Music services and tuition in Wales delivered by authorities have been severely impacted by year upon year of austerity measures and cuts to public service funding. I saw this as a Flintshire councillor and parent whose son took part in a music service. After attending a concert, I asked my then young children if they would learn an instrument through school. It was free and I thought it would be good for them to try. My son came home with a trombone and went on to work his way through all the grades up to grade eight. But, year upon year, as the cuts to council funding increased, the amount we paid increased. It was a huge financial struggle to continue. Families fund-raised and people dropped out. Over 2,500 children participated 10 years ago, now there are just a few hundred. Opportunities were lost. Talent was left unknown, unexplored. Every child, every person, has a skill, a talent; it may not be core-curriculum based, but every child should have an opportunity to excel and discover their talent, which then helps them unlock other talents. Learning music is like learning a new language, and it is for these reasons that I'm so pleased that the Welsh Labour Government has committed itself to delivering a national music service, and I look forward to seeing the benefits that will bring to children right across Wales. Diolch.