6. Debate: The Substance Misuse Annual Report

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:34 pm on 12 February 2019.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 4:34, 12 February 2019

The reality is we don't have the powers to introduce the facilities that I know you genuinely wish to see created here in Wales. I can't create the facilities that I don't have the powers to address. That's why I say there has to be a genuinely grown-up conversation about what we can do, what we will do with our powers, as well as that conversation with the Home Office and the police.

Now, I recognise the comments made by Joyce Watson and Jenny Rathbone—in particular Joyce Watson's comments about the funders of research and how we engage with them. We know from the minimum unit pricing Bill—as it then was—that the value and the robustness of some of that evidence funded by particular actors in this field did not stand up to the most robust scrutiny. But we do need to continue to engage with retailers about their conduct and their behaviour, the way in which they promote alcohol, in particular, and the way in which we have alternative messages about giving people informed choices to make. 

Now, in concluding, I do trust that Members will again join with me in thanking everyone who works on this agenda and the progress that we are still making. Tackling substance misuse requires commitment from across Government and partners who deliver front-line services, to ensure we reach and support everyone in need to get the right and appropriate level of support. [Interruption.] I will briefly.