Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth

Wednesday 5 July 2023 · 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 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Stephen Crabb questioned the adequacy of economic growth in Wales, noting it is below pre-pandemic levels.
  • Crabb also inquired about encouraging Zimmer Biomet to reconsider its decision to leave Bridgend.
  • Chris Elmore congratulated the Welsh Labour Government's Economy Minister on attracting additional jobs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Crabb Con
Economy Wales
Context

The Welsh economy has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and unemployment is rising. The latest data shows poor economic performance compared to England.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of economic growth in Wales? The most recent data indicates that the Welsh economy still has not reached pre-pandemic levels, unlike in England, where it exceeds those levels. Unemployment is also increasing, and there are concerns about the Labour Administration's policies.

Answer from David Davies

My right hon. Friend is correct. It is deeply disappointing that growth in Wales is now below pre-pandemic levels, whereas in England it is above pre-pandemic levels. The Welsh Labour Government need to ask themselves some difficult questions and perhaps stop concentrating on nanny state policies such as the ban on meal deals, 20 mph limits, and bans on new roads.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about economic growth adequacy was not directly addressed with concrete figures or commitments.

How: Focused On Labour'S Policies Instead Of Addressing The Question

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Q2 Stephen Crabb Con
Economy Wales Business & Trade
Context

Zimmer Biomet is planning to cut more than 550 jobs in Bridgend, which has shocked local communities.

Question

Can the Secretary of State make representations to the Business and Trade Secretary to encourage Zimmer Biomet to reconsider its decision and keep the jobs in Bridgend?

Answer from David Davies

The hon. Gentleman makes a very useful and important point. Bridgend is a wonderful place in which to invest and do business, and the new freeport will make it even better in the vicinity. I have been in touch with the Department for Work and Pensions about that, but I am very happy to talk to those in the Department for Business and Trade about what further measures can be taken.

Answered
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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Scotland Wales
Context

The Department for Business and Trade published a report showing that the Welsh Labour Government's Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, attracted an additional 3,000 jobs to Wales.

Question

Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating the Welsh Labour Government's Economy Minister on his success in delivering economic growth through attracting additional jobs?

Answer from David Davies

I think the hon. Lady will be aware that both the Minister for Economy in Wales and the Department for Business and Trade work closely with embassies across the world to ensure that investors know about the enormous opportunities that exist in Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about congratulating was not directly addressed.

How: Shifted Focus To General Cooperation Without Direct Commitment

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Q4 Jo Stevens Lab Cardiff East
Wales Energy
Context

The Labour party supports new nuclear projects for energy resilience and security.

Question

What have the Government been doing to support new nuclear projects, especially after Hitachi withdrew from the Wylfa project?

Answer from David Davies

I am delighted that the hon. Lady has set out that the Labour party now supports nuclear power. It was not something that was evident to us when Labour was in opposition a few years ago.

Not addressed: The specific ask about actions taken by the Government for new nuclear sites was completely avoided.

How: Focused On Historical Support Of Labour'S Stance Instead

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Q5 Jo Stevens Lab Cardiff East
NHS Wales Business & Trade
Context

The Department for Business and Trade published a report showing that the Welsh Labour Government attracted an additional 3,000 jobs to Wales.

Question

On the 75th anniversary of our NHS, created by Nye Bevan, may I thank all our NHS staff in Wales? Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating Vaughan Gething on his success in attracting foreign direct investment?

Answer from David Davies

I think the hon. Lady will be aware that both the Minister for Economy in Wales and the Department for Business and Trade work closely with embassies across the world to ensure that investors know about the enormous opportunities that exist in Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about congratulating Vaughan Gething was not directly addressed.

How: Shifted Focus To General Cooperation Without Direct Commitment

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