2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:26 pm on 10 July 2018.

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Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative 2:26, 10 July 2018

I endorse the call for a statement on mesh operations. England hasn't followed Wales. NHS England has announced a stop to NHS operations—full stop. In that context, I would welcome a statement.

Secondly, I'd welcome a statement on the contribution that heritage railways can and can further make to Wales and our local and regional economies. Last week, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas hosted a Worshipful Livery Company of Wales event with the magnificent Ensemble Cymru from Bangor University at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, playing, at which we heard the chair of the Worshipful Company was related to the family who had saved the Snowdonia mountain railway. Last Friday, at the Prince of Wales PRIME Cymru awards in Llandudno, I was speaking to a representative of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway. Last Saturday, we saw Channel 4 screening its fifth and final episode of its Great Rail Restorations series, operating its time train on Llangollen Railway, promoting the wonderful railways setting between Llangollen and Carrog, but, of course, now going to Corwen as well, their ability to operate the heritage train, and the efforts of all those involved. For many years, we've heard of the Welsh Government's support for some heritage railways, a celebration of Welsh heritage railways, but we still need a joined-up tourism officer with through ticketing, enabling regional visitors to extend their stays and have the fantastic time we know they can have. Therefore, I call for a statement accordingly.