10. Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee Debate on the effects of COVID-19 on Wales's Economy, Infrastructure and Skills

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:12 pm on 1 July 2020.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 5:12, 1 July 2020

Thank you, Llywydd, and can I thank all Members who took part in this debate today? It's particularly good that Members who are not part of our committee took part in this debate, and I just thought that showed how important it was that we had this debate perhaps earlier than we would perhaps have expected in the past.

I particularly thought Huw Irranca-Davies's comments were correct around devolution. Devolution presents us with the opportunity of reacting to Wales-specific needs—that's what devolution is intended to do. And, as Huw Irranca said that, I thought about how Wales is a small business economy, and how we need to support small businesses, in perhaps particularly a different way to perhaps how businesses may be supported in other parts of the UK.

Can I also thank others who took part in the debate as well, as I look through my notes? Mark Isherwood correctly pointed out the need for speed, in terms of support from Welsh Government and local authorities—something that, in evidence to our committee, was highlighted by a number of witnesses. And the holiday let sector as well was something that was raised quite extensively with our committee, which we've incorporated into our report. Mark Isherwood also pointed out that support for the bus industry is vital, and we are still waiting for confirmation from Welsh Government in terms of details for the level of support towards the bus industry. And, since this report was published, we have since taken this matter up with the Minister separately.

Helen Mary Jones, of course, points out about the long-term plan being important across the board, and points out correctly the issues about the potential youth unemployment issue that is, sadly, looming. Professor Keep gave us evidence, and gave us the stark warning of huge issues looming. And I think the issue in terms of youth unemployment is something that is going to be particularly important to our committee work going forward.

David Rowlands—thank you for your contribution. You correctly pointed out issues around the need for more clarity around the shared prosperity funds—that's quite right. And you also, David, acknowledged the good work of the Development Bank of Wales and Business Wales, and I think we've acknowledged that in our report. It is also right to say and put on record the thanks to all the staff working in both those organisations, who have no doubt been under considerable pressure over the recent time.

Alun Davies correctly pointing out, of course, that it's often the poorest people who are hit during this particular pandemic, and correctly talking about the size of the challenge. I think you referred to the biggest challenge perhaps even since devolution. But what did strike me was what you said, Alun, in terms of building back better: to do that, you do need to have something to build back upon.

And I thank Joyce Watson for her contribution. I think Helen Mary Jones also highlighted these issues in terms of being fair in terms of where support is targeted. We know that the construction industry and infrastructure projects are often focused towards men, and care work is towards women, and we've got to be fair about how Government support is levelled.

Looking through my notes, I think I should also say that I'm very grateful to the Minister for making sure that he has had his diary free to come to committee when we've asked him to. So, I thank the Minister for that. It was quite a comprehensive report. David Rowlands, I think, pointed out that we had 34 recommendations in total. But I should like to thank all the witnesses who gave evidence, both verbally and in writing, to us, and I should also like to point out thanks for the excellent support from the committee team and the research staff, as well as the support from the IT and broadcasting teams and their wider support also, who provided excellent support for us. So, can I thank all who contributed towards our debate this afternoon? Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawr.