Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:34 pm on 21 June 2016.
I’d like to thank the Member for his questions, and say that we’re very proud of our legislation to protect the well-being and the prospects of future generations. And of course, within the legislation, there is a crucial objective to ensure that we have sustainable, economic growth within our country; that we have more equal communities, and a more equal society. In order to do that, we have to ensure that there are better jobs closer to home, and where those jobs are not literally closer to home, people are able to access them more swiftly. I’m fully aware of the duties under the well-being Act to improve the social, the economic and the environmental, and indeed the cultural well-being of Wales, and I will be mindful of these duties in making the decision on the M4 project, as I will be on decisions concerning the metro and our wider transport networks right across Wales, whether it be on the A55, the A494, the A483, or the A5—all of our trunk road network, and all of our transport infrastructure.
A report was published in March, which considered how the M4 project aligns with the goals of the well-being Act, and the M4 project would generate opportunities to improve, as I say, the economic prosperity of the region, as well as to help create a healthier and more cohesive community. The potential impacts of the scheme are balanced with opportunities that align with the well-being goals as far as they are currently developed, and, therefore, the scheme is considered to align with the Welsh Government’s principles of sustainable development. However, having said that, the inquiry will review compliance of the proposals with the well-being of future generations Act. And, in terms of the further detailed work on the blue route, I’d be more than happy to publish what that work entails for all Members to be able to scrutinise it as well.