David Rees: Diolch, Llywydd. First Minister, I can join with the concerns of my colleagues regarding the major trauma centre being located in Cardiff and the possible losses of services at Morriston. We know that, when services move, others tend to follow them. Now, in this case, there is no service move because it’s a new service, but what I want is guarantees that services at Morriston stay in...
David Rees: Leader of the house, last night, I actually attended the fantastic performance by National Theatre Wales, which reflected on the crisis and the challenges faced by steelworkers in the time since January 2016 when there was a threat of 750 job losses and then possible closures. Now, I recommend to any Member who’s available to actually see it, and I know that some Members have already seen...
David Rees: ‘We’re Still Here’.
David Rees: 8. What actions are being taken by the Welsh Government to protect public services within local government? (OAQ51075)
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. As you say, the number of questions you’ve already fielded this afternoon on this issue shows the importance of ensuring fair funding for local government, particularly in the times of austerity being imposed upon us by the Tory Government in Westminster. At the beginning of this month, Jeremy Miles and I attended a question-and-answer session...
David Rees: Diolch, Gadeirydd. It’s a privilege to move today’s motion and to bring forward this opportunity for the National Assembly to debate our report on the future of regional policy—where next for Wales. Before I go into the discussion on the report, I would like to express our thanks to the witnesses who came to the committee, to the clerking team, who provided the excellent support,...
David Rees: Our first set of recommendations looked at the immediate challenges for the current funding round. Members will be aware that in autumn 2016, the Chancellor of the Exchequer guaranteed funding for projects until 2020, and we as a committee were unequivocal in our support for this. The picture is less certain, however, when it comes to threats posed by currency fluctuations post Brexit. Whilst...
David Rees: Diolch, Dirprwy Llywydd. Can I thank all Members who’ve taken part this afternoon for their contribution, and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government for setting out the Government’s response to our work in a little more detail this afternoon? I wish to go ahead with a couple of points. As Suzy highlighted, one thing that was mentioned to us was that it was not...
David Rees: When will the Welsh Government commence any consultation on the changes to the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Cwm Taf University Health Board boundaries?
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, obviously bladder problems can result in people being catheterised for a variety of reasons. In a recent coroner’s report on a death in a nursing home within my constituency, in Cymmer, the coroner’s narrative actually indicated that there was inadequate training of staff, and a person who was catheterised long term suffered as a consequence and died. Will you ensure...
David Rees: 7. What are the Welsh Government's priorities for securing economic growth in Aberavon? (OAQ51167)
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, First Minister, but—. Many people know Port Talbot is associated with famous actors such as Richard Burton—and there are many others that I probably should name, but I haven’t got enough time for them all—but most people know it for its steelworks. Our local economy over the centuries has been driven by industry, is still being driven by industry,...
David Rees: What published evidence is available in relation to the economic benefits that will come to Port Talbot if the Ministry of Justice goes ahead with plans to build a prison on Baglan industrial park?
David Rees: Diolch, Llywydd. I move the motion. I’m very pleased to open today’s debate on the committee’s report on the implications of Brexit for Welsh ports. I’d like to start by placing on record my thanks to all the witnesses, the committee staff and colleagues who took part in the inquiry. Ports in Wales make an important contribution to our economy through supporting jobs, driving economic...
David Rees: Perhaps the central issue facing Welsh ports in the context of Brexit is the questions relating to the future of the Irish border. It became clear that whilst looking at the impact upon Welsh ports in totality, the ports that would be most affected would be our ferry ports at Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke Dock. We heard concerns of how a soft border between Northern Ireland and the...
David Rees: I appreciate the Member’s concerns and I totally agree that there are opportunities as well that exist. The problem is that we have businesses that work to just-in-time delivery, and when it comes to food products, actually it’s very critical now, and that is therefore important. The delays that could be experienced would impact upon that. Our first recommendation, therefore, stems from...
David Rees: Diolch, Gadeirydd. Can I thank all Members? As Russell George said, it’s nice to have Members who are not on our committee actually participating in the debate this afternoon. And can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure for his response, particularly to some of the comments we’ve highlighted today? I’ll just go through a few things. Eluned Morgan highlighted...
David Rees: Well, you’re quite right, it is important to get the positions of where we are with IT solution arguments between HMRC and other bodies and groups and organisations; it has to be vital. But I do think—indeed, they did tell us that they even didn’t think they’d get it done in time, and that’s the biggest problem. So we’ve got to get something between now and then. Gareth Bennett,...
David Rees: Two seconds—well, 10 seconds. Cabinet Secretary, thank you for your answers. There are obviously some areas we need to explore further on this issue. But I’ve one question for you: you talked about the UK Government and being asked to join in the forum; can I just ask, have they? Have they actually come forward and said, ‘Yes, we want to take part’? Because it is important that they...
David Rees: Cabinet Secretary, I have received many representations from constituents regarding this matter in particular, and I think, as you’ve pointed out, there is resolution that needs to come together between the two groups. Now, you’ve just mentioned fishing tourism, but many of our citizens actually enjoy fishing as a pastime, and therefore enjoy the activities they undertake, not as tourist...
