3. Statement by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport: The Future of Cadw

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:46 pm on 21 November 2017.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 2:46, 21 November 2017

Thank you very much for your kind congratulations and for your seven subsequent questions. When I was undertaking a previous role in this Assembly, I took the view that Ministers generally would have done very well to answer two and a half. So, I will try, if I can, to respond to what you've said.

What we are looking for in Government and what we are hoping and confident that Cadw will achieve is a way of delivering a public service in the very distinct and tourist-related and attractive field of heritage and major heritage buildings, and a way of doing business within Government that would be innovative and progressive. 

The performance of Cadw, which I alluded to in terms of the enthusiasm of its staff and the income that has been generated already, indicates that that basis is there. Now, this is not necessarily a model that could apply even across the whole of the Ministry of heritage and culture, but I hope we will be able to look to developing this model further, following the success of the Cadw model.

Therefore, past reference to what discussions happened and the views that some of us may have taken at that time is not necessarily relevant to where we are now. No decision in Government, or possibly in life, can be said to be final, but as far as I'm concerned with this particular decision, this decision will give Cadw security from now on in. It is not my intention to further review the position of Cadw.

I intend, through this Assembly and through the period of this Government, if I still have responsibility, or whatever happens here—I am trying to indicate that this is what we expect of Cadw: to respond to the new framework we have given them. I do believe that the business case and all that came out of the discussion of the business case and the commercial potential will prove beneficial.

I must say that the officials who lead Cadw within Government have impressed me with their willingness to innovate. I'm equally impressed by the willingness of the staff of Cadw and the trade unions involved in Cadw to co-operate with these reorganisations that may be necessary, and I do think that we will then deliver further results in terms of the income that is generated.