6. Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:28 pm on 13 May 2020.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 5:28, 13 May 2020

Thank you, Minister, for your statement, and I very much welcome the fact that we at last have some sort of dairy support scheme, although still regretting the fact that it took so long for the scheme to be brought forward, because the sector, myself and many others were calling for this six, seven, eight weeks ago and, of course, many of those affected will have incurred losses hugely in excess of the £10,000 that's being offered. But, of course, it's very much welcome for what it is. So, can I ask when do you aim for that money to be released? When will farmers be able to apply for this? Clearly they're carrying huge debts, and time is of the essence in this respect, and people would like to know exactly when they can expect to receive some of this support. Can you also explain to us whether the applications will be open for a certain period, because, of course, you mentioned around about 100 farms that you expect to have been affected or expect to apply for this money, but there's nothing to say that others businesses will find themselves slipping into a similar position over the coming weeks and months, and for them to know that they would potentially have access to this kind of support scheme, I think, would be of great benefit?

Can I also suggest that maybe in future the Minister would do well to inform Members of the Senedd when these announcements are made? Because, clearly, we got from you in committee last week that there would be an imminent announcement, but it was left to third-party and outside external organisations to inform me that the statement had actually been made that the scheme was going to come—and the statement was made on Saturday, I should say. So, really, the same thing happened with the fisheries hardship fund as well, where I was told by members of the sector that the scheme had been announced. Maybe, just as a matter of courtesy, you could be copying us into your press releases in future so that we know about it before we read about it in the media.