3. What steps will the Welsh Government take to support the economy in South Wales Central over the next 12 months? OAQ54789

We'll continue to support the economy through the economic action plan, and in the case of South Wales Central businesses, via the south-east Wales chief regional officer.

Thanks. Now, a crucial part of the economy is transport, and we've been hearing a lot already this afternoon about the problem of overcrowding on the rail services. We've heard about it in the Rhymney valley and we've heard about it on the Maesteg line, but, of course, it is a feature of nearly all our railway lines that there is massive overcrowding. Now, you have spoken about increasing the capacity, but, of course, we are all waiting, as we've been waiting for a long time, to see an improvement. I note that in Labour's general election manifesto, you're promising to cut the price of a season ticket by a third. Well, we all realise that Corbyn's promising the earth in an attempt to bribe the electorate, but back in the real world, how on earth is Transport for Wales going to be able to cope with the likely spike in demand when you're already struggling to provide a decent service?

Well, unlike during the period when the previous franchise agreement was being devised, when we were working on the current franchise arrangements we ensured that various passenger modelling was taken into account so that the operator and development partner was in no doubt whatsoever of what tasks would have to be undertaken to meet passenger demand. So, as a consequence, there are serious and significant opportunities to be able to increase capacity at certain points within the contract, as and when it is needed. Unlike under the previous agreement, TfW are able to operate in a flexible manner under this agreement and, as I said earlier, we'll be investing £5 billion into the rail network over the coming 15 years.

Minister, since 2012 the economic activity rate in Rhondda Cynon Taf has increased from 69 per cent to 75 per cent—much of this, I think, through behind-the-scenes, anyway, active co-operation between the UK Government and the Welsh Government, and I commend you for that work. It seems to me that skills and training are particularly important in achieving these improved figures, and as you are emphasising the foundational economy, it seems to me that this approach is now bearing fruit in some of our most deprived areas.

Absolutely. I couldn't agree more with David Melding, and in terms of the foundational economy challenge fund, I'm pleased that Rhondda Housing Association have been successful in securing £100,000 to regenerate Tonypandy town centre with creative new approaches to using local skills and ensuring that there is a sustainable and long-term future for the town centre.