The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has welcomed the news that the Minister for Culture and Sport has abandoned plans to merge the heritage body, CADW with the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
There was extensive consultation on the merger but the feedback was inconclusive therefore the Labour Government have decided to maintain the status quo.
Mr. Black said:
“I have consistently voiced my concerns about the merger. I did not believe that the protection of our heritage would be best achieved by putting everything under the dead hand of the Welsh Government. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales is a specialist body involved in investigation and record. I was afraid that it could find its role diluted and opportunities to add to its collections stymied if this merger had gone ahead. I am very happy with the Ministers decision today to retain the Royal Commissions independence.
“I have asked the Minister to ensure some security for the staff at The Royal Commission which he has been able to confirm for the remainder of this Assembly term. I hope that future Welsh Governments will follow suit.
“I also asked the Minister to provide Government support for The Royal Commission, so that it may investigate Charitable Status. This would mean that the new body could seek funds from additional sources, allow it to be more innovative and efficient in its approach, work more easily with potential partners, and expand its operations as required throughout Wales.”
