I think the public at large will regard that as a laughable explanation of the decision because, although it's correct that you said last week:

'the Welsh Government's position is a matter for NRW's ongoing consideration and did not bind them to accept and follow our position', the acting chairman of NRW, Dr Madeleine Havard, said Welsh Government had 'given a clear steer' on the direction for NRW to take. There's no reason for them to do a somersault other than to obey your diktat. So, I think most people out of doors will regard that response as wholly disingenuous.