2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:28 pm on 1 May 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:28, 1 May 2018

I think, on that second point, Simon Thomas makes an excellent series of points. It is very worrying that such a large merger is considered, especially when one of the partners, effectively, is Walmart, which is not exactly renowned for—what shall we say—progressive policies in regard to its purchasing. It is, as you know, subject to the competition commission, but my understanding is that the competition commission generally looks at the effect on consumers and not on suppliers. The Cabinet Secretary for rural affairs and myself have some concerns about this and we will be expressing those concerns to the monopolies and mergers inquiry, because actually I share your concerns about the suppliers. There is only one way to squeeze it and it is at that end. So, it is certainly an issue for us that we will be considering. 

In terms of the Barry incinerator, I'm not absolutely certain where we are in that process. I think probably the best way forward would be if the Minister updates us by way of a letter as to where we are from our point of view and then we can take it forward from there.