Mr (Slough) (Lab)
13. Given that a western rail link to Heathrow would connect south
Wales stations such as Swansea, Cardiff and Newport directly to
Heathrow, cutting up to half an hour off journey times, and mean
London and south Wales would be better connected, benefiting
businesses, tourists and the Welsh economy— [911501]
Mr Speaker
Order. Blurt it out, man!
Mr Dhesi
What representations has the Secretary of State personally made
to the Chancellor and the Department for Transport to support
this scheme?
Mr Speaker
The hon. Gentleman was meant to say “Question 13”, but he was so
overcome with excitement that he neglected to do so. Never mind.
We will take it as part of Question 11.
As the hon. Gentleman will know, I am quite a fan of the
potential benefits of the western rail access to Heathrow, which
could unlock more growth and opportunities across the area served
by Great Western. Regular representations are made, and I am sure
the Chancellor, who is now on the Front Bench, will have heard
those the hon. Gentleman has just made.
(Ogmore) (Lab)
The reality, with the potential closure, is 1,700 jobs gone at
Ford and between 6,000 and 7,000 in the supply chain. It is no
good the Secretary of State saying manufacturing is buoyant, with
all these potential job losses coming. We need economic stimulus
packages from the UK Government in support of the Welsh
Government. What is the Minister going to do about it to protect
these jobs?
The Government are active in ensuring economic development in
Wales, but the hon. Gentleman may wish to reflect on what was
said by a Welsh Government Minister yesterday in relation to how
they know what is going on.
