Lesley Griffiths: There will be a written statement issued this afternoon, but can I just—
Lesley Griffiths: There will be a written statement this afternoon, and if I could just clarify as the Member, I think, said nine children had unfortunately died in Wales; it's in the UK. I absolutely agree with you, though, these are all really tragic cases.
Lesley Griffiths: There is one change to this week's business. The Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Wales) Regulations 2022 will be debated immediately after the debate on the draft budget statement. Draft business for the next three weeks of the spring term is set out in the business statement and announcement, which can be found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Lesley Griffiths: The Deputy Minister for Climate Change will be happy to do a written statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I was reading a very interesting article on this issue yesterday. I know the Minister for Health and Social Services is aware, obviously, of what's happened in England, and is considering further action that might be necessary here in Wales. I'm sure she will do a statement when she's done that consideration.
Lesley Griffiths: Absolutely, I agree with Mike Hedges. We obviously believe everyone should have access to a decent, affordable home. This is fundamental to people's mental and physical health, and of course their well-being as well. The Member will be aware that we're funding numerous programmes to increase access to those homes, including record funding for building low-carbon social houses for rent. You'll...
Lesley Griffiths: It is true that there have been a number of disappointing delays with bringing these new trains into service. They do include the need for Transport for Wales to rigorously ensure they're safe and they're reliable for passenger use, following some incidents during their testing. It's very unfortunate that Vivarail have entered administration, but that's obviously not the fault of Transport...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I assume the process is still the same for Members to be able to give that evidence, but I will check with the Minister for Climate Change in relation to that.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. As I've committed the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to publish a written statement on the south Wales metro, I think it's only fair that he does one on the north Wales metro as well.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I'm very aware of junior parkruns. I have one in my own constituency, which my daughter, who does parkrun, has commandeered me into volunteering on. I think it is a good way of getting young people active, and certainly the ones that I have seen in Wrexham have been very well supported. You will be aware that in our schools both the Minister for Education and Welsh Language and the...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I am aware the Deputy Minister for Social Justice works very closely with veterans services right across Wales on a variety of issues around health and housing, for instance. I'm not aware of anything specific about the group of people that you refer to, but I will certainly ask if there is anything specific that can be done, and, if so, there will be a statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. We haven't been made aware or informed that park home occupiers have seen significant increases in pitch fees here in Wales, but obviously it's really important that we monitor the situation. Unlike in England, pitch fees here are based on the consumer price index and not the retail price index, so I think that is the significant difference. But, of course, we recognise the points...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. We recognise all our local authorities, just the same as Welsh Government, are under severe budgetary difficulties, but the issue you raise is a matter for Powys County Council.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you very much. Obviously, we strongly condemn behaviours like these. They have no place in the fire and rescue service, or anywhere else for that matter. It's really important that they are met with the absolute sternest possible sanctions from management. I was very pleased to see Huw Jakeway announce the independent inquiry. I am aware the Deputy Minister for Social Justice this...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I think it is about a balance. I am aware the Deputy Minister had the meeting to which the Member alluded and is currently considering a way forward.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the background to today's debate on the Trade in Animals and Related Products (Amendment and Legislative Functions) and Animal Health (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022. Trade in animals and animal products is regulated by a suite of domestic legislation and retained EU law, and import controls are implemented and enforced at...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you very much, and I'd like to thank Members for their contributions to this debate, particularly Huw Irranca-Davies as Chair of the LJCC, and other members of that committee as well, and I absolutely understand and appreciate the concerns that have been raised by all Members who contributed in this debate. I will certainly endeavour to ensure this does not happen again, and certainly...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you to Peter Fox for his statement, and for the conversations that we've had over a period of time, leading up to today. I still firmly believe that this Bill is the wrong Bill, at the wrong time. Wales's Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 already provides us with a framework and a foundation for holistic integrated...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. There is one change to this week's business. I have extended the time allocated to the statement on NHS winter pressures to 45 minutes. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out on the business statement and announcement, which can be found among the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you, Darren Millar. In relation to the first issue that you referred to, with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, you will be aware that there is a process to go through, and I'm sure that the Minister for Health and Social Services will update us at the most appropriate time, but I do not think that that will be before next month. In relation to your second request, it would be...
