Paul Davies: 9. Will the Cabinet Secretary outline the Welsh Government’s regeneration priorities for Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0110(CC)
Paul Davies: Diolch, Lywydd. Cabinet Secretary, your predecessor commissioned the independent review of the dairy sector in Wales, which detailed a number of recommendations to help support the dairy industry and increase its competitiveness. Following that report, can you update us on the progress that the Welsh Government has made in responding to that review and outline what outcomes you’ve delivered...
Paul Davies: Another recommendation in that review was to raise the issue of taxation of agricultural businesses in Wales and to take a deeper look at the current regime and whether it hinders future investment in the sector. In a recent response to a written question, you said that the delivery of this recommendation has been delayed and that this should be looked at in partnership with other parts of...
Paul Davies: I’d encourage, obviously, the Cabinet Secretary to put it on the agenda, given that it was one of the recommendations in this particular review. The independent review was also quite right in recognising that there are significant cash flow problems for some farmers within the dairy sector, although I’m sure that that’s also an issue for dairy farmers across the UK. Indeed, this matter...
Paul Davies: I’m pleased to hear, of course, that the Welsh Government has made it clear that food is an essential part of the tourism offer in Wales. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm in my constituency, which isn’t just a working farm, but it’s also the UK’s first full-time edible insect restaurant, known as Grub Kitchen, and I would encourage you to visit because...
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for that response. As the Member for Mid and West Wales said in earlier questions, last night I hosted a reception here in the Senedd with Milford Haven Port Authority to learn more about their investment plans for the local area, which will significantly transform the Milford Haven area as we currently know it. In light of their plans, can you tell us...
Paul Davies: Formally.
Paul Davies: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I’m please to use my short debate this afternoon to highlight why the city of St David’s should become the next UK City of Culture in 2021. I’m also pleased to give Eluned Morgan a minute of my time. Members may be aware that the city of St David’s is in the early stages of putting together its bid. So, a strong message of support from across Wales...
Paul Davies: For those of you who don’t know, the city of St David’s is built on the site of the monastery founded by St David in the sixth century, who is of course the patron saint of Wales. Therefore, the city of St David’s is not just a cultural asset to Pembrokeshire, but to west Wales and of course to Wales as a whole. So, while St David’s may be UK’s smallest city in terms of geography, I...
Paul Davies: 1. Will the First Minister make a statement on what the Welsh Government is doing to support small businesses in west Wales? OAQ(5)0511(FM)
Paul Davies: First Minister, I continue to receive comments from constituents and businesses in west Wales complaining about business rates. Although your Government announced additional funding for high-street businesses, there is a great deal of confusion and many businesses don’t know who’s qualified to receive that assistance. So, can you confirm that the Government will be far clearer as to who...
Paul Davies: 10. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on what the Welsh Government is doing to improve education in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0099(EDU)
Paul Davies: Minister, the latest Estyn report also highlights the fact that inspection outcomes for special schools aren’t as positive as previous years, and the results for pupil referral units continue to be poor. In light of this, what specific steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve outcomes in special schools and in pupil referral units specifically?
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the Minister for that response. I’m also very grateful that Ysgol Bro Cleddau in my constituency was named recently as the Assembly’s first ambassador school in Wales, and the success of the programme has led the school to understand more about the work of the Assembly and has given the pupils a platform to discuss current affairs. Now, in light of this success, what...
Paul Davies: 5. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's transport priorities for Pembrokeshire for the next twelve months? OAQ(5)0527(FM)
Paul Davies: First Minister, the national transport finance plan of the Welsh Government highlights only one project for Pembrokeshire in the next 12 months, and that is the proposal to turn the A477 from Pembroke Dock to Johnston into a trunk road. Now, the Swansea bay city region deal will, hopefully, have a positive impact on the west Wales economy and on the Pembrokeshire economy, so would you agree...
Paul Davies: Formally.
Paul Davies: What is the Welsh Government doing to support voluntary organisations across Wales?
Paul Davies: I’m grateful to the leader of the house for those very kind comments. Now, farming subsidies are, of course, essential to support farmers, and are crucial for the sustainability of the agricultural industry. And, Llywydd, I should declare an interest, given that my parents-in-law run a dairy farm. Now, given the importance of these payments, can you therefore tell us what specific research...
Paul Davies: Formally.
