Ken Skates: Yes. I remain very keen that there should be a legacy scheme after the current mytravelpass ends on 31 March. My officials have had encouraging discussions with representatives of local authorities and with the confederation of bus operators. I’m optimistic that I will be able to confirm the details of the successor programme very soon.
Ken Skates: I should point out to the Member that this was a pilot scheme, and therefore something that we can learn from. And we have learnt from it. The fact of the matter is that uptake was not as high as we would’ve wished, which is why I’m very keen for the successor programme to reach more young people across Wales. I believe it’s something in the region of 10,000 young people who took...
Ken Skates: We have undertaken roadside surveys and postcard surveys at the Severn crossings and we’ve also made innovative use of mobile phone technology to understand trips made in and around Newport.
Ken Skates: Yes. The Member is absolutely right. Data gathered from vehicles in terms of discovering their origins and their destinations will inform us in terms of understanding how people move around the region. Data collected as part of the M4 project will be used to inform development of the metro, and rightly so, because we need an evidence-based vision for the metro development. Rail ticket sales...
Ken Skates: We are taking forward a range of measures to increase productivity in Wales, including raising skill levels, investing in high-quality infrastructure and also supporting innovation.
Ken Skates: The Member is absolutely right, and I believe this is a subject that Professor Dylan Jones-Evans has been examining very closely recently. We can provide, through the Business Wales service, a mentoring service that drives up the availability of skills advice right across the business community. The Member is also right to say that skills are fundamental in driving an improvement in...
Ken Skates: I think the Member is right to draw attention to the fact that encouraging people to vote down—as Plaid Cymru have done—a deal could lead to the collapse of the steel industry. That is in nobody’s interest, whether you are employed as a steelworker, or whether you live in a community or are related to a steelworker, which I am.
Ken Skates: Formally.
Ken Skates: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I’d like to thank the Conservatives for tabling this debate today and welcome David Melding’s introductory contribution, along with his acceptance of the Government’s amendment. I’m just going to quickly pick up on his final point, because I think that’s particularly important, and that concerns citizen involvement, which was raised by a number of...
Ken Skates: Yes, sure.
Ken Skates: I think whether it’s through directly elected mayors or other forms of policies, it’s essential that you have democratic processes that convey a sense of control by the citizen but that are also streamlined, efficient and effective. That applies not just to cities, but also to more rural areas, I believe. But of course, we also have to recognise the limits of cities as much as their...
Ken Skates: The First Minister and I have met senior management from Ford Bridgend and Ford Europe to discuss the issue. We remain in contact with management, the workforce and trade unions.
Ken Skates: I’d like to thank Russell George for his questions and also his breaking news, which I can provide a further update on. [Laughter.] The Senedd would wish to be aware that the general secretary of Unite the Union, Len McCluskey, along with the general secretary of Unite the Union Wales, Andy Richards, have today visited Ford Bridgend. They spoke with senior shop stewards and then went on to...
Ken Skates: Yes, I can assure the Member of that and I would agree that there are uncertainties across not just the automotive sector but advanced manufacturing as a whole about the impact that a hard Brexit could have on the Welsh economy. For that reason, we have been consistent in our approach in saying that Wales requires full and unfettered access to the single market. It’s interesting and it’s...
Ken Skates: Can I thank Suzy Davies for her questions, and say that there are key dates, and that the five-year plan is, of course, essential? Len McCluskey has rightly asked for further information concerning the five-year plan to be able to share with the workforce, who are rightly concerned. But, 2020 is also a key date and we’re seeking assurance from Ford and we’re willing to work with them and...
Ken Skates: I think it’s worth pointing out—and I’d like to thank the leader of the opposition for his question. It’s worth pointing out that Ford have agreed to provide the information that has been asked for that will calm anxiety within the workforce. Discussions today have been very productive. Indeed, discussions between Welsh Government, the head of Ford Europe, Linda Cash, the workforce,...
Ken Skates: Thorough and balanced consideration of the benefits and the risks involved in this project must be given before any decision is made. Ways we might support the project have now been thoroughly investigated, and I intend bringing together the three Ministers with portfolio interests on this matter next week to be able reach a decision this month.
Ken Skates: Can I thank the Member for her question, and applaud the passion with which she brings this matter to our attention? I would entirely agree that Carmarthen and, indeed, the whole of west Wales, has a huge amount to offer, not just to the Welsh economy but people from outside of Wales, as a fantastic tourist destination as well. I know that because I was there in west Wales yesterday, opening...
Ken Skates: I can assure the Member that we have now received that information and all information relating to the proposal that we’re able to now consider. We’ve also received correspondence from TG4, which, of course, we’ve been able to consider, along with correspondence from potential partners in the project. And in terms of—it was remiss of me not to actually touch on the point raised by...
Ken Skates: Can I thank the Member for her question? And I must stress that I do believe that the advice from the creative industries sector panel was provided in good faith and has helped in our determination of the project. I do believe that the decision will be taken with regard to what is best for Carmarthen as a community and the creative industries within the community as well. The project...
