Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Jobs and Investment

Wednesday 30 June 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government steps to create jobs and encourage investment in Wales include attracting inward investment projects that created over 1500 new jobs and safeguarded nearly 7000 jobs.
  • The 5% cut in VAT for the hospitality industry has been a boost to tourism businesses across the United Kingdom, including in Wales.
  • The UK Government has committed billions of pounds to support Welsh businesses during and after the pandemic, including through the new shared prosperity fund and levelling-up funds.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
Economy Employment Wales
Context

The MP wants to understand the government's initiatives for job creation and investment in Wales. She references specific figures on inward investment.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to create jobs and encourage investment in Wales? Last year, Wales attracted 5% of all inward investment projects into the UK, creating over 1,500 new jobs and safeguarding almost 7,000. This performance will be supported by the Welsh trade and investment hub.

Answer from David Davies

Inward investment is central to the UK Government's mission to level up the UK economy. Last year, Wales attracted 5% of all inward investment projects into the UK, creating over 1,500 new jobs and safeguarding almost 7,000. This strong performance will be boosted by the Welsh trade and investment hub.

Answered
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Q2 Caroline Ansell Con
Taxation Wales
Context

The MP seeks to secure the long-term recovery of visitor destinations and the hospitality industry in Wales through a sustained VAT cut.

Question

To secure the long-term recovery of the sector, to remain internationally competitive and to fully realise the power of the visitor economy, will representations be made to the Treasury for a 5% VAT cut?

Answer from David Davies

The 5% cut in VAT for the hospitality industry has been a boost to tourism businesses across the whole of the United Kingdom, including in Eastbourne. This includes the National Slate Museum at Llanberis and other attractions. The Minister hopes hon. Members will take advantage of it this summer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for specific representations to extend the 5% VAT cut, but the answer only praised its current benefits without confirming any further action.

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Q3 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Scotland Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP raises concerns about the future of Welsh business support programmes due to decisions made at Whitehall regarding post-EU funding.

Question

Will the Minister reconsider his approach to post-EU funding decisions made by Whitehall, to ensure businesses have confidence that vital Welsh Government programmes will continue?

Answer from David Davies

The UK Government has committed billions of pounds in support for Welsh businesses during and after the pandemic. The new shared prosperity fund and levelling-up funds will continue to support businesses, while working with the Welsh Government to ensure proper spending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm urgent reconsideration but acknowledged previous funding support without addressing future commitments specifically.

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Q4 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about recent announcements of bank branch closures, especially the impact on local jobs and services.

Question

Can the Minister confirm what conversations he has had with the Chancellor to encourage banks to remain open in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

The Minister has discussed closures with Lloyds bank as a constituency MP. He would be happy to work with the hon. Lady, but does not have the power to prevent independent commercial decisions. The Royal Mint was visited last week where kickstart workers benefited from UK Government funding.

Not addressed: The question asked for details on conversations with the Chancellor, but the answer shifted focus to previous visits and discussions unrelated to current closures.

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Q5 Simon Baynes
Economy Taxation Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about the Welsh Labour Government's proposals for a tourism tax and its potential impact on the hospitality industry post-COVID.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the Labour Welsh Government's plans for a tourism tax would be disastrous for the hospitality industry in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

The UK Government has cut VAT to 5% and will continue levelling up the economy, whereas Welsh Labour wants to levy taxes on the tourism industry at a time when it is fragile. The Minister supports the tourism sector through these measures.

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