The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:39 pm on 3 December 2019.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 1:39, 3 December 2019

I should confirm I was at the event last week. But what I will say is that, although I was there, I was very underwhelmed by what was said at that first annual report. It's taken the commission one year to find out that what they need to focus on is energy, digital connectivity, broadband and transport. Well, any of us in this Chamber could have told the commission just that. The only thing I did learn last week is that the commission, which is set up to look at the long term, isn't going to take any evidence on the long term approach at the moment. So, I have to say I am totally underwhelmed by the commission's work to date, and I don't think that the commission is currently up to meeting the challenge that it has before it.

Can I ask, First Minister, do you think that the current approach lacks ambition and substance? What are you going to do in terms of changing the approach that's currently happening so far, with a lack of ambition and substance taking place? How many staff does the commission appoint at the moment? And how many staff will be appointed in the future, because I do think it needs to be properly resourced? You are appointing a long-term chair, which I do think is welcome, and what qualities would you expect to see in that long-term appointee?