Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:32 pm on 10 July 2019.
Can I thank Dai Rees for not just his questions, but also the important point he makes about the fantastic natural and built assets in his constituency and across the region? As the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism takes forward a new tourism action plan, which will be consulted on, diversity within the sector and across each of the regions will play a key role. There has been huge business growth in Neath Port Talbot over recent years—double-digit growth in terms of business start-ups—and we as a Government, whether it's with regard to the tourism sector or any other sector, are determined to ensure that that growth continues into the future.
The Member also raises a very serious matter that has been much promoted in the media, and investigated particularly by ITV and The Guardian. We thank them for their work on this particular project. I can indeed assure Members today that we have not promised, and we have not provided, a penny of funding to Gavin Woodhouse or Northern Powerhouse Developments for the proposed development of the Afan valley adventure resort. But it is important that Governments look to proposals that are brought forward that offer transformational potential. I would join Members who have, across this Chamber in recent days, appealed for clarity as to whether the vision on offer for the Afan valley—a stunning valley in south Wales—can still be realised.