Russell George: Cabinet Secretary, of course, I accept it’s the job of local authorities to encourage residents to recycle their food waste. But can I ask you, Cabinet Secretary, what considerations you’ve given to a national, Wales-wide campaign, to encourage people to think about the way they shop and plan their meals in regard to reducing food waste?
Russell George: I’d like to contribute today to this debate very much focusing on higher education and lifelong learning and how that links in with the Welsh economy. But there are two things I would be very keen to know today, and this is one: what course is Darren Millar doing? He told us he’s doing a part-time FE course; he didn’t tell us what he was doing. And, secondly, I would like to know from...
Russell George: I’d like to raise the issue of hotels, in particular, with you Cabinet Secretary. I’d be grateful if you could let me know if you have, or you are prepared to, look at changing regulations into banning designated smoking in hotel rooms. A constituent has raised this issue with me over a large period of time. One, there’s a safety issue, but, two, beyond this statement today, of course,...
Russell George: Thank you, acting Presiding Officer. The aim of today’s debate is to recognise the importance of regeneration schemes in enhancing the future prosperity of communities in Wales. We also want to draw out of the Government how it proposes to increase investor confidence for regeneration projects. I know that my colleagues hope to be called with regard to regeneration schemes in north and...
Russell George: As the leader of the opposition said yesterday, there is little evidence that the £100 million business park, which has been announced to soften the blow of the Circuit of Wales disappointment, will create the promised 1,500 jobs or the regeneration of Blaenau Gwent, given the Welsh Government’s track record of creating new jobs in this part of Wales. This is the question: what confidence...
Russell George: First Minister, there are eight enterprise zones across Wales. None of them cover my own constituency. I would say, in mid Wales, there is a great feel for entrepreneurship and there is a higher level of business start-ups than perhaps in other parts of Wales. So, what I would ask you, First Minister, is: do you think there is a case for an enterprise zone, or a growth deal, for mid Wales,...
Russell George: I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement today and for his comments in regard to the work of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee. I look forward to his acceptance, I hope, of all of our recommendations. First, with regard to the procurement process, your letter of 12 July to me on the merits and risks associated with publishing the full draft specification to...
Russell George: Diolch, acting Presiding Officer. I have to say, Cabinet Secretary, I am disappointed that we’re yet to see the detail that will allow the National Assembly to scrutinise the development bank’s business plan. Of course, Members must be able to ensure that businesses are fully supported through the proposals and that the failings of Finance Wales are fully addressed. So, I would be...
Russell George: Thank you, Presiding Officer. Cabinet Secretary, infrastructure projects have too often been delayed by short-term political considerations, and this has often led to spiralling costs and the cancellation of projects altogether. In addition, where high levels of uncertainty hang above infrastructure schemes, potentially, private sector investors are often deterred from providing financial...
Russell George: Well, I would put it to you, Cabinet Secretary, that we do need a more long-term and stable approach in Wales—more than ever before. Over the last number of years, the Welsh Government has presided over a number of significant major project failures, I’m afraid to say. That has created confusion and uncertainty for potential private sector investors, and the failure and the process with...
Russell George: And finally, Cabinet Secretary, if I could perhaps pursue an issue that Adam Price raised in his first question, there’s still some confusion for me in this regard, certainly when it comes to your publishing of ‘prosperous and secure’ and your economic strategy. I’m aware that you did tell the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee that you’d publish it this term;...
Russell George: The concern raised with me in mid Wales is not so much about retention, but about the recruitment of health professionals in the first place. There are concerns raised with me on a regular basis about the severe shortage of the recruitment of dentists in mid Wales. So, can I ask: what is the Welsh Government doing to incentivise the recruitment of dentists, GPs and other medical professionals...
Russell George: Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the process of prioritising 12 new railway stations?
Russell George: 1. Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government consultation 'Services Fit For the Future'? (OAQ51025)
Russell George: First Minister, I hope you will join me in recognising the important work that community health councils do across Wales. I’ve had the opportunity of meeting Powys community health council on a number of occasions over the summer recess. And one concern they’ve raised with me is the direction that the Welsh Government White Paper seems to be taking, and particularly an issue that they...
Russell George: Like Adam Price, I also did some speed reading—I managed to read the document during one of the questions in First Minister’s questions earlier. And there were points in the document that I was pleased to see there. But I am disappointed that, today, we haven’t seen a comprehensive economic strategy. Like other Members across this Chamber, of all parties, that’s what I was expecting....
Russell George: Thank you. Minister, can I ask: have you given any consideration, and if not will you, to banning smoking in all hotel rooms in Wales?
Russell George: 7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Farming Connect business advice grant? (OAQ51024)
Russell George: Cabinet Secretary, I’ve been contacted by a constituent with concerns about the administration fees charged by consultants to conduct work under the Farming Connect business advice grant—or, if I’m incorrect, as you stated—. It seems to be that, in some cases, consultants are taking up to 20 per cent of the total grant in administration fees. Are you prepared to have a look at this...
Russell George: 2. What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with housing associations in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour? (OAQ51023)
