Economic growth is a fundamental part of our programme for government. The strong performance of the ICT sector has led to the creation of 7,500 high-end jobs in Wales. Ongoing support to this enabling sector will assist the development of all businesses in Wales through increased adoption of digital technologies.

Whilst not directly responsible for the roll-out of public Wi-Fi, we support local towns and communities throughout Wales, including those in mid Wales, to create their own public Wi-Fi networks, such as through the provision of fast and reliable enabling infrastructure.

North Wales is at the forefront of the improvements in Wales’s economic performance.  I want us to build on developments that have seen employment and inward investment hit record highs and a Wales unemployment rate that is lower than the rest of the UK as a whole. 

We are making good progress having received a fully costed business case for the development bank for Wales from Finance Wales. Officials are now carrying out the first-stage evaluation of the business case and will be submitting their recommendations to Cabinet in November.

I wrote to you on this matter on 19 September and the position remains the same. The City of Cardiff Council is exploring options for Pride Cymru 2017 with the organisers, including later dates in Coopers Field and moving to a temporary alternative location at City Hall lawn.

Our national transport finance plan includes a commitment to progress the potential trunking of the A477 between Pembroke Dock and Johnston from this financial year. This would include Cleddau bridge.