, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
No, because I don't think it needs to be at this point in time. But, as in all of this, we're still in a state of flux with some uncertainty, so I don't think anyone should rule it out, or think that the Welsh Government is saying that this is not going to…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
I think what is also different is the way that Tata have spoken directly with us. I've met the company 16 times in the last two years and, on six of those occasions, I've jointly met the company with the First Minister. So, we have met the global chief…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
I know. I think it is important to recognise I don't think this is a done deal and I don't think this is something where there is absolutely zero chance of a different future.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
I think I can only partially answer that question, because I can't tell you what's in the minds of all of the people at Tata. I've met T.V. Narendran, the chief executive of Tata global, who's based in Mumbai, and I've met the UK chief executive, Rajesh Nair…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
I should say, in all of the proposals, I should recognise the impact for Members and for their constituents. There'll be lots of people in this room—in fact, I think probably every member of this committee—who will have steelworkers or contractors, or other…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
As far as I can see, that's the only condition.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
The only condition is that the money will be provided once the electric arc is built.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
I'll try not to be unproductive, Chair, but, in the conversations with the UK Government, they have not been what I would describe as satisfactory. We've essentially got a position where, at the moment, the UK Government are saying, 'We've done a great deal…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
Correct.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
I'd like outcomes prioritised about UK security. That is why virgin steel making or primary steel making—. The two terms are used interchangeably, but I'll try to stick to 'primary steel making', just so I'm not using different terms in the committee session…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
That's why I'm trying to set out that any credible plan that maintains blast furnace steel making, so we don't end up reliant on other parts of the world, is what I want to see. And the credibility of that has to be tested, doesn’t it? So, the credibility has…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
It's the one that I've seen the most detail of, but my point is that any credible plan should be looked at. And that is then—. You've got lots of detail in the plan that Syndex have done from the multi-union framework. You then look at, if there is an…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
Yes. That plan, or the alternative being advanced by a different union, they both require extra capital investment. The return is that you maintain primary steel making, you don't end up being reliant on other parts of the world for imports for a long time…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
There is a credible alternative presented in the form of the multi-union plan. There's also an alternative plan that one union has put forward. Our view is that any credible plan will require more capital investment, and that's set out in most detail in the…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
And to my right.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Minister for Economy - Tata Steel session
Croeso, Cadeirydd. I'm Vaughan Gething. I'm the economy Minister. To my left is—
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
I think there are two points. The first is I'd like to see a free transport offer for young people. Our challenge is being able to afford it, and so, actually, that is a budgetary choice for us to make, and at the moment we can't in all good conscience say we…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
For young people, making the choice to remain within rural communities is, I believe, about ensuring that the rural economy can thrive and prosper to offer them good work close to home. Our 'Economic mission: priorities for a stronger economy' sets out our…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Good afternoon. Thank you for the question.
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
lI'm proud of the fact that we have an all-age apprenticeship programme here in Wales, and when I meet apprentices in different businesses I of course meet younger workers near the start of their working career, but I often meet people who have had time in…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Thank you for the question. Through key skills programmes such as apprenticeships that we discussed earlier, personal learning accounts and the flexible skills programme, we continue to work in collaboration with industry, business, learning providers, trade…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
I thank the Member for the question. I had the opportunity to visit, twice, this particular significant employer, and it's not just an example of its business but, actually, of its local and community impact. So, I've seen the sponsorship shirts, the fact…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Thank you for the question. The wood panel industry provides a valued economic contribution to the timber sector in Wales. We welcome the continued engagement with the wood panel industry, as we prepare this Welsh Government's first timber industrial…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Well, I've just given an example, in response to Russell George, of the Marrill Group, who have had support from the development bank, to secure and further grow their business. So, there are examples, and I do think there is something about the visibility of…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
There are a number of examples. I'll give you a couple of examples in your own constituency. You think about Atherton Bikes, one of the best brands, if not the best brand, within the bicycle arena and off-road. They don't just run a business park for that…
