12. What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy about tourism in rural communities? OQ59650

I have regular discussions with all of my Cabinet colleagues on a range of topics, including tourism in rural communities. Our strategy, 'Welcome to Wales: Priorities for the Visitor Economy 2020-2025', sets our vision and ambition for the sector across Wales.

Thank you, Minister, for your answer, and for getting to question 12—I didn't think I'd be called today. [Laughter.]

You have Janet Finch-Saunders to thank for that. [Laughter.]

I regularly have Janet Finch-Saunders to thank, Llywydd. [Laughter.]

Can I raise with you the issue of the 182-day rule that's been brought in by the Welsh Government? Obviously, the predominant form, if you like, of visitor accommodation in rural communities will be the self-catering holiday let properties, so we know that any potential tax changes would disproportionately have an impact on those rural communities. So, I'm just wondering, from your perspective, as the rural communities' voice, if you like, around the Cabinet table, whether there's been a specific rural impact assessment done on the impact that these changes could have not only on the self-catering holiday let properties themselves, but the wider infrastructure—that local pub, the local shop and so on—that visitors can often keep viable. So, can you confirm whether or not that work has been done, please, and what specific representations have you made about this policy on behalf of rural communities?

Well, obviously, when any policy is discussed around the Cabinet table, every Minister has a view and brings forward significant points on policy to test it. The economic impact will have been done. I don't know if it will have specifically looked at rural communities, but I will certainly ask that question and write to the Member.FootnoteLink

Information further to Plenary 

I thank the Minister.