No business like show business!

Last Tuesday in the Assembly, the opposition parties all determined not to vote for the Government's Business Statement-(this is a weekly event when the Labour Business Minister Jane Hutt tells us of the Government's proposals for statements and debates and responds to requests from opposition Business Managers about what we consider ought to be on the agenda for debate!)

Whilst Jane Hutt had agreed to some requests, she had not offered an oral statement on the plight of the Wales Screen Commission which is shortly to have its activities centralised in Cardiff. This could result in job losses in Caernarfon, Aberystwyth and Llandeilo and will harm work already in progress.

So last Tuesday, opposition parties were successful in voting Labour's Business Statement down which means that the next day the Government has to come back with a revised statement.

Naturally, arrogant old Labour, came back with a revised statement that didn't properly consider the Wales Screen Commission at all.....

Once again the opposition parties voted against it.......all except that is, for Plaid who for some inexplicable and surprising reason, abstained.

I was therefore even more surprised to discover when reading my Aberystwyth Cambrian News on Thursday that the Plaid AM for Ceredigion (who is obviously very concerned about WSC) had written a long press release articulating her fears for the future of this organisation. I do not doubt her sincerity but I think she needs to have a serious conflab with the other members in her Group, who cannot it seems, make up their minds one way or the other.

Wednesday's Business Statement made for an entertaining exchange in the Chamber (see Peter Black's blog).

Fun and games aside, one thing is clear, if the Labour Government dissolves the WSC in its present form, it will be playing with a house of cards which has the potential to deliver a severe blow to the wider economy of North, Mid & West Wales. If the Enterprise Minister truly believes that his decision for any alterations are supported by sound eocnomic arguments, then he shouldn't shy away from being scrutinised about those changes. The fact that he chooses to keep out of the spotlight on this issue tells me everything I need to know.