Part of 2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:39 pm on 19 July 2017.
Can I thank Simon Thomas for his question? Simon makes an important point that we should all behave responsibly and fairly when we respond to a report of this nature. Can I also pay tribute to Tony Bianchi and the incredible work that he produced and also his commitment to Welsh literature? His passing is very much missed, I’m sure, not just in my colleague’s constituency and region, but right across the country and beyond given the reach that his work had. I think, in terms of publishing, the report was designed and is designed to strengthen literature and publishing in Wales. Now that it has been produced, I think it’s important that all interested bodies work together to ensure that all interested bodies become strengthened in their respective areas, and deliver better what they have been delivering well to date. The arts council, the Welsh Books Council and Literature Wales—they all have delivered magnificent events, services and activities, and do an incredible amount to promote publishing. I want to make sure that these bodies go on strengthening and flourishing in the future.