Can I thank the Cabinet Minister for his statement which, in the wake of the Secretary of State for Transport's announcements, updates us on the Welsh Government's ambitions for the Great Western and north Wales main lines? You say, Cabinet Minister, that this commitment is welcomed, but it appears that this announcement simply deals with the development of business cases for rail improvements in Wales. In light of the decision on the Swansea line electrification, and comments made recently on the Swansea bay developments, one has to ask: do these announcements really amount to firm commitments?

It is all too apparent that the UK Government is committed to some mouthwatering improvements to the rail network in England. You mentioned yourself the £15 billion Crossrail investment and the £3 billion trans-Pennine scheme. You also, of course, referred to the vastly expensive high speed 2 project, which is likely to swallow up £55 billion, at least, and, curiously, you point out its possible negative impact on the Welsh economy, which is in sharp contrast to the Welsh Government's view when UKIP debated it in this Chamber, where you maintained, against UKIP analysis, that it would be a great boost to the Welsh economy.

UKIP agrees with the ambitions stated in the overarching needs you lay out, and we will continue to support the Government in its attempts to secure the infrastructure improvements outlined in those needs. But in light of these announcements, is there not a need to have a full debate on Westminster spending on the rail infrastructure in Wales, where cross-party support for Welsh Government demands could be aired, with the effect of strengthening your hand in any negotiations with the UK Government?