The Welsh Government's Investment in TVR

Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:04 pm on 17 January 2018.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 3:04, 17 January 2018

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, and sorry, Deputy Presiding Officer—I got too excited myself in my question there.

There is, of course, the prestige of the TVR badge, but that's of course not the only thing that's of consideration. Two and a half million pounds is a significant investment, and the public, of course, want to see the evidence that taxpayers' money is properly being safeguarded. Now, papers filed with Companies House suggest that the Welsh Government has told the company that £2 million of the loan will not be called on for repayment, provided that the company secures private sector investment equal to or greater than £5.5 million. Can I ask you to confirm if that's correct?

During committee this morning, you were unable to confirm whether the Welsh Government has an observer on the board of TVR. I wonder if you could also clarify that position. And, to date, the two listed companies connected with this investment have a headcount of just six jobs. Now, commercial common sense and respect for taxpayers' money dictate that there must be an economic benefit to this spending. So, can I ask what conditions the Government has placed on TVR in return for investment, and what is the delivery date by which the promised 150 jobs will materialise? And finally, do you agree that the Welsh Government does have a moral and economic duty to the people of Blaenau Gwent to ensure that this exciting project doesn't turn into another disappointment for that area?