Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:40 pm on 23 January 2019.
Thank you. You're quite right—I don't like commenting on leaked correspondence. However, I can confirm to you and to the Chamber that I have received that letter from Confor, and obviously I'll be responding to it in due course. You will be aware, obviously, that I've been in this portfolio now for nearly three years, and I have had concerns around NRW and the way that they've dealt with forestry. However, I do have confidence in NRW.
Just last week, I met with the chief executive and the interim chair to discuss this specific issue, and you'll be aware that I've replaced half the board, for instance, with new members. They've just come in at the tail end of last year. So, obviously, I've had discussions with them. You'll be aware that the chief executive and the interim chair will be in front of the Public Accounts Committee. So, I'm very encouraged that the way forward now is appropriate and that the interim chair and the chief executive absolutely have this as a priority.