Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is taking steps to assess the potential wider impact of (a) HS2 and (b) other infrastructure projects on regional economic activity in North Wales.

By improving regional connectivity, the Integrated Rail Plan will unify labour markets so that people can access a much wider range of jobs; bring businesses closer together; and improve access to key international gateways and markets so that they become even more attractive locations for business investment. The Crewe Northern Connection would improve connections from North Wales to the HS2 network, potentially bringing many passengers within 2 hours 15 minutes of London. Our plans will enhance connectivity to much of the West Midlands, Cheshire and North Wales not directly served by HS2.