6. Statement by Paul Davies: Introduction of a Member Proposed Bill — Autism (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:11 pm on 18 July 2018.

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Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 4:11, 18 July 2018

(Translated)

Could I thank the Member and his party for their support for this Bill? I’m very pleased to hear that they will support the Bill. I do understand, of course, that he and his party will also be scrutinising the Bill over the months to come, but from what I’ve heard from him today it looks to me as though he supports legislation in this area.

He’s also right in terms of consistency. It’s very important that there is consistency across Wales. That’s what we haven’t seen, unfortunately, over recent years, because unfortunately we’ve seen gaps in services. So, it is important that we see that consistency, and the only way to have consistency, in my opinion, is to see this kind of legislation being passed in this place.

I think that it’s also right to look at this not as an illness but as neurodiversity. I do agree with him entirely and this Bill does make it quite clear that we have to raise awareness among everyone, the public as well, and this legislation is going to do that because, as part of the Bill, Ministers will have to ensure that there is an ongoing campaign to ensure that that awareness is raised among the public. So, I do look forward to dealing with the committee that he is a member of and look forward to the scrutiny that he will provide for this legislation over the months to come.