David Lloyd: Clearly, flood alerts are active in the lower Swansea valley, but there’s also a lot of new building, as has been alluded to. So, can I ask what action are you taking in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales and the local authority in terms of raising flood awareness and associated actions for residents during flood incidents, particularly to those new homeowners who move into this...
David Lloyd: 1. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide a statement on the progression of the childcare offer for Wales? OAQ(5)0148(CC)
David Lloyd: Thank you for that response. As you know, a pilot scheme of the programme is being introduced in parts of Swansea, and local parents are obviously very pleased to see that happening. However, many of the pilot areas, including Pontarddulais and Gorseinon, are specific growth areas within the county. Can you ensure that you are taking the population increase into account as you introduce the...
David Lloyd: Can I welcome the statement from the Counsel General for Wales, and also to welcome the general direction of travel, as it were, in developing Welsh Government’s prosecution codes, and this consultation is very much welcome? And as David Melding has already alluded to, we are talking about serious matters here in terms of animal welfare, food production and fisheries, rules and laws that...
David Lloyd: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. As you’ve already referred to, I’m pleased to be standing here and I move the amendments in the name of Rhun ap Iorwerth. Plaid Cymru believes that the tolls on the Severn crossings should be abolished, and we’ve been saying that for many years, and that we should ensure the devolution of powers to allow these bridges to be managed by this...
David Lloyd: Thank you very much, Llywydd. The subject is defending Wales for the next generation. The purpose of my short debate today is to discuss the current challenges facing Wales, particularly around economic inequality and our relationship with the rest of the world. I am of the firm belief that Wales needs to be defended against a wide range of looming threats if we are to improve the...
David Lloyd: During my short debate today, I would like to reflect, and ask, essentially, what role the National Assembly has, and what role the Welsh Government has, and which alternative models we are prepared to consider as we look to defend Wales, and future generations, against some of these challenges. The proud history and identity of this nation goes back to the distant past, and is clearly...
David Lloyd: Further to that response, First Minister, last month, the European chief of Ford warned that the future of the company in the UK depended on the ability of the Government in London to ensure transitional agreements with the European Union if the UK leaves that economic bloc before a new trade deal is signed. Have you met with Ford and the Government in London to discuss this issue further...
David Lloyd: 10. Will the First Minister make a statement on follow-up waiting times for outpatient eye care services in Welsh hospitals? OAQ(5)0628(FM)
David Lloyd: Thank you for that response. Now, in the most recent cross-party group meeting on sight, we discussed data that show that health boards the length and breadth of Wales had 37,247 patients who were suffering delays in terms of their follow-up appointments in ophthalmology. Clinical investigations have shown that some 90 per cent of these patients are at risk of permanent damage to their...
David Lloyd: 7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Swansea Bay City Region deal? OAQ(5)0136(FLG)
David Lloyd: Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. Now, when the city deal was first developed, the notion of developing the internet coast was very much based on building a digital superhighway connecting the UK and North America, with a transatlantic broadband cable landing at Oxwich bay on Gower. Now, that element now receives less attention than it once did. Can you update us as to the latest...
David Lloyd: Thank you very much, deputy Deputy Llywydd. I move the amendments, as you noted. We have tabled three amendments to today’s motion, which reflect some elements of the discussion on housing that merit greater scrutiny. The arguments over house prices and the need to assist first-time buyers are often aired. It’s a combination of low wages and uncertain employment, and, therefore, very...
David Lloyd: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on public procurement contracts in Wales?
David Lloyd: May I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his comprehensive statement on this independent review of support for publishing and literature in Wales? Our challenge as politicians in this place is to scrutinise what this report says, as well as what you’ve said about the report, and there is a significant challenge in that scrutiny because the report is 212 pages long and it only appeared on our...
David Lloyd: May I thank the Minister for her statement on superfast broadband? It’s true to say that— [Interruption.]
David Lloyd: No problem at all. It’s true to say that since 2012 there’s been significant investment from European Union funds and the Welsh Government in broadband infrastructure in Wales, and so it looks as if the Welsh Government is going to reach that target of 690,000 premises by the end of the year. The speed of broadband is vitally important for connectivity, as we’ve heard, and in terms of...
David Lloyd: Will the First Minister make a statement on transport spend in South Wales West?
David Lloyd: 5. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the promotion of Welsh-medium education in South Wales West? OAQ(5)0133(EDU)
David Lloyd: Thank you for that response, Minister. Following the sweeping success of the Urdd Eisteddfod in Bridgend last month, many are asking why Bridgend council aren’t doing more to promote and develop Welsh-medium education in the county. There are only four Welsh-medium primaries in the county, which is very low as compared to other authorities. Do you agree that the current situation in...
