Manufacturing Industry 2021-05-19

2021-05-19

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
N/A
What steps the Government is taking to support the manufacturing industry in Wales.
The House only needs to look at the £16 million recently given to Meritor in Cwmbran, or the £30 million given to Celsa at the beginning of the pandemic, to see our commitment to Welsh manufacturing. The Government have provided over £11.35 billion in direct and indirect support for businesses in Wales to tackle the pandemic.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The Serious Fraud Office has launched an investigation into Liberty Steel, causing concern for workers in Newport and Tredegar.
The news that the Serious Fraud Office has launched an investigation into Liberty Steel will be concerning. Given global steel production is increasing, can the Government come forward with a clear plan to secure UK domestic steel capacity including public ownership options?
I am sure the hon. Member will understand if I do not get drawn into any questions about Liberty, particularly given the case he mentions, but I hope he will be reassured by the fact that my earlier reference to Celsa—we were able to step in at short notice and help a company for exactly the reasons that he rightly points out—is a demonstration of exactly how committed we are to a sustainable steel industry in Wales.
Assessment & feedback
specific plan or action regarding Liberty Steel investigation
Do Not Get Drawn Into Questions About Liberty
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
Context
A western rail link to Heathrow was promised in 2012 which would benefit the economy.
When can work begin on a western rail link to Heathrow and can Welsh steel manufacturers be prioritized for contracts?
I would be a beneficiary of that line, so I am with the hon. Member in terms of our ambition to always try to improve on our infrastructure links. It is good for the economy and particularly good for the supply chain economy, as he rightly points out. Plenty of businesses in Wales could benefit from that. I hope the recent announcement on procurement in the Queen's Speech will give him and others encouragement that we are taking that extremely seriously.
Assessment & feedback
specific timeline for rail link construction
Taking Procurement Extremely Seriously
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The Mersey Dee Alliance proposes a fiscal stimulus for north-east Wales and the Wirral.
What steps are being taken to expedite the proposed Mersey Dee Alliance fiscal stimulus package?
I hope I can give the hon. Gentleman some encouragement. We are enthusiastic about the Mersey Dee Alliance and everything it stands for. We are keen to continue to work with it, looking at ways of recognising that the economic area stretches way beyond the geographical borders of Wales and England—we absolutely recognise that point. We are determined to make sure we get further progress and deliver on some of the commitments we made on manufacturing and other industries in Deeside that he referred to.
Assessment & feedback
specific steps taken or timeline for package implementation
Looking At Ways Keen To Work With
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The Port Talbot and Bridgend area could benefit from the UK Government's first freeport.
Does my right hon. Friend have an update on establishing a freeport in Wales, and will the UK Government proceed alone if necessary?
My hon. Friend is right to point out how enthusiastically the freeport scheme has been welcomed across the whole of Wales, and it is a source of some frustration that we have yet to get it over the line. He is right to ask whether we could do that. Clearly, we would like to do it in collaboration with the Welsh Government, which is where the blockage currently resides, but we can and, if necessary, will proceed to deliver on our manifesto commitment come what may.
Assessment & feedback
specific timeline for freeport implementation
Frustration With Current Blockage Can Proceed Alone If Necessary
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Gerald Jones Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Context
Current trading arrangements between the UK and Europe are causing disruption to Welsh companies.
Trade agreements can provide new opportunities but must ensure they do not undercut Welsh industries. What has been done personally to address this, and will protections be in place for agricultural producers from a potential Australia deal?
We have regular meetings with the automotive sector, and with stakeholders, the supply chain and others, to try to ascertain exactly what the issues are and how they can be speedily resolved, so we are engaged on that level. As for the rumours about the Australia free trade agreement, I should point out that no deal has been done, but if and when it is done, it will include protections for the agricultural industry and it will not undercut UK farmers or compromise our high standards.
Assessment & feedback
specific actions taken to address current issues
Regular Meetings Rumours About Agreement
Response accuracy