7. Welsh Conservatives debate: Natural Resources Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:57 pm on 13 March 2019.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 5:57, 13 March 2019

No, you've had your say. 

NRW is a single body responsible for all of Wales's natural resources— [Interruption.] You'll have the time. You can wrap up this debate and you can have your opportunity. 

NRW is a single body responsible for all of Wales's natural resources, and this approach has clear benefits in terms of operational efficiency, in strategic planning and for taking the strongest possible action to address those critical issues that cut across Government and society—issues like climate change and protecting our vulnerable ecosystems. To suggest we need to break up NRW is to pose an unnecessary threat to our work in these areas and, unlike the Tories, we do not believe it's a risk we are willing to take at this critical time for our environment. 

To give just one example, NRW will start a project this month to create valuable wetland habitat in Myherin forest in mid Wales—an area that is managed primarily for timber production. As well as protecting vulnerable species, this project will reduce flood risk for people downstream. The fact there is a single body responsible across these issues clearly makes sense and is providing additional benefit.

Mark Reckless did make a very valid point in relation to energy licences, and, of course, NRW's reason for being is to protect our natural resources, but I do think we can improve the position around licensing and I have met with my Scottish counterpart to see what they are doing in Scotland to see if we can simplify things. 

It strikes me as very odd that Plaid Cymru are saying on the one hand NRW needs more resources but that the Welsh Govenrment should cut off the revenue the organisation earns from its forestry operations. My officials are working with NRW to look at other ways of raising income. 

I believe the scrutiny role played by the National Assembly is vital for our democracy. If it's the case the Tories and UKIP Members in this Assembly feel they're unable to fulfil their scrutiny role, admitting a public inquiry is needed because they don't have confidence in their own abilities, then it's those opposition Members who have failed the people of Wales. And I do hope opposition Members regain their confidence and will commit today to serve the people of Wales to the best of their abilities, rather than looking to Welsh Govenrment to pay someone else to do their job for them. 

NRW are an organisation of talented people who are facing up to some of the most critical issues facing our nation, and I think the people of Wales can rightly be proud of the work being delivered on their behalf.