Untidiness’ over plans for tourism

support the introduction of a Welsh tourism voucher scheme to be spent on outdoor attractions, accommodation, transport, trains and buses?

“A much-needed boost to make the tourism industry work for the people of Wales.”

Mr Hart said the UK Government has already made interventions to support the tourism sector.

Shadow Wales minister Gerald Jones called on the UK Government to “act now” and extend the furlough scheme for the tourism sector to “avoid workers facing a cliff edge”.

He said: “As we know the tourism and hospitality sector’s been hit very hard by this pandemic, and despite the best efforts of operators across Wales this year will be a very difficult one for those in the industry.

“So can the secretary of state get the government to act now and extend the furlough scheme for the tourism sector to avoid workers facing a cliff edge later on in the year?”

Speaking before Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled his summer statement taking UK Government provision for Wales to £2.8bn, Mr Hart replied: “As [he] knows there have been significant interventions already, a £2.4bn worth of ‘Barnettised’ income for Welsh Government, plus over twice that in terms of the other interventions which the Welsh workforce has benefited from, in particular tourism and hospitality.

“And one in three workers in Wales currently being supported by the furlough scheme.

“It is not for me to comment on what the Chancellor may or may not be saying in a few minutes’ time.

“Like so many other questions this morning, I can only say if he could remain patient for as long as possible, he may find some interesting comments to be made.”