Eluned Parrott, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Transport, has spoken of her disbelief today after the Transport Minister appeared not to know her own Government’s business case for electrification.
When asked about details of the business case Edwina Hart, said she was unable to answer as she was not aware what was in the document and hadn’t brought a copy with her.
Eluned Parrott AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Minister said:
“It is unbelievable that the Minister responsible for transport is unaware of the detail of her own Government’s business case. That business case is very clear: it sets out how the Welsh Government will save money in the long term on lower running costs and higher revenues for the electrified Valley Lines, and it takes the Welsh Government’s £30m a year borrowing payments into account.
“Having accounted for the repayments, and discussed the return they will make on their investment in the long term, it is astonishing to me that both the First Minister and the Transport Minister claim they never expected to pay them.
“There have been too many sweeping statements with far too little knowledge of the details. The Welsh Labour Government is happy to shift the blame to London, yet can’t answer simple questions on the business case which they produced, signed and delivered to London. It can be little wonder there has been such confusion if this is the approach Welsh Ministers are taking.
“I urge the Transport Minister to work with the UK Government to sort this problem out. It’s time for the rhetoric to stop and proper talks to start so we can resolve these issues and deliver electrification for the people of Wales.”
