Ken Skates: Yes. We are currently procuring an operator and delivery partner as part of the Wales and borders services from 2018 and, of course, the metro. This process will also include discussions with bidders on how services from Ebbw Vale to Newport can best be delivered as part of the wider provision of the south-east Wales metro.
Ken Skates: Yes. We are investing to allow for more frequent and faster services on the line, and we are also adding new platforms at a number of stations. We have funded Network Rail to deliver the project, and they have laid most of the new track that is necessary in the next stages for work to begin on the stations themselves. Network Rail’s work on the signalling system will start immediately...
Ken Skates: Well, metro phase 1 is already under way, with a series of improvements to stations and to railway infrastructure. I’m conscious that the Member has been vocal about this matter since 2007, but I am delighted that this is being taken forward at pace now, and I look forward to the Member congratulating the Welsh Government on its delivery of this important project.
Ken Skates: This is a matter for which the UK Government is responsible, but I understand from them that the reduction in journey times from London to Cardiff, once the work is completed, will be approximately 17 minutes.
Ken Skates: Well, I would agree that electrification of the main line will undoubtedly benefit Newport. It will also benefit Cardiff, but I would also expect it to be extended in a timely fashion to Swansea, and I do hope that, in the autumn statement, there will be positive news in that regard. I’d urge the UK Government—because I’m conscious that there are now a number of delays and problems...
Ken Skates: In 2016, we’ve supported a wide range of major sporting events including the World Half Marathon, Extreme Sailing Series, Tour of Britain and the Wales Rally GB. We want more major international sporting and cultural events across Wales and there are ongoing discussions with partners to identify many opportunities.
Ken Skates: Well, we meet with rail operators regularly to discuss the impact and the implications of major sporting and cultural events on the rail network, and, indeed, on the road network as well. I’m conscious that it’s not just the sporting events that can cause congestion on roads and also overcrowding on trains; cultural events can also pose problems. There was a recent incident during the...
Ken Skates: As outlined in my letter to Assembly Members on 1 November, we are in the process of appointing a contractor for these works and hope to award a contract this month. Works are programmed to start in January 2017 and should be completed by the end of March.
Ken Skates: Officials have been discussing various aspects of this project over the last two years. I have asked that discussions continue, to determine whether a satisfactory business case can be submitted; demonstrating financial viability, the economic, cultural and linguistic benefits of the development and explaining the need for public sector intervention.
Ken Skates: The Welsh Government continues to invest circa £180 million in rail services annually, including many additional services above those specified in the original Wales and Borders franchise. We also continue to fund a programme of rail infrastructures improvements, despite this area being non-devolved, to enable additional and enhanced rail services.
Ken Skates: The apprenticeship levy is a UK Government led employment tax. Welsh Government has already determined its priorities for apprenticeships these include higher level skills and support for young people to make the transition into sustainable employment.
Ken Skates: We are taking several wide ranging actions to increase prosperity by encouraging economic development across all parts of Wales. In north Wales, we are exploiting the significant opportunities that will arise from investment projects such as Wylfa Newydd, providing support through our dedicated business support service and investing in various transport schemes.
Ken Skates: Welsh Government have entered in to an agreement with Liberty Properties over delivery of a leisure scheme on part of Bryn Cegin. Liberty Properties are currently in the process of seeking a planning permission for their proposed scheme as well as negotiating with potential tenants of the scheme.
Ken Skates: We continue to provide financial support, where needed, to help businesses invest, grow and remain competitive.
Ken Skates: North Wales was recently named one of the world’s best regions by Lonely Planet. It’s apt and testimony to Visit Wales’s work that this comes at the end of the Year of Adventure, with the publication stating that North Wales had earned its place due to the transformation that the region has undergone over the last few years. World-first adventure attractions, a glorious coastal path,...
Ken Skates: Yes, there were a number of points regarding local heroes, community heroes and national legends that I think the Member raised, first of all with regard to Billy Boston. This is a matter that the Member has raised in the past, and I’d be very pleased to receive any interest from any local groups concerning an application for resource to help celebrate this particular legend. We do have, as...
Ken Skates: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I’ll try to deal with the questions as succinctly as possible. It is true that this is a partnership that has grown the visitor economy. It’s not just because of good work by the Welsh Government or Visit Wales—it is down to working in close partnership with the entire sector. I think that the success of the Year of Adventure shows that, now more...
Ken Skates: I’d like to thank the Member for his questions. I, too, am looking forward to the UEFA Champions League final, and I’m very pleased that Swansea football club remain in the premiership and, indeed, we’ll be using their occasions, their matches, to promote Wales as a place for trade and investment by inviting would-be investors to join us at some of their key matches in the present...
Ken Skates: I’d like to thank the Member for his very kind comments. It has been a pleasure working with the entire sector during the Year of Adventure and in particular the ambassadors who I think have done sterling work in promoting Wales overseas. The Member mentioned ZipWorld and I think what’s worth drawing attention to is that, next year, we’ll see the launch of a new unique product in...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Hannah Blythyn for her question, and say that I also very much enjoy repeating the fact that north Wales is the fourth greatest place to visit on the planet, and it’s something that we should all be very proud of? In terms of the Year of Legends, 2016, the Year of Adventure, will see one of the biggest events held back for the end of the year—the segue moment where we move...
