Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Investment Zones

Wednesday 18 January 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister committed to working with the Welsh Government on investment zones and freeports programmes.
  • The focus of investment zones is shifting towards productivity, growth, and job creation rather than housing and planning.
  • Stephen Crabb highlighted the importance of private sector involvement for economic success in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Economy Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

The MP notes the proposed refocusing of investment zone policy by the government, which has led to the cancellation of existing bids without clear details or timelines.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the proposed refocusing of investment zone policy. I have had a letter from a Government Minister saying that it is all being refocused and is not about housing and planning any more but about productivity, improving growth and job creation. But no details are available, and all the bids have been binned.

Answer from James Davies

We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government on the delivery of investment zones for Wales. That is alongside the freeports programme, which will facilitate growth and innovation through benefits such as tax relief for businesses. Many elements of the policy are devolved in Wales; therefore, discussions continue with the Welsh Government on those aspects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of recent discussions and details about cancelled bids were not addressed.

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Q2 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Economy Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

The MP criticises the government's approach to investment zones, arguing that no details are available and all existing bids have been cancelled.

Question

That is all very well, but the Government have basically completely binned their investment zone policy. I have had a letter from a Government Minister saying that it is all being refocused and is not about housing and planning any more but about productivity, improving growth and job creation. But no details are available, and all the bids have been binned. Is that not further evidence that we do not have a Government in this country anymore, just a bunch of rapscallions squatting in ministerial offices?

Answer from James Davies

I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. As he will know, many elements of the policy are devolved in Wales. Therefore, discussions continue with the Welsh Government on those aspects. I would highlight that there are 5,400 similar zones in other parts of the world. We must deliver growth for Britain in a similar fashion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The lack of details about cancelled bids and policy refocusing was not addressed.

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Q3 Stephen Crabb Con
Economy Scotland Wales Business & Trade
Context

The MP raises concerns about the effectiveness of taxpayer-funded industrial initiatives in Wales and questions whether new interventions will be successful.

Question

I echo the congratulations to the hon. Member for Rhondda on his knighthood. One of the lessons of industrial policy over the last 30 years in Wales, certainly given the number of failed food parks, science parks and technology parks, is that taxpayers' money alone does not create economic activity out of thin air. Does the Minister agree that whatever interventions we or the Welsh Government make must work with the grain of the private sector? To that end, does he recognise that the overriding strength of the Celtic freeport bid is that it works with real projects and real industry to deliver floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea?

Answer from James Davies

My right hon. Friend is a strong campaigner for the offshore wind possibilities in south-west Wales. He will know that decisions on awarding freeports are ongoing, with at least one due in Wales and an announcement to be made shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address whether interventions should align with private sector needs or recognise the strength of the Celtic freeport bid.

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