Suzy Davies AM: Yes, First Minister, I think, when it comes to
the threat of the US tariffs, all UK Governments need to be working
together and speaking with one voice on this and actually improving
efforts, not least in getting these city deal moneys flowing,
because, obviously, part of that, for the Swansea bay city deal, is
the steel innovation centre. I take some reassurance from your
comments on the...Request free trial
: Yes, First Minister, I
think, when it comes to the threat of the US tariffs, all
UK Governments need to be working together and speaking
with one voice on this and actually improving efforts,
not least in getting these city deal moneys flowing,
because, obviously, part of that, for the Swansea bay
city deal, is the steel innovation centre. I take some
reassurance from your comments on the power station. I
think we were all slightly confused by the comment that
the decision would not be made on that until after you'd
left as First Minister, so perhaps you can reassure us
that this money from last year's budget will be released
as soon as possible. If you can give us a date for that,
rather than 'we are working together', I think all Tata
workers would be far more reassured.
AM (First
Minister of Wales): Nothing is on hold while I
am the First Minister. As the Member can well imagine,
I'm very keen to take decisions that help the people of
Wales as quickly as possible. That is something that we
intend to do once we're in a position to do so. With
regard to Port Talbot, we ask people to judge us on what
we've already done: the money that we've committed, the
close working that we have had as a Government with
Tata—not just in the UK but also in Mumbai as well. And she will have
heard the joint statement that I read out in the Chamber
that was made by both ourselves as a Government and by
Tata.
Bethan Sayed
AM: It was on the power plant that I
wanted to ask further because, of course, I met with Tata
and they said that they've obviously completed phase 1,
but they've got three other stages to complete with
regard to the replacement of the power plant, and we're
talking here about US steel tariffs. Surely investment
now is critical in the power plant in Port Talbot to
ensure that we mitigate against any of the worst effects
coming from those tariffs. So, I understand from their
briefing that the heads of terms for the grant funding
have not yet been agreed between you. Can you give us
assurances that you will make that decision as soon as
possible and that you will give us a clear outline as to
when that decision will be made, so that progress can be
put forward in Port Talbot on this particular scheme?
AM (First
Minister of Wales): The clear answer to that is
'yes'. Of course we want to make the decision as quickly
as possible. Tata understand that as well, and she will
have heard what was said as part of the joint statement
that was issued between ourselves and Tata. I'm looking
forward, of course, to the announcement when that can be
done, and the drawing down of funding. Tata know that
they have experienced a level of support, both
financially and morally, from the Welsh Government. The
situation is one of trust, and we want to make sure, of
course, that we can make this announcement as quickly as
possible.
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