David Rowlands: I feel I have to begin my contribution by acknowledging the huge number of initiatives the Welsh Government have introduced over recent years to enhance the provision of a skilled Welsh workforce, particularly where they have shifted the focus to vocational training. We should also acknowledge the positive impact that skilled immigrant workers have contributed to the economy of Wales, but the...
David Rowlands: Yes, of course.
David Rowlands: Absolutely. I think that, if they come to live in Wales, they become part of the Welsh economy. So, let's not look on Brexit as a negative thing, but rather as an opportunity to build a vibrant, outgoing nation, embracing our diaspora with the world in general, not just Europe. By thus building a strong, vibrant economy we shall create, by default, a skilled workforce that is agile, changing...
David Rowlands: Whilst I accept that protocol dictates I question the Deputy Minister on her statement today, I feel the content and the completeness of the statement leaves little to criticise or add to. I also feel that making some political gain out of the occasion or the actions outlined in the statement would be totally inappropriate. I would therefore like to simply say that, having attended the...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. At 11 p.m. on 31 January—this coming Friday—the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. We will then move into a transition period, when, it could be said, the real work will begin. One of the grey areas of discussion will be the situation surrounding fishing in British waters, which, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, should return to...
David Rowlands: Well, I'll accept that, Carwyn. Whilst in the EU, the UK could not exercise control over who, and to what extent other nations could fish in UK waters. This led to what could only be called a plundering of the seas around our coasts. The rape of the fish stocks has led to many, once abundant, species being depleted to such an extent that they're close to being unable to replenish their...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Can I thank all the Members for their contributions? I'll very briefly mention some of them. Andrew R.T. Davies spoke of the UK Fisheries Bill, which is to be welcomed, obviously, and he noted the possibility of implementing sustainable fishing policies and emphasised the opportunities that can now be available to us across the whole of the UK.
David Rowlands: Llyr Gruffydd understandably mentioned the fact that he wanted item 2 deleted, because, obviously, that goes against the principles of Plaid Cymru, and I quite understand that. He says that it's important to ensure the market for Welsh fish products remains in the EU, and I can't disagree with that at all. And there's no reason why those channels are not kept open. Llyr also mentioned that we...
David Rowlands: Has the First Minister made an assessment of how applying the same business rate threshold as England could benefit Welsh high streets?
David Rowlands: Could we have a statement by the First Minister on the launch of the Welsh Government's first ever national strategy for the nation, which, of course, begs the question of why it has taken over 20 years to provide such an overarching document and why is it deemed necessary at this particular time? Perhaps the Minister could also explain why, once again, there are no timelines or signposts in...
David Rowlands: Sorry, Llywydd. The 2017-18 Government report shows the Welsh Government spent £323 million on direct funding to third sector organisations. This does not include indirect payments through such agencies as local government. Given that there are numerous instances of duplication in the delivery of third sector services—for instance, there is said to be around 48 organisations involved in...
David Rowlands: Can I thank Bethan Sayed for her question on a matter that I'm sure concerns all of us in the Chamber? Can I assure her, and the rest of the Chamber, that the catering service in the Assembly works hard to reduce food waste where possible? Through effective menu and portion planning based on historical trends and differing daily customer demands. The relatively small amount of food waste...
David Rowlands: I thank Bethan for her supplementary. The fact of the matter is, obviously, that the best way is that we have far less waste at all. But unfortunately, the catering service is compelled to comply with food hygiene regulations, which stipulates that chilled food laid out for buffets at room temperature must be disposed of after four hours. The Commission must point out that most buffets are...
David Rowlands: Well, I can only agree with you entirely on those comments. Unfortunately, it's much more difficult to actually do this in practice than the theory of this, but we are always looking—the Commission and, of course, the catering staff are always looking for alternatives to this waste of food.
David Rowlands: Can I thank the Minister for her statement? Housing is a key priority area in the Welsh Government's 'Prosperity for All' national strategy. In the past, we have criticised Ministers of this Welsh Government of carrying on regardless rather than listening to those who deliver vital services. It is therefore appropriate to acknowledge the efforts of the Minister, who has clearly listened to,...
David Rowlands: Perhaps I should start by acknowledging the huge amount of work the Welsh Government has done to ensure almost all of us in Wales can access internet facilities and to assure the Minister this is not in any way a condemnation of your efforts in this area. For all of us, the changing world of communications has altered our lifestyles forever. For most of us, it has been a real and positive...
David Rowlands: Can I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon? We, of course, all share your ambition to see a more prosperous Wales. We might sometimes disagree on how to achieve that, but I think it is true to say that, by and large, we as a party have supported your attempts to reinvigorate the economy with a more business-friendly approach, with the improvements in infrastructure forming a...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Llywydd. Could the Minister please provide an update on the foundational economy in Wales?
David Rowlands: Thank you for that answer, Minister. Gerald Holtham, giving the Hodge lecture, said he had no idea how the Welsh economy was going to develop over the next decade. He made the point that Wales should look more towards the foundational economy to simply protect living standards. But he maintained that even if the Welsh economy grows to enrich most of the people in Wales, places like Merthyr...
David Rowlands: I want to confine my comments to the two major roads in Wales, and the financing of any enhancements that might take place, whatever sort of enhancements are decided. Those two major roads are the A55 in the north and the M4 in the south. Both enjoy the status of E-designated motorways by the European Union—in the case of the A55, E22, and the M4, E30. This means they are part of the...
