3. Urgent Question: S4C’s New Headquarters in Carmarthen

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:46 pm on 7 February 2017.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:46, 7 February 2017

Can I thank the Member for his questions and say that I am, again, as I mentioned last week, pleased that SA1 and phase 2 of the Yr Egin project have both secured the support of the city region board for development?

In terms of providing opportunities, particularly for young people, the creative industries sector has proven to be more successful in Wales in terms of its growth and in terms of expanding opportunities for young people than in any other part of the UK except for London. That’s because we have grown an enviable industry in Wales. We have also grown the skills and the expertise required to attract major television drama productions. But I’m determined to make sure that we don’t rest on our laurels and that we continue to introduce more people to the creative industries in order to meet demand. It’s actually demand that is a problem for us at the moment, given the interest from tv producers in particular, notwithstanding the presence and the interest that film producers are showing in Wales, but particularly with regard to tv drama, and increasingly with regard to animation. There will be more opportunities for people to enter into the industry. There will be more opportunities for people to reskill in order to get into the industry. So, I’m determined to make sure that, as we scrutinise the Yr Egin project, we are confident that it will deliver those opportunities.

In terms of the advice that came from the creative industries panel, as I said to Eluned Morgan, I am confident that it was provided in good faith. That said, I don’t think that speculation regarding any conflicts of interest is helpful whatsoever. What is important is that I, and we as a Welsh Government, consider all evidence, rigorously scrutinise the proposals, and then reach a decision on the basis of what is best for the people of Carmarthen and the industry.