Can I thank Dai Lloyd again for bringing this issue to the Chamber’s attention? I am most sympathetic to the current uncertainty regarding ‘Y Cymro’. I actually started my journalistic career working alongside journalists on ‘Y Cymro’ back in the days when it was owned by North Wales Newspapers and based out of headquarters in Mold. It has had for many years incredible, committed, talented staff, and it would be tragic if the publication were to be lost forever. It has gone through a number of owners over many years. It started out as a slightly different publication in the nineteenth century, so it has incredible heritage.

My understanding is that the ‘Y Cymro’ grant from the Welsh Books Council stood at approximately £18,000 for a number of years, and, in fact, ‘Y Cymro’ did not request an increase in the grant it was receiving from the Welsh Books Council. I understand that there has been interest from some groups, but there is no confirmation yet that it has been sold. Discussions have taken place between Cyfeillion y Cymro and Tindle, and we understand that they will be meeting with the Welsh Books Council before the end of this week. I would urge any prospective purchaser and owner to engage fully with the Welsh Books Council with a view to securing a level of grant that would enable the publication to continue, if it is possible to save the publication in its current form. I would also offer that any potential purchaser and any potential future managers of the publication seek, at the earliest opportunity, support from Business Wales. That support can come in the form of advice, and it may come in the form of further signposting towards financial support. As I say, I think it would be a sad day for ‘Y Cymro’ to be lost forever, and, certainly, I’ll be keen to follow the progress that potential interested parties make in the coming weeks.