7. Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government’s physical fitness policy? OAQ(5)0047(HWS)

Increasing levels of physical activity is a priority for the Welsh Government. We are addressing this through legislation, policies and a range of interventions. We are committed to developing a cross-cutting healthy and active strategy, setting out how we will maximise the impact of all that we are doing.

Thank you for that answer, Minister. Of course, as I’ve mentioned already in the committee, being fit means a reduction in your blood pressure of about 30 per cent, a reduction in blood sugar levels of about 30 per cent, a reduction in your cholesterol level of about 30 per cent and weight loss of about 30 per cent as well. Now, there is no tablet on the face of the earth that can compete with those figures. So, could you emphasise how easy it is in terms of fitness? A lot of people—what stops them is thinking, ‘Oh, I have to buy some expensive gym membership somewhere and I have to buy the specialist equipment and clothes and so forth’. It’s about walking 10,000 steps a day. Could you emphasise how easy it is, essentially, to be fit? Thank you.

Thank you very much for that question. I think our active travel Act is a prime example of how we’re trying to take forward that particular part of the agenda in terms of trying to make Wales a really easy and accessible place—for walking and cycling to be the No. 1 choice of transport for shorter journeys. I met with our active travel board just this morning. I’ve been really enthused by the depth of experience, knowledge and expertise that we have on our board, and their absolute commitment to helping Welsh Government drive forward not only our active travel Act, but also our active travel plan, which is cross cutting, right across Government. For example, there are actions within that for the education Minister and actions for planning and so on, as well. So, I’ll be writing shortly to my colleagues, highlighting what’s within the plan that sits under each of those departments, because I do think it’s really important that the active travel Act, particularly, is driven forward in a cross-cutting, cross-Government way.

Finally, question 8, Huw Irranca-Davies.

Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, I know that you’re aware that, on the ground, in Llanharan and Pencoed, there are growing calls, particularly—

Member of the Senedd:

You need to ask the question.

Oh, my apologies. Will the Minister—[Laughter.]