Russell George: Diolch, Llywydd. Cabinet Secretary, after many years of trying to retrieve this information from you, you have now finally provided the breakdown of the numbers of jobs created, safeguarded and supported by Wales's eight enterprise zones, and I thank you for those figures. The enterprise zones made clear that just—I've got the figures here—2,998 new jobs have been created since the zones...
Russell George: I appreciate your honesty with regard to there being a mixed picture on enterprise zones. I take on board as well that it's important to safeguard jobs, although I will say that, in a document from you here, it says, 'Enterprise Zones objectives are to: grow the local economy and provision of new jobs'. So, the data reveals that less than a third of the jobs that have been supported by...
Russell George: Despite the hundreds of millions of pounds that have been invested in the zones, the economy of Wales, I would say, continues to lag behind most other parts of the UK. GVA per head in Wales in 2015 was £18,000, at the bottom of the league table of home nations for GVA per head and it has been at that bottom position for the past 20 consecutive years. In addition, weekly average earnings in...
Russell George: Diolch, Llywydd. I move the motion in my name. This report is in regard to digital infrastructure in Wales. Connectivity is no longer a 'nice to have' when it comes to living and working in Wales for many people, including some of the businesses we spoke to as part of our inquiry. It is now considered an essential service like water or electricity—even in some quite unlikely places. To...
Russell George: I would, yes.
Russell George: Well, certainly, we've had confirmation from BT that they believe that the contract will be delivered, according to the contract, and I will come on to address some of the communication issues that you've raised, actually, towards the end of my contribution. I think what Simon Thomas has also said concerns many other Members as well, because the prospect of premises, of course, being left...
Russell George: Diolch, Llywydd. I'm grateful to the Members who took part in this debate this afternoon. If I can perhaps comment on each one. Now, Adam Price rightly pointed out the disparity of connectivity in rural Wales in particular, and also mentioned Ceredigion, which is absolutely lagging behind other parts of Wales and the UK in comparison. And Adam mentioned alternative solutions and, of course,...
Russell George: And everybody was still listening and we didn't want to stop him. Nobody was interested in stopping Mr Taylor because he was an inspiration, and his story was fantastic. He was an inspiration, and I think, as a committee, we just felt every community needs a Mr Taylor. [Interruption.] Did you hear Mr Taylor? [Laughter.] I have to say that I certainly air my frustrations to the Cabinet...
Russell George: As we approach Small Business Saturday, I and my Welsh Conservative colleagues welcome this debate on entrepreneurship in Wales, and very much welcome the principles of the Government's motion. I agree that unlocking entrepreneurship is essential in order to enable the creation of a strong and vibrant economy. I also agree that the Welsh Government has a key role in creating the right...
Russell George: I certainly welcome the new scheme to tackle bovine TB. I think we all want to see this cruel disease eradicated in both the wildlife population and in cattle. My concern is that no additional pressure is put on farmers who, for too long, have suffered the effects of bovine TB. Now, you've already answered questions and talked about the significant cut to your budget. Can I ask, in relation...
Russell George: 1. Given the announced 23 per cent overspend on the project to dual the A465 between Abergavenny and Hirwaun, will the Cabinet Secretary confirm where the additional resource to fund this will come from? 73
Russell George: I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer. We've heard from businesses, of course, who will face financial difficulty due to delays. There are the obvious frustrations and inconvenience to residents. Can I ask: when did you become aware that the project would likely go into an overspend situation? What provisions were made by the Welsh Government to cover the potential cost overruns of the...
Russell George: I'm also pleased to take part in this debate. I thank Mick Antoniw and others—other Members—for bringing this forward. It's encouraging, to a point, that other Members are experiencing or have got constituents that have experienced the same issues as mine; I don't feel alone. I think Dawn Bowden alluded to that as well. In my contribution, I would like to highlight the plight of one of my...
Russell George: First Minister, 10,000 firms went out of business last year in Wales. The number of firms still in business after five years is just 43 per cent, which is below the UK average. Now, understandably, some firms will go out of business due to changes in the market and for other reasons, but can I ask what your explanation is to why businesses are more likely to go out of business in Wales, and...
Russell George: Can the leader of the house inform me whether discussions have taken place between the Welsh Government and the UK Government with regard to seasonal working permits following Brexit, and, of course, in looking at future arrangements?
Russell George: Can I agree with the contribution from Mick Antoniw? I would say there's not one Member in this Chamber who's successfully been able to change a bank's mind once they've taken their decision. I have previously raised in this Chamber the idea of the Government facilitating discussions between the bank and the Financial Conduct Authority and other partners to explore a community banking model...
Russell George: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on rail services in Mid and West Wales? OAQ51454
Russell George: First Minister, I've received a large number of complaints from regular travellers on the Cambrian line operated by Arriva Trains Wales. There have been a large number of cancellations or part cancellations with no alternative bus service being provided, leaving passengers totally in the lurch. The cancellations often occur minutes before the train is due to depart, which, of course, makes it...
Russell George: Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Secretary, I'm pleased that you have finally launched your economic action plan. I would say it has come 19 months since the 2016 Assembly elections, in which, of course, you stated that the economy would be your Government's No. 1 priority. The document was only received this morning by Assembly Members, but I've done my best to read as much as I can...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Secretary, can I broadly welcome the updating of the Welsh Government's Wales transport strategy? I think it's right that the strategy is updated to take account of both new powers and recent legislation. I also agree that seamless transport infrastructure is key to economic growth. Of course, for years we've had talk of the M4 relief road, and I'm...
