Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:49 pm on 2 November 2016.
Yes, can I thank the Member for his question? For the reasons that he outlines, it’s essential that my department acts with my colleague’s department in identifying any opportunity to retain what is a fully integrated facility and one that’s very important, not just to the agriculture sector but also to the economy of Merthyr Tydfil. I’ve already sought and received assurance that those 700 jobs—the additional 700 jobs at the site—are safe, but I will be seeking assurance over the long-term viability of the site if we cannot retain it as an integrated facility. But my wish would still be to support the maintenance of over 1,000 jobs at the site. During the course of the 45-day consultation period, I’ve told officials to do all that they possibly can to give those 350 people at the plant who could be affected by the decision the best hope of ongoing employment within the company.