Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. I wish to give a minute of my allocated time in this debate to my Welsh Labour colleagues Mick Antoniw AM and Mike Hedges AM. Deputy Llywydd, this is a timely debate to bring to the Chamber of the Senedd as, today, the Welsh Government has formally launched Creative Wales to champion the creative industries in Wales. Members will know that I am a passionate advocate for the role that the creative sector plays in Welsh life, enshrining Wales not only financially, but even more importantly enriching the soul of our citizens and our nation. Lord Elis-Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, states in his written statement issued today that:

'Creative Wales will offer a streamlined, dynamic and innovative service to the creative industries sector, aligned to the needs of the industry. It will look to capitalise on the benefits that the sector brings from two directions—economic and cultural.'

The actions, therefore, by the Welsh Government in launching Creative Wales will fulfil an important manifesto commitment made by Welsh Labour in 2016. In Wales, we are recognised internationally today as a universal force in film, drama and television production. Shows produced in Wales, such as Doctor Who, Sherlock and His Dark Materials, have gained recognition across the globe. The flowering of the Wales screen industry has been one of the great success stories of devolution. Since 1999, gross valued added of motion picture, video and tv programme production in Wales has grown from £59 million to £187 million, an increase of 217 per cent, with much more to come.

It is right that we celebrate the successes in this sector, often in partnership with Welsh Government support. Y Gwyll/Hinterland and Un Bore Mercher/Keeping Faith are examples of bilingual productions originally made for S4C, but have succeeded well beyond Welsh platforms. Such important universal visibility has also given exposure of the Welsh language to a global audience. In discussing Welsh television, it would be remiss of me not to mention Gavin & Stacey—the Christmas special with 17.4 million viewers, the UK's most-watched programme in a decade—this alone has brought thousands of visitors flocking to Barry each year to visit some of the show's iconic locations.

The creative economy brings economic benefits, not just through production spending, but other sectors such as tourism, helping to attract visitors to Wales. Creative industries are promoting Wales across the world as a destination to visit, live and work. We have built a strong base for our screen industry in Wales, but it has potential to bring even more economic benefit. The Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee inquiry identified a potential skills shortage in the industry. The new Creative Wales must help to tackle this and promote clear career pathways for home-grown talent.

Minister, therefore, how can Creative Wales help our youngsters progress in careers in our thriving film and tv industries? Doctor Who or Sherlock are a success for the Welsh industry, but often Welsh locations are used as substitutes for London or other parts of the UK. We must do more to support Welsh productions that celebrate our fantastic landscapes and thriving cultures. Can the Minister clarify how Creative Wales will support platforms that celebrate our beautiful landscapes and identity?