7. Will the Counsel General make a statement on the role of the constitutional commission in considering the size of the Senedd and the voting system used to elect Members of the Senedd? OQ57972

Thank you for the question. We have set the commission’s broad objectives. As the commission is independent of the Welsh Government, the issues they consider within that remit are a matter for them.

Thank you. Of course, we know that Wales is still within its democratic infancy, and that's a unique position to be in as we seek to improve the welfare of Wales here in Cardiff Bay—or there in Cardiff Bay—and across the country. Media speculation and conversations amongst colleagues, however, have brought about concern about how the future of this Chamber will look and the electoral process that will be used to elect its Members. As I hope the Counsel General will agree, discussions on the future of Wales do need to be held in a very transparent and open manner, where all citizens can, if they want to, continuously scrutinise the work of the constitutional commission and provide their input on how they envisage a modern-day democratic Wales to look. The future of this country should not be carved up behind closed doors. So, in providing a constructive angle to the debate on increasing the number of Members here in Cardiff Bay, would you provide an update as to what models have been considered by the Welsh Government to increase the number of Members and what voting system is currently your preference? Diolch.

Thank you for the question, part of which I can answer, part of which I probably cannot. Can I just say on the constitution commission that I and the First Minister and the leader of Plaid Cymru, as part of the co-operation agreement, met with the commission on 28 April for just an updated report, as to the progress that's being made? That report, I believe, has been placed within the library and is available to you. What is interesting is that there has been a lot of work done in terms of obtaining evidence from a whole variety of bodies, organisations and individuals, and that they are on the next stage of the commencement of their development of an engagement process. An engagement process is obviously a very significant part of their work. But, in terms of the size of the Senedd, of course, this is a matter for the Senedd itself, and, of course, there is a special purpose committee that has been established that is due to report by the end of May. You, of course, do have Darren Millar who is a representative on that special purpose committee. I'm sure he's heard the points that you are making and will ensure that those points are raised during the course of the proceedings of that particular committee.

And finally, question 8, Jenny Rathbone.