The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (September 3) spoken of her delight at the Welsh Government’s decision to use more Welsh wool in public buildings, following a letter of request from Mrs Finch-Saunders last month.
Writing in her letter of reply, the Minister said:
“I am pleased to say the Welsh Government’s own Facilities Management team has committed to consider the more widespread use of wool in our estate in future, subject to the required compliance testing and certification.”
The Shadow Minister has now called for the Welsh Labour-led Government to double down on its commitment, expressing her concern at the administration’s passive tone in relation to using wool in devolved home insulation projects.
Mrs Finch-Saunders will now write to the Welsh Government's Housing Minister to request commitment to provide a sustainable market for the nation's farmers.
Commenting on the letter of reply, Mrs Finch-Saunders said:
“I am delighted that this request from the Welsh Conservatives, which asked for a commitment to use more of our nation’s wool when furnishing public buildings, has received such a warm reception from the administration in Cardiff Bay.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year for Welsh sheep farmers, who have sadly witnessed a collapse in the price of wool clip because of the global Covid pandemic. Clinching this commitment was essential to safeguard the long-term prospects of this pivotal industry.
“However, I am most concerned by Labour’s passive stance on using this iconic Welsh product in devolved home insulation schemes. Without an explicit commitment from the Minister, our farmers’ wishes to develop new and sustainable markets appear to have been stonewalled at this most challenging time.
“Elected Members have a platform from which to pursue policies that place the best interests of agriculture and farmers at the heart of devolution. I am writing to the Welsh Government's Housing Minister to request a further commitment in this area, which will send a bold signal of support for an industry that is integral to the Welsh economy.”
