Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:41 pm on 11 May 2022.
Janet Finch-Saunders
Conservative
2:41,
11 May 2022
So, if you are unwilling to listen to all those voices in the tourism sector, would you consider the findings of the chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, chair of the Professional Association of Self Caterers UK and executive director for Wales of UKHospitality Cymru? The change to 182 days is expected to drive very many legitimate small businesses to close. For example, one genuine business in Aberconwy has stated:
'The proposed 182-day threshold will have a drastic effect on our businesses. We are open all year round, but not being on the regular tourist trail, we can never achieve six-months occupancy, even when we apply discounts.'
So, Minister, as this is not just going to impact these businesses, it's actually going to impact the economy of Wales, will you now step in and save this key sector of the economy, and join with me, and other Members and other people in the hospitality industry in Wales, and set the threshold more reasonably at 105 days? Diolch, Llywydd.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
