Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:52 pm on 9 June 2021.
Diolch, Llywydd. I'd like to begin by saying congratulations to the Minister on his new post. I haven't had a chance to say it to him in person yet, but I'm sure that he's as excited as I am to have a constructive relationship going forward.
Since the establishment of devolution in 1999 and full law-making powers in 2011, no Welsh Government has undertaken legislation aimed specifically at addressing the Welsh economy and business. With the democratic institutions in Wales by now well established, we think now is the right time. Small and medium-sized enterprises need clear and long-term proposals to help them provide a strong footing for economic development in Wales. So, I'd like to ask the Minister: what legislative options will the Welsh Government consider over the next Senedd term that would help underpin the measures and the architecture needed to support economic development in Wales that can ensure that our business advice and support services have longevity and stability and are able to react in supporting businesses when crises arise, as has been the case through COVID-19?