Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:21 pm on 8 February 2017.
I’m grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for his response, and also for the written statement that was circulated a few minutes ago. After many years of waiting, I hope that this latest development signals that we are through the last chicane in the final straight. But, if the Cabinet Secretary is able to, could he confirm that the two criteria, the two conditions that he has set, firstly in July of last year in relation to the 50 per cent level of public sector guarantee, and, more recently, the need for named investor term sheets, have now both been met? And in relation to the due diligence process, is he able to tell us who will conduct that due diligence? Will it be done externally? In relation to the criteria, will they follow the standard due diligence procedure in terms of the criteria to assess the project, or will there be project-specific criteria? And, given the fact that it’s a decision, if it is positive, will inevitably bind future administrations, will a copy of that due diligence be shared on a commercial-in-confidence basis with spokespersons of all parties represented in the Assembly? In that regard, I’m happy to place on record that my party believes that this has huge potential for the communities of Blaenau Gwent, for the wider south Wales Valleys and, indeed, Wales as a whole, and we will be very pleased to support the project moving forward, subject to those normal due diligence requirements being met.
And finally, in anticipation of a positive final decision, has he instructed his inward investment team to begin preparatory work, scoping the potential demand for inward investment in the technology park, which will be a key element within the Circuit of Wales development?