Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:06 pm on 17 April 2018.
I think the Member's absolutely right when he talks about the levels of recycling plastic bottles, in terms of, actually, one of the challenges now, actually, is the 'on-the-go' issue, not just littering, which is a contributing factor. But also I can't help but notice now, wherever I go, I actually do specifically look to see if a shopping precinct or a transport hub has recycling facilities. I've actually turned into such a geek, I tend to take photos of them as well now—I've changed. But that actually shows, actually, that we can see a cultural shift as well in terms of people's expectations in looking for the opportunity to use that, and I think it's just work in partnership to make sure that we make that happen.
In terms of DRS and the feasibility study and next steps, I believe you and I are meeting tomorrow morning. I have had contact, correspondence, with Roseanna in the Welsh—. In the UK—. In the Scottish Government; I'll get there eventually. And we are due to have a cross-Government discussion specifically on this issue next month, I believe. So, I'm sure I'll be in a position then to update Members on that.
I need to correct the Member on one thing. You say that the air quality statement is in a few weeks' time; it's actually next week, so it's sooner than you think. But I take, obviously, with all seriousness, on board what you say about the need to take action as a matter of urgency. It's one of the biggest preventable health issues we face in our generation.
In terms of the sustainable management of natural resources consultation, I don't know if you'll be aware that there was a high level of response to it—in excess of 17,000 responses. Officials have completed the initial summary of all the responses, and it's clear that some of the proposals, shall we say, polarised opinion. But, nevertheless, these responses have allowed us to gain a better understanding of the views and positions of a wide variety of stakeholder organisations, as I'm sure the Member can imagine. I do want to publish that response document as soon as is possible now, but I do want to make sure that we consider properly, and in a balanced way, the potential impacts, positive and negative, to make sure that we do find the right way forward. But, no, I recognise what you're saying in terms of the length of time and the need to progress that now.
Just to answer your point on the—. We're talking about woodland creation again, and you specifically referenced the ability of Natural Resources Wales to raise funds, and Welsh Government has now agreed that NRW can carry out compensatory planting from the income from windfarm developments. As managers of the woodland estate, they'll also get about £3.7 million additional funding this year to tackle Phytophthora ramorum, and part of this will also be replanting as well.