Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, a few weeks ago, you made it clear in this very Chamber that, and I quote, ‘local families are being assured that they can continue to access services as they do now and do not need to make changes in how they access care.’ Well, it looks like that’s not the case in the short term, should these changes go ahead. Once again, the people of Pembrokeshire will see more...
Paul Davies: Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement today? Wales has a proud record of producing high-quality food and drink, and it’s crucial that the Welsh Government does all that it can to provide the right support to enable the sector to flourish locally, nationally and, indeed, internationally. Of course, this policy area is one that covers a number of Welsh Government...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, I also recognise the Welsh Government’s seafood strategy, which aims to see a 30 per cent increase in fisheries and aquaculture production by 2025. In this strategy, you mention expanding sustainable aquaculture production and, in relation to that, can you tell us what the Welsh Government is specifically doing to encourage the sustainable development of new fisheries in...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, the most recent west Wales river basin management plan acknowledges a number of significant water-management issues, including physical modifications—such as changing water channels and building structures—which Joyce Watson mentioned earlier, which currently affect 25 per cent of the water environment in the area. Therefore, what guidance or support can the Welsh...
Paul Davies: Formally.
Paul Davies: First Minister, our natural environment, including our water environment, can provide a number of benefits to improve the quality of our lives, so it’s crucial that we do everything we can to enhance access to our natural resources. You may be aware of proposals to change the Llys-y-frân reservoir, in my constituency, into a water park in order to attract more visitors to the area. Now, in...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the First Minister make a statement on what the Welsh Government is doing to support farmers in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0308(FM)
Paul Davies: First Minister, you may be aware that Lloyds Bank is proposing to close three branches in my constituency. Presiding Officer, I should declare an interest in this question as a former employee of Lloyds Bank. Not only are these closures in my constituency totally out of keeping with the numbers closing at a UK level, but the branches are crucial to many people who live in and around those...
Paul Davies: First Minister, farmers in Pembrokeshire are hugely concerned about your Government’s proposal to introduce nitrate-vulnerable zones in Wales because it will be financially challenging for farmers to comply with any new regulations that are proposed in the consultation. So, considering your comments in July that it’s up to the Welsh Government now to decide which laws should be retained...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that the importance of good oral health care can’t be understated and this is particularly important in a social care setting where poor oral health care can affect people’s ability to speak, to communicate and even to eat. Hywel Dda university health board’s local oral health plan update recognises this issue, but outlines very...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, the outbreak of this virus is not a new issue, and, as you know, I already tabled questions on this very matter last week, so I welcome the opportunity to hear more about the Welsh Government’s action on this particular matter. I’m pleased that today you’ve announced that a 30-day prevention zone across Wales will now take place. Now, it is crucial that there are...
Paul Davies: 8. Will the Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to regenerate communities in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0075(CC)
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, this lunchtime, I co-sponsored a National Farmers Union briefing session, with Angela Burns, on the Welsh Government’s proposals for nitrate vulnerable zones. There are some very, very serious concerns regarding the consultation proposals, which could impose huge burdens on farmers and, as a result, force many out of business. Given the First Minister’s...
Paul Davies: Well, I need to say to the Cabinet Secretary that she has an opportunity here to look at these proposals once again given that we are now leaving the European Union. I appreciate that we need to maintain the quality of our natural environment and, for that reason, it is worrying, incidentally, that a regulatory impact assessment hasn’t been provided alongside the consultation document,...
Paul Davies: Well, it is disappointing that an RIA hasn’t been published alongside the consultation document, and is it not the case that a regulatory impact assessment hasn’t been issued because there is simply not enough scientific evidence to support the Welsh Government’s plans? Not only is there not enough scientific evidence, but these proposals will actually cripple farmers across Wales and...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, you’ll no doubt be aware of the planned closure of Lloyds bank branches throughout Wales and that the number of planned closures in Pembrokeshire is wholly disproportionate to the number of nationwide closures, given that three of the 49 planned branch closures happen to actually be in my own constituency. Deputy Presiding Officer, I should declare an interest as a former...
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd, and I'm pleased to take part in this debate this afternoon and highlight some of the ways I think we can help our learners achieve better standards in Welsh schools. There’s no doubt that we are all extremely concerned and disappointed by Wales’s PISA figures last week. Despite the hard work and professionalism of teachers across Wales, the figures show that Wales is...
Paul Davies: First Minister, in light of these cases of avian flu, what additional work are you as a Government doing to assess the impact that this disease could have on the poultry sector?
Paul Davies: Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for her statement this afternoon? I think it’s important that, from the outset, we reinforce the message that the risk to public health from this virus is very low and that it does not pose a food safety risk for Welsh consumers. I appreciate the delicacy of this particular issue and that’s why it’s so important that the Welsh Government is quick to act...
Paul Davies: Cabinet Secretary, the second annual report on implementing Part 2 of the Wales Act 2014 makes it clear that engagement with stakeholders has concentrated mainly on professionals and specialist technical groups to date. So, under these circumstances, can you tell us a little more about what the Welsh Government is doing to promote the Welsh Treasury more broadly to the public in Wales, so...
