David Rees: What discussions has the Welsh Government had with local authorities regarding child burial costs?
David Rees: What progress is being made regarding the introduction of a new computer science curriculum?
David Rees: Minister, in the sort of reverse role from my colleague from Neath, I recently met with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers who had a programme that was encouraging teachers to actually go out into the workplace and gain understanding and knowledge of the engineering and STEM areas, funded by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers as well. Will you be looking at such schemes to ensure that...
David Rees: I thank the Member for the intervention. I accept and agree that the number of beds is decreasing—as I’m sure the Member will recognise, we’re often told that the more beds you have the more you fill them. But also there’s a serious question of staffing and the nursing requirements to make sure that beds are safely staffed. There’s an issue there we have to address as well, surely.
David Rees: Will you take an intervention?
David Rees: Thank you, Llyr. Do you also agree that it’s not just for working; it’s also postdoctoral aspects, because a lot of students from overseas will continue their studies here through postdoctoral work?
David Rees: Thank you, Darren, for taking the intervention. But you also recognise that part of Horizon 2020 was actually to look at how we can encourage businesses to get involved in the research profile, and for there to be collaboration across the different countries, and therefore the focus actually is on greater collaboration, particularly with business this time.
David Rees: Thank you for taking the intervention. Do you also agree that it is not just that they come for graduation and degrees? They want to actually go into the research areas after that. Therefore, they come because they know the research is there. They want to continue their studies post graduation, and even post doctorate, they want to continue working in research. So, it’s a whole picture.
David Rees: Will the First Minister provide details of the Welsh Government's industrial strategy?
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I met with the trade unions and steelworkers last week, again, to discuss some of the issues around the challenges they face. The proposal was one of the issues that came up, and what was clear was the lack of confidence, as I think has been highlighted, in Tata itself at this moment in time. I’ve passed that on myself to Mr Jha, but will you...
David Rees: Thank you for that answer, even though it was very brief, Cabinet Secretary. I’ve met with the chief executive and members of the trustees board on several occasions since the announcement to suspend funding on 12 December. My concerns are, perhaps: what was the Welsh Government doing in these audits beforehand? I think, as has been highlighted, it’s a Welsh Government audit. Why wasn’t...
David Rees: I thank the Member for giving way. Just for clarification purposes, the EBITDA actually is not gross profits—it’s operational costs profits, in the sense that it’s the net profits plus the interest, plus the taxation, plus the depreciation, plus amortisation. So, it’s not actually gross profit, is it?
David Rees: Will you take an intervention?
David Rees: I thank you for taking the intervention. Are you therefore disappointed, as I am, that the UK Government dawdled over the application to the EU for state aid in relation to the extension of the intensive energy industries? But are you also disappointed that the UK Government has actually rejected an application to come down to us to talk to Members in the cross-party group on steel on the...
David Rees: It’s true.
David Rees: I thank the Member for allowing me an intervention. Do you accept the fact that—you talk about the roadshows—there are trade union representatives also at those roadshows, presenting information to the attendees as well? So, the trade unions are actually presenting information to members if they attend the roadshows as well.
David Rees: Can I start my contribution by declaring that I’m a proud member of Unite, one of the unions that’s obviously represented in the steelworks, along with Community and GMB? I hope by now that Members in this Chamber will be aware of my passion for the steel industry, my belief in a strong, vibrant future, my respect for the steelworkers, and my total commitment to them, their families and...
David Rees: I’ll give way, yes.
David Rees: I think the motion’s second point actually highlights that working together is important. The motion’s first point actually says the Government should replace the unions in the negotiations. So, it’s actually a separation—a mixture of the two. 2016 saw Brexit, Trump and an increasingly belligerent Russia. In 2017, we’re already seeing challenges with China and the trading world by...
David Rees: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for giving way on this particular point. The importance, in the run-up to any ballot, is confidence.
