Jane Hutt: I think, Steffan Lewis, your point on the threat to—well, indeed, it was closed, unfortunately—that community asset, that cinema in your region, is very important. The ownership of that cinema, I’m not aware—I’m sure the Cabinet Secretary will be and, indeed, the local authority, I’m sure, will be aware of this. This is something where, if it’s in the private sector, it’s more...
Jane Hutt: I think we’ve had a lot of useful debates recently, Mike Hedges, particularly looking at the, as you say—. This is something where we’re looking across mental health, obesity, and physical activity. I think the chief medical officer’s report was very important. Healthy living has to be a Welsh Government priority. You’ve always drawn our attention to this in terms of wanting a...
Jane Hutt: Well, of course, I’m sure you would join me, Mohammad Asghar, in decrying the continued anti-austerity policies of the UK Government, which result in tough, tough budget decisions that we have to make. Of course, that does have an impact on our local authorities as well. You draw attention to some of those impacts and the difficulties in terms of priorities. I know that you will also...
Jane Hutt: I thank Julie Morgan for drawing that to our attention this afternoon across the whole of the Chamber. I’m sure that there will be support, as there was last year, when you organised this event—a very moving and important memorial vigil—on the steps of the Senedd, and the fact that it’s paying particular tribute to the Gypsy and Roma victims of the Holocaust. I think this is something...
Jane Hutt: Well, I think you will be aware, of course, as you said, of the written statement that the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children issued this afternoon in respect of the termination of Welsh Government funding to NSA Afan and also that written statement on the action that’s been taken to safeguard the delivery of services, which you raise. Of course, Bethan Jenkins, the Cabinet...
Jane Hutt: I thank the Member for drawing that to our attention this afternoon in the business statement. The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs is away. You’ve, of course, raised this with her and she’s aware of the case and has also written to both the Association of British Insurers and the British Insurance Brokers’ Association. It is a private dispute, obviously, at this...
Jane Hutt: Hannah Blythyn, thank you very much for raising this issue. The fact that we do—. The Welsh Government has marked, year on year, International Women’s Day. I believe, in terms of Government day—. Well, Wednesday is the eighth, isn’t it, and Government day is on the seventh? Certainly, this Welsh Government would want to mark International Women’s Day, and I thank Hannah Blythyn for...
Jane Hutt: Llywydd, I’ve no changes to report to this week’s business, and business for the next three weeks is as shown on the business statement and announcement found among the agenda papers available to Members electronically.
Jane Hutt: Well, I think Steffan Lewis raises a very good opportunity to recognise that heritage, and particularly relevant, of course, in the Aneurin Bevan area, thinking back to the birth and the creation of the NHS, and I’m sure that this is something that will be looked at carefully.
Jane Hutt: I thank the Member for that question, and, of course, I’m sure the Member will welcome the announcement by the Minister for Social Services and Public Health that, in future, women will be screened for the main cause of cervical cancer instead—the high-risk human papilloma virus, HRHPV. Under those new arrangements, women will continue to receive what is commonly known as a smear test,...
Jane Hutt: Well, this is an operational matter for the health board—Powys teaching health board—and I’m very reassured, as I’m sure you were, that it was the health board that contacted Assembly Members, councillors and members of the public, making them aware of the closure as part of their communications. Of course, I’m sure it was shared with Joyce Watson that the health board is working...
Jane Hutt: Bethan Jenkins has consistently raised issues and championed the need for appropriate action and treatment for eating disorders, and, of course, more money has been allocated as a result of our agreement. I’m sure there will be an update in due course on how that will be implemented. On your second point, in terms of ovarian cancer, yes, this is an issue that is regularly brought, I’m...
Jane Hutt: Well, of course, this is a matter for Newport City Council and, indeed, I answered a question last week, when I reminded the Member of the difficult, very challenging settlement—that continuing austerity, financial, arranged settlement—for the Welsh Government. But I would also say that Newport council is ensuring that it is working with local partners in terms of safer Newport measures,...
Jane Hutt: Mike Hedges, we’re very committed—and, of course it was raised earlier on this afternoon—as a Welsh Government to supporting the armed forces covenant. We’ve got a refreshed package of support and ‘Welcome to Wales’ documents, and, in fact, I think David Melding reflected on the fact that we’re ahead in Wales in terms of the way in which, as a Welsh Government, we’re trying to...
Jane Hutt: I think your first point, in terms of the possible options and the feasibility of a station in Mynachdy, will of course be considered as part of the metro plans, which are developing, also recognising that this is something where we’ve progressed in terms of our powers and opportunities and responsibilities in terms of the rail infrastructure. On your second point, I think it’s important...
Jane Hutt: Jeremy Miles brings to the attention of this Chamber a development that is of great concern. I understand that the Welsh Government is currently consulting jointly with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on proposals to introduce new legislation that would impose controls on emissions from diesel generators in order to protect human health and the environment.
Jane Hutt: I thank Simon Thomas for recognising the importance of the business statement and the fact that I do take back requests not only for debates and statements but also questions, which often can be answered by Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers. But it is important that we have the debate on the Swansea bay tidal lagoon in Government time. Now it’s scheduled, and I’m sure all will want to...
Jane Hutt: I have two changes to report to this week’s business, Llywydd. Today’s oral statement on the small business research initiative has been postponed and, as no questions have been tabled for answer by the Assembly Commission this week, timings for tomorrow have been adjusted accordingly. Business for the next three weeks is as shown on the business statement and announcement, found among...
Jane Hutt: Thank you to Andrew R.T. Davies for those questions. On the first point, of course, as the Cabinet Secretary of Finance and Local Government has assured this Assembly and Members over the past few weeks, he and his officials are working hard to ensure that we can get that early notice. We’re just into February, as you say, and I know that they are seeking to announce the ways in which local...
Jane Hutt: I very much welcome your recognition that the heritage services review in the written statement, Dai Lloyd, was based on that open review that committee and Members were able to contribute to, and all the partners who are affected by it, of course, have been engaged in developing those options. I’m sure the Cabinet Secretary will want to clarify in due course this review that he has...
