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National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Culture and Other Fields) Order 2010

My Lords, before speaking to this LCO, I must declare a number of interests. I am a founder vice-president of the Hay-on-Wye Festival of Literature. I am also a member of Brecon Museum Art Fund, which selects art in local areas to be displayed within the county. I am president of the Welsh Association of Disabled Cricketers—not surprisingly, I suppose, having done 35 seasons in the field. Also, I am president of the Abbey Cwmhir Association. Abbey Cwmhir is a monastic relic in Radnorshire and the grave of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last native Prince of Wales. His headless body was buried there by the monks in 1282. So I declare a great interest in this particular LCO. The historical interest is very important because relics in Wales have not always been all that well looked after, although the organisation Cadw, which is a conservation body in Wales, is doing an excellent job in putting that right. Local authorities do their best in difficult circumstances to maintain their buildings and local arts and crafts—sport is also catered for—but in all those areas, the voluntary sector is heavily involved and raises funds which are often matched either by the Assembly or by the local authority. We know that that will be extremely difficult in future, especially given the settlement that the Assembly is likely to get. I associate myself with the remarks of the noble Lord, Lord Glentoran, and, in particular, his questions to the Minister on the exceptions and the fact that there are a number of statements about the inability to raise money. The Explanatory Memorandum mentions that, ""Welsh ministers may by order make provision preventing local authorities from doing, by virtue of this power, anything that is specified, or is of a description specified, in that order"." A little explanation of that would be helpful to the Committee. The principle of support for culture is extremely important in Wales. I certainly welcome the LCO and shall watch the enactment with detailed attention to see how successful it will be.