Ministers admit they had no idea how WDA was performing

3.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Jul 2005

Labour Ministers have admitted they have no idea how their main economic development agency is operating, it emerged during Question Time at the Assembly today.

Under questions from Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German, Rhodri Morgan confirmed that Ministerial concerns about the performance of the WDA had arisen because the chief executive had undertaken a review, unprompted by ministers.

Mr German said: "Rhodri Morgan said quite clearly that the concerns of the Minister were triggered by a report by the chief executive Gareth Hall. A report which the First Minister says 'no one told him [Gareth Hall] to do'. It begs the question of why it took coincidence and accident to uncover the concerns the Minister has been so loudly voicing.

"Would Andrew Davies still be in the dark if this report had not been undertaken by the chief executive?

"The Minister is supposed to be responsible for those agencies which spend his budget. He sets their annual targets and remit, and should be willing to take the flak as readily as he takes the praise for their achievements."

He also asked why the WDA had been singled out for due diligence.

"If the WDA needs a due diligence report, then why not the WTB and ELWA? Why is one organisation being singled out? If it is a good idea for one, then it is a good idea for all," said Mr German

Earlier, Economic development spokesperson Kirsty Williams had likened the process of WDA take-over announcement, consultation then review to buying a house then having a survey done 12 months later.

During questions, Mr German also questioned when the First Minister learned of the decision. He confirmed he had been told and had approved of the decision, but could not remember when. Mr German has submitted a written question to jog his memory.