9. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the train derailment and diesel spillage at Llangennech on the local cockle picking industry? OQ55701

Unfortunately, the diesel spillage affected the Burry inlet cockle fishery, which is managed by Natural Resources Wales. Recent samples of shellfish were found to be safe for human consumption and therefore the cockle beds have reopened. A stakeholder group has been established to assess the impact on the local cockle picking industry.

Thank you, Minister. I'm very glad to hear that very positive news, but you will be aware that people are concerned that deposits of diesel further up the estuary may work their way down towards the cockle beds. Can you give us assurance today that you will continue to monitor what is happening with regard to the ongoing pollution risk there to ensure that this small but very important local industry, which I know you know is unique—the hand-picked cockles, not dredged in the environmentally damaging way—to ensure that this really important industry remains sustainable into the future?

Yes, absolutely. That monitoring will continue. NRW did close the bed on evidence and advice, but, as I said in my opening answer to you, that's now been reopened. But it is really important that that extensive monitoring and surveillance and modelling continues, and you have my assurance it will. 

Thank you, Minister.