Janet:

Will the Minister make a statement on the development of a National Archive for Wales?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sports, and Tourism:

Thank you very much, Janet. It's always a pleasure to reply to questions from my Assembly Member.

A feasibility study that explores a number of potential models for a national archive for Wales has been undertaken. Publication of this study and next steps will take place after the United Kingdom general election period. 

Janet:

Thank you, Minister. Of course, the archival records of designated public record bodies in Wales are either transferred to the National Archives for preservation or in fact retained in Wales in approved local places of deposit. A number of Welsh Government records are held in Kew, such as board minutes and papers of the Welsh Development Agency, the Wales Tourist Board and the Land Authority for Wales. Now, as these directly relate to devolution matters, it is considered by some a great pity really that such documents are not held here in Wales.

It is legally possible to create a Welsh national public record office, and I fully appreciate there will be resource implications. You did mention to me in September that an initial study to examine the feasibly for creating a national archive for Wales is currently being finalised. I would like to place on record my support for this initiative going forward and, really, I understand the predicament you're in as regards the election. However, I was just wondering whether there have been any ideas of certain places in Wales considered for this national archive to be implemented, and where they might be.

Deputy Minister:

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I have no ambition myself to create more national institutions during my remaining period as a Minister, but I will indeed wait for the report, which will be forthcoming from the consultants. The feasibility study was commissioned by Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Associates who are very skilled and knowledgeable in this field. Work has involved an options appraisal to consider the most appropriate service model, because I think it's very important that when we look at national services for Wales, they should not replicate what happens in other countries necessarily, but should be tailor made to what suits the country. There has been a comprehensive review of current public record systems and legislation, an analysis of national archive models, a profiling of current archival provision and serious discussions. As you quite rightly say, the legal framework was in the Government of Wales Act 2006, but as I say, my intention is to await the publication of the report, but I am unable to indicate when that might happen. But, as I say, it is not currently a Welsh Government priority, although it's interesting to note that it is apparently a priority for the official opposition. So, we'll see if minds can meet on this one.