4. Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 1:42 pm on 10 June 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:42, 10 June 2020

Can I thank Russell George for his further questions and say that we are in dialogue with UK Government regarding schemes that could be supported as part of the recovery? One such scheme is the global centre for rail excellence in south Wales. We're in discussions with UK Treasury, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Wales Office regarding that scheme. There are other schemes, such as the proposed advanced technology research centre in Deeside, which would complement the advanced manufacturing research centre, and, of course, discussions are taking place, as you'll be, no doubt, aware, regarding the potential for enhancing renewable energy schemes in Wales, building on the expertise that we have in that particular field. So, in terms of the recovery, discussions are ongoing, submissions have been made to UK Government for financial support, and we're hopeful that those submissions will be met with approval.

I think, right across the globe at the moment, there is intense interest in acquiring, wherever possible, additional rolling stock. As you can imagine, every train operating company across Britain, across Europe and further afield is trying to find additional carriages that could be used in order to boost capacity at a time when capacity is reduced because of social distancing to 15 or so per cent. So, we are essentially, through Transport for Wales, in competition with train operating companies not just within the UK, but much further afield.

We are looking at how we can implement enhanced maintenance regimes, take the opportunity not just in terms of rolling stock, but also in terms of road infrastructure, to enhance what we have and what we're in control of. We're also looking at innovation, both on buses and on trains, to be able to increase capacity, if at all possible, whilst adhering to social distancing and also ensuring that public safety is not put at risk, recognising that the operation of the economy is inextricably linked to the safe operation of public transport systems.