7. 6. Statement: Ministerial Taskforce on the Valleys

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:07 pm on 5 July 2016.

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Photo of Alun Davies Alun Davies Labour 4:07, 5 July 2016

I completely agree with the points that Adam Price has been making. I think this is an opportunity to rethink some of those approaches. I’ve always been very taken by the deep place study on Tredegar, of course, which was published two years ago now. I think we do need to look at that holistic approach to economic development sitting alongside environment, sitting alongside social and sitting alongside energy and community policy as well. I don’t believe that simply by creating work here in Cardiff we solve the problems of unemployment in Merthyr Tydfil or in Glynneath. So, we do need to look hard at how we do that. I very much welcome any contribution the Member would wish to make to that work. Whilst I’m not completely sold on the idea of a development corporation, I recognise that structures and plans and pious hopes will not be made real without a determination and without a means to deliver that vision. I would very much welcome any conversation across the Chamber on how that might be achieved.