Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Government make a statement on the effect of the UK Government’s plans for a reduction in Post Office provision in rural areas? EAQ(5)0092(CC)[W]
Llyr Gruffydd: The reality is, of course, that the budget for flood prevention has been cut. Now, given that there is additional capital funding to come to Wales in light of the autumn statement, will you make the strongest case possible for ensuring that that source is restored?
Llyr Gruffydd: Well, I’m not sure if that’s entirely correct, Cabinet Secretary, because there is a duty at the moment for the Post Office to ensure that there is provision within some 3 miles of 95 per cent of the rural community in the UK. That is being reviewed as part of the proposals put forward by the UK Government at the moment, and who knows what the outcome of that will be. But certainly,...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. May I move the amendments officially? PISA, of course, unfortunately, has reminded us once again that Wales has performed worst of the UK countries, that the scores in terms of reading, maths and science are worse in Wales than they were 10 years ago, and that Wales is further behind the UK average in those three areas as compared with 2006. And,...
Llyr Gruffydd: Now, they say that 30 points in terms of PISA scores corresponds to a year of education. If that is the case, and I don’t doubt it, then Wales now is almost a year behind our attainment in 2006 in terms of science. So, given that measurement, Wales has fallen back a year in 10 years, and that, unfortunately, is the legacy of education for Labour in Wales.
Llyr Gruffydd: 3. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the work of developing a Welsh treasury? OAQ(5)0078)[W]
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the government's expectations with regard to local authorities in relation to implementing Welsh language standards?
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you for that response, and, I hope, in the coming months, that you will announce where this is to be located, because the economy Secretary, of course, has said that he is considering Wrexham as a possible location for the development bank. Would you be willing to consider Wrexham as a possible location for the treasury? Because we know that the skilled workforce is there. HMRC is to...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. It’s my pleasure to move this motion in the name of Plaid Cymru. We are, of course, of the view that students from outside of the UK, be they from within the EU or outwith the EU, do bring cultural, economic and educational benefits to our universities and colleges here in Wales, and indeed to broader society. It’s important, therefore, in...
Llyr Gruffydd: In order to do that, of course, it’s important that we ensure that Wales continues to be an attractive place for students. In my view, offering the opportunities to students to remain within the UK post study is something that’s important and would assist in reducing the skills gap in many sectors here in Wales too. The strong presence of overseas students also allows us to develop...
Llyr Gruffydd: Yes, okay.
Llyr Gruffydd: Yes, I agree entirely. It was shorthand to talk of work. You’re quite right to correct me on that. Thank you for doing so. Of course, the tier 1 post-study work visa, which was abolished in 2012, did allow international students to wait for an additional two years after graduation. Universities across the UK and in Wales are supportive of that. Such a scheme would benefit the economy,...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you very much, Llywydd. May I thank everyone who has contributed to the debate? I think the number of contributors has reflected the importance of the issue that we’re discussing and the concern that many of us have on the possible impact on HE institutions in Wales as well as on FE here in Wales and the broader economy. In my opening remarks I failed to refer to the Conservative...
Llyr Gruffydd: As an Assembly Member for north Wales, of course, and as someone who lives in north-east Wales, it is important that we remember that this is about more than Port Talbot, as Members have already reminded us. There was a great deal of doom and gloom the last time I visited Shotton steelworkers last year. The cloud hanging over the entire Tata enterprise had extended even to one of the most...
Llyr Gruffydd: I do think the fact that there is a visual impact assessment available now from the National Grid, in partnership with Ofgem, does highlight the fact that an important principle has been accepted. That is, the relevant authorities do now accept that these pylons do have an impact. Perhaps you could argue as to the extent of that impact, but the fact that that provision is in place does mean...
Llyr Gruffydd: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, for the opportunity to ask a few questions, if there’s any time left to do so. I too start with this issue of evidence, because some quotes have been provided—and some of them I intended to refer to—but you did admit that this was no magic bullet, and I understand that. But we are in a situation where resources are scarce and therefore we have to...
Llyr Gruffydd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on local health board risk assessments?
Llyr Gruffydd: It was good to hear Charles Hendry briefing Members of the Assembly at lunchtime, and one of the points that he made, of course, is that it is his recommendation that there should be a delay after the development of the first project in order to learn lessons from it. One understands why that would be beneficial, but there is recognition in that regard that that may create problems for the...
Llyr Gruffydd: The health board, of course, is in special measures and has been for a year and a half, and I agree with many of the points that have been made on the problems that exist. But would you agree with me that there are some more fundamental issues that need to be tackled and would you agree that three specific things need to happen to that end? One we’ve already heard about is that we need more...
Llyr Gruffydd: Well, can I thank you for your statement, and align myself wholeheartedly with the comments made earlier about your role in fulfilling your capacity as Chair? And I agree wholeheartedly with the contents of your statement. But I offer a few comments—and questions—not maybe on a particular inquiry, but certainly on a thematic level. Now, I’m particularly keen for the committee to examine...
