Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Could the Cabinet Secretary state whether it would be possible to adapt the programme, even at this late stage, in order, for example, to expand the use of financial instruments within the programme, providing further loan facilities for businesses in rural communities, which could, then, be recirculated in the economy post Brexit?
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: May I thank Paul Davies for leading this debate and support St David’s in its bid for City of Culture in 2021. I think you’ve put forward a very good pitch today, and I don’t see how anyone could turn you down. And, as someone who has their family roots going back 400 years in St David’s, nobody would be more pleased than I if St David’s were to win that particular bid. I think...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Figures from Lloyds Bank have shown that 40 per cent fewer businesses were established in the last five years in Pembrokeshire, Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Anglesey, as compared with a fall of 26 per cent across Wales and 20 per cent in England. Is the First Minister willing to look into why the figures are so very different in the westerly counties as compared with places such as Blaenau Gwent,...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: 3. Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm that the proposed closure of Coleg Harlech will not result in any loss of course availability for adult learners? OAQ(5)0098(EDU)
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: The Minister will be aware of the transformational impact that Coleg Harlech has had on so many students over the years, where they’ve had a second opportunity at education. Can the Minister confirm whether there has been any discussion with the WEA—Adult Learning Wales in terms of use of the building for the future, and whether there has been any discussion with the Cabinet Secretary for...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: 8. Following the triggering of Article 50, what discussions does the First Minister intend to have with the UK Government on the establishment of a UK single market? OAQ(5)0537(FM)
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Thank you. Other people have already referred to the Demos report that came out yesterday that suggested—as we already knew—that the effect of leaving the EU will be more significant on Wales than any other part of the United Kingdom. We've seen by the recent actions of Theresa May that the Tories are a party of broken promises. David Davis, the Brexit Minister, has said that he wants to...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Would the business Secretary make a statement on the recent appointment process for the Bishop of Llandaff in the light of reports that Jeffrey John, the current Dean of St Albans, was rejected from the post on the basis of his sexual orientation, despite the backing of the majority of the electoral college and the unanimous support of the Llandaff electors? Whilst I, of course, understand...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: May I first of all thank the committee Chair for leading our discussions within the committee? And also, on the quality of his Welsh language contribution, he's kept the quality of his Welsh very quiet since I've been here, so congratulations to you on that. Nawr, yr hyn sy'n ddiddorol am yr adroddiad hwn yw ei fod wedi’i ddrafftio yn erbyn cefndir a oedd yn newid yn gyson; roedd yn symud...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: What happens after that?
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Will you take an intervention?
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: I just wondered if you would also commit the Government that you’re not a part of—you committed to this during the course of the referendum campaign—to pay £350 million a week towards the NHS as well.
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: 6. When will the Welsh Government make a decision on funding the Circuit of Wales track? OAQ(5)0155(EI)
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: The Circuit of Wales, of course, is not asking for direct funding, as the £425 million is private investment. What they’re looking for is a guarantee—that’s what the project is awaiting. And, having exerted extreme pressure on the Circuit of Wales to come up with a commitment within two weeks, what confidence can the Cabinet Secretary give to those investors and enthusiastic supporters...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Does the First Minister agree with me that today is a profoundly sad day for the nation and also for our children and our children’s children? And, of course, those who will pay the highest price for article 50 will be those who can least afford it.
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: I wonder if the First Minister could tell me his interpretation—[Interruption.]
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: I wouldn’t mind a deference to me, actually. It’s all right deferring to the Presiding Officer, but I’d like an apology as well.
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. I’d like to ask the First Minister about his interpretation of the letter that was sent. One of the points made was that the Prime Minister said that she would fulfil her responsibilities as a member state. Does that mean that the UK Government will cough up in terms of commitments entered into with other member states, and can we, therefore, expect...
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Will the First Minister make a statement on house building in Wales?
Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the adoption of the real living wage in Wales?
