First Minister apologises to leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Jul 2009

Rhodri Morgan, First Minister of Wales has apologised (see attached letter) to Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats for claiming that she had lied to over-hype a story by saying that civil servant had been travelling first class on flights.

It has emerged that some staff at International Business Wales in New York had been travelling on first class.

On receiving the apology, Kirsty said:

"I appreciate and welcome the First Minister's apology to me and clarification that the Welsh Liberal Democrats were correct in their assessment that some staff at International Business Wales were travelling first class.

"The First Minister's allegations yesterday stating that we had lied to over-hype the story were strong and personal allegations against me and my party. I work hard to ensure that I and those working for my party act with integrity and decency in our scrutiny of Government.

"I am deeply concerned that the First Minister himself was given assurances that we know to be incorrect. This affair highlights how difficult it can be to obtain information so as to effectively hold the government to account on behalf of Welsh tax payers.

"The fact that even the First Minister was misled as to the first class travel of civil servants raises serious concerns about the culture of spending at the heart of efforts to promote and boost Welsh economy.

"I welcome the government's intention to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation and audit of IBW's expenses in addition to the work that is being carried out on civil service expenses system."