7. Debate on the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee report: City Deals and the Regional Economies of Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:41 pm on 24 January 2018.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 5:41, 24 January 2018

I very much agree with what the Cabinet Secretary said. In the new, potential mid Wales growth deal, there's the cross-collaboration work in there with the midlands engine, but I appreciate, as a constituency Assembly Member like me, you also represent a constituency that absolutely has to work across boundaries. I think, in many ways, we're perhaps talking with crossed wires to a point where we're agreeing with each other. Certainly, in Scotland, we've seen the example there of city deals overlapping across their boundaries as well. But I absolutely accept the argument for clear governance. I think, perhaps, we're not too far away; perhaps it's just an issue of terminology.

Can I, really, end by thanking all those who took part in the debate today? I also want to put on record my thanks to those who gave time to the inquiry and gave their expertise to the inquiry, in particular the staff of Glasgow city deal, FSB Scotland and RSPB Scotland, who generously welcomed us to Scotland's largest city. I'd also like to thank the committee clerks and the integrated team for all the support that they've given us as Members as well in putting this report together. Of course, I do thank the Government for accepting the vast majority of our recommendations.