Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:53 pm on 20 November 2019.
I am unable to answer questions that would take me into territory referring to the current Westminster election. I feel particularly unable to do this as, of course, being a mere peer of the realm, I am unable to vote in this election. But, I should also declare a personal interest or a neighbourhood interest, although not a financial interest, in Zip World and in the investments undertaken by my friend and neighbour over the hill in Nant-y-Rhiw in the Conwy valley, Sean Taylor.
He has indeed, I know, both from the local authority, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and from himself, visited the area and he is very interested in investing in a zip wire of the Valleys. I look forward to that project coming forward. I don't think I can comment any further on the merits of it. He has not in the past sought funds from my department for his investment, at least not on a large scale, but I can't comment further on it because obviously there are planning issues.
But the achievement of Zip World in the north has transformed the visitor economy and has emphasised the attractiveness of Wales and its landscape. And I can say that I did send my director general in the department of tourism, media and sport to test out the zip wire on my behalf, which Mr Jason Thomas, if I may name him in this Chamber, did with great style.