Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, James Evans, Member of this Senedd, for leading on such an important debate and for securing cross-party support in opposition to the devastating Welsh Labour and Lib Dem NVZ regulations. I speak again to place on record my absolute opposition, and the adverse impact that the all-Wales nitrate vulnerable zone will have on Welsh agriculture. I also wish to call on the new Senedd...
Janet Finch-Saunders: I do find it somewhat amusing that John Griffiths, our colleague, speaks of early action on air pollution. As the First Minister and I know, he's already very late on this argument. In fact, in May 2019, he told the Senedd that this debate had been ongoing for a decade, and we all know that you, First Minister, have failed to deliver on your leadership promise, and I quote, 'to develop a new...
Janet Finch-Saunders: I would like, in welcoming this programme for government, to thank and congratulate the electors of Aberconwy for returning me to this place with the largest majority I've held. On a more serious note, you explained that you would make sure, First Minister, that our farmers have a key role to play in our green future. However, the programme for government doesn't really address the issues...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Yes, of course. That will result in infected badgers struggling—. Yesterday, I met with farmers and other colleagues in this place, and they're really upset, because Aberconwy now has gone from a low to an intermediary state. So, First Minister, when are you, and when are your Ministers, and when is the Wales vet going to acknowledge that we have a real problem with bovine TB and we have to...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Llywydd. May I take this step to congratulate you, Minister? I've worked with you previously and I look forward to working with you positively as we aim to get a grip on the issues facing our communities. Now, Llywydd, this Monday marked the fourth anniversary since the tragic death of 72 people at Grenfell Tower. I'm sure that the Minister and, indeed, this Senedd will join with me...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Okay. You said the same on 15 February 2021. So, will you make a clear statement today as to the exact timeline for creating this Welsh fund and exactly how much finance you are going to make available? Diolch.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. I think what I'm seeking, really, is the clarity. As somebody who is shadowing you in your portfolio, I'm really concerned to examine really exactly how much you've had to date, how much you intend on receiving, or where you need my help. The UK Government has already led the way in protecting hundreds of thousands of leaseholders from the cost of replacing unsafe cladding on their...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. I've started so I'll finish, but it may well be that we need those conversations to happen, but I'll carry on with this. So, my focus on available resources is essential as they are key to securing progress on creating safer buildings in Wales. The ELGC response to the 'Safer Buildings in Wales' White Paper noted that one of the common themes heard from all the respondents was the...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Deputy Minister. Now, the publication of the CCC report is a serious wake-up call for Wales, and especially you as the Welsh Government. In fact, towards the end of the last Senedd, the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee's 'Report on the Climate Change (Wales) Regulations 2021' warned that 'rhetoric must now be met with bold and decisive action.' It is all well...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Quite right.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch. I stand to move the amendment, tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar MS. Now, a great test as to the ability of this Senedd and the Welsh Government to change people's lives for the better across Wales is the need to get a grip on the current housing crisis. Wales has seen the biggest house price growth in the UK, up by an average of 11 per cent in the past year. Offers are...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 3. Will the First Minister make a statement on the introduction of a deposit-return scheme for drink containers in Wales? OQ56625
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. You'll be aware that, last November, I brought forward a legislative proposal for a Bill that would make provisions to introduce a deposit-return scheme and to reduce waste in Wales, and a majority of 34 Members backed my proposal. Now, whilst you abstained, the vote did go in favour of this legislative proposal and, as you can imagine, I'm really keen to ensure that we do not lose...
Janet Finch-Saunders: 8. Will the Minister make a statement on the percentage of the Welsh Government's budget for 2021-22 that is spent on areas of policy that are not devolved? OQ56624
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Minister. On 19 May 2021, the First Minister admitted himself to the Senedd that: 'We don't have all the powers that would be necessary, let alone all of the funding that would be necessary to include a universal basic income for the whole of Wales'. So, pardon my astonishment, then, that the Welsh Government so soon into this new Senedd has already started to spend resources on a...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Prior to the COVID pandemic, usage of and access to bus services were already on a downward trajectory. Analysis in 2018 suggested that the distance travelled by local bus services had fallen by 20 per cent in 10 years. In fact, Wales has seen the biggest percentage drop in bus miles between 2006-07 and 2016-17 compared to the other UK nations. That is a really regrettable fact. So, I'm...
Janet Finch-Saunders: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I've agreed to give Samuel Kurtz, Sam Rowlands and James Evans a minute each to contribute to this important debate. Now, the Minister knows, and maybe Members of this Senedd are not too aware, that sheep scab is a highly contagious and insidious disease that impacts on animal welfare and leads to economic losses. As you may or may not know, it is triggered by mites...
Janet Finch-Saunders: It's not a laughing matter.
Janet Finch-Saunders: The thing is, they feel very let down about the NVZs, they feel very let down about your approach to bovine TB and not listening to the science of the vets. This is an opportunity now for you, Minister, to work with the farmers. Let's all try and eradicate sheep scab, and, please, release that £5 million that you have promised them. Thank you. Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd.
Janet Finch-Saunders: What discussions has the Counsel General had with law officers about enforcement of planning conditions?
