WHAT a golden opportunity has been lost as a result of the decision of one person at the National Assembly, presiding officer Dame Rosemary Butler, to refuse to allow filming there of the latest Bond movie, Spectre. I am not a fan of the Bond films, but does she not realise these films are a global phenomenon and a great chance has been lost to portray our little country across the world, for the sake of a week or two disruption to Assembly members? I assume any costs would have been borne by the filmmakers.

I am sure Dame Rosemary is aware the Welsh Government has a total of 14 departments abroad in seven countries, including the USA, China, India, Japan, Dubai, Europe and Ireland. Their fundamental objective is to project awareness of Wales in the fields of investment, tourism, culture and education. Aside from the free publicity, what a great shot in the arm it would have been for a Bond movie to be filmed in the Senedd Chamber.

Assembly members are laymen elected by ballot to serve and represent the Welsh nation. For the final decision on such an issue to be left solely with the presiding officer is undemocratic and will always be open to scrutiny and criticism, and begs the question, will this procedure be looked at and amended?

Richard Gunter, Stokes Court, Ponthir