Pinewood

Part of 4. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:32 pm on 6 December 2017.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 3:32, 6 December 2017

Well, I don't know about meat on the bone, because I'm not a very good butcher. However, I would like to emphasise that the commitment to Pinewood remains, and that that commitment will mean the operation of the studio under a new agreement. Aspects of that agreement remain commercial in confidence, but I am very happy to offer you a meeting, where I would be able to discuss in greater detail how these arrangements have been arrived at. I can say that, whereas this does indicate that Pinewood is no longer concentrating on film investment, and the assessment of film investment, in the previous way of agreement, I can tell her that the work that Pinewood has helped to undertake to elevate Wales as a premier production location has given us already global advantages. The situation in the Isle of Man, I have to tell her, is also changing, as far as how Pinewood is operating.

I will apologise to her for any delay in replying to the questions that she has asked. I welcome her detailed scrutiny. She did ask questions going back to 2011, but I can assure her that the amount of time that has been used to respond to those questions has been to ensure the quality of the information.

I can also say to her that there is a very important element of supply chain in that studio, including essential supply chain companies, such as Andy Dixon Facilities, Real SFX, and Lubas Medical, and you must be aware of that. And that is an indication of the way in which the creative industry sector has shown significant growth in the last few years.