed by the resilience they are showing during these difficult times. One issue that they always raise with me is that of business rates. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Assembly to build on the excellent work that local authorities are doing to reduce the burden of business rates to companies that wish to expand?

Cheryl Gillan Portrait Mrs Gillan
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As the hon. Gentleman knows, that is a matter for the Welsh Government, but I think the Welsh Government must carefully consider the conditions on the other side of the border in England, and ensure that inward investing companies and other companies in Wales are not disadvantaged in terms of taxation or non-tariff barriers. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to make his representations to the Welsh Government himself; I am sure that they will be interested in what he has to say.