2. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:36 pm on 29 April 2020.

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Photo of Mr Neil Hamilton Mr Neil Hamilton UKIP 2:36, 29 April 2020

The consequence of the dramatic restrictions on economic activity in recent weeks are likely to be even greater than those of the great recession of 1929-31. That means that the tax base is going to be significantly reduced and there'll be less money to spend on health and social services in the future. So, it's vitally important that restrictions are relaxed as quickly as possible. Of course, we have to take into account the impact on the coronavirus itself, but nevertheless, the Government should lean in the direction of economic freedom for the benefit of us all. 

In this respect, I wonder if the First Minister will consider the difference between rural Wales and urban Wales. There's a much greater chance of contracting the virus in heavily populated urban areas than in rural areas, and, therefore, might we be able to devise a scheme whereby we can relax these restrictions more quickly in sparsely populated rural areas than in heavily and densely populated urban areas?