Russell George: First Minister, you'll be aware that Carno residents have been campaigning for a new station in Carno for many years. They have been frustrated that the stage 2 appraisal process did seem to take longer than was expected, but I'm grateful to Helen Mary Jones, who asked your colleague a question last week, to know that that stage 2 process is indeed coming to an end and stage 3 is about to...
Russell George: What assessment has the Deputy Minister made of the report 'Transporting our Future Generations' on how the transport infrastructure sector should respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015? Transferred for written answer by the Minister for Economy and Transport.
Russell George: Well, of course, Honda has confirmed that Brexit wasn't a driving force behind their decision, but it was largely driven by the industry's move to electrified vehicles, and they have said that they will focus activity in regions where it's expected to have high production volumes of electric cars. So, I am concerned that we are behind the curve here in Wales. We know that the Scottish...
Russell George: That's what they said. I'm quoting what they said.
Russell George: I would like to second Huw Irranca-Davies's motion, which has been co-submitted on a cross-party basis in an effort to urge the Welsh Government to refresh its ambition for active travel through a comprehensive active travel strategy. And I don't think there will be any disagreement in this Chamber of the benefits of active travel. They are numerous, including the contribution that it can...
Russell George: It's not, it's somebody else; it's another Member.
Russell George: I just look forward to the closing remarks. [Interruption.] John Griffiths has got two minutes in his closing remarks. That's what I look forward to. [Laughter.]
Russell George: Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of social housing to those with reduced mobility?
Russell George: The Cardiff capital region city deal was agreed by the UK Government, the Welsh Government and 10 local authorities back in March 2016, and I hope you would agree this is a good example of the Welsh and UK Governments working together to deliver major infrastructure projects. In the coming years, the UK Government will be providing hundreds of millions of pounds of funding to growth deals...
Russell George: Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's policy on business rates in the holiday sector?
Russell George: Trefnydd, I believe that business improvement districts are a good way of seeing businesses and local community councils working together, and it's a good model I do believe, and Newtown is going through that process at the moment. Is it intended that any of the financial proceeds from a potential bid will be channelled through town and community councils so that they can work on behalf of...
Russell George: What discussions has the Minister had with the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip on the budget for the implementation of measures contained in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015?
Russell George: I nominate Mark Isherwood.
Russell George: 10. How is the Minister's department contributing to the key theme of 'ambitious and learning', as set out in 'Prosperity for All: the national strategy'? OAQ53547
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister. Currently, all children in Wales are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours per week of free foundation phase education in school or a funded nursery in the term following their third birthday. In England, all children are entitled to 15 hours per week. Due to the rurality of much of mid Wales, two hours a day is not proportionate, in travel terms, for people...
Russell George: Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of foundation phase education?
Russell George: Trefnydd, could I ask for two statements, please? I'm aware of a peak-hours embargo on abnormal load movements, including abnormal load movements of carrying caravans, on almost all roads in the greater Manchester police area. From 1 April, vehicles will be stopped and not allowed to continue their journey during peak hours, as I understand this. This will affect a number of holiday parks in...
Russell George: Diolch, Llywydd. Last month, Actica Consulting was commissioned jointly by the UK and the Welsh Governments to undertake a rapid independent-led review of arrangements for the delivery of the £1.3 billion Swansea bay city deal. I'm turning my head now to the Deputy Minister as I can see that's the way the discussion's going. The report made seven recommendations to improve the deliverability...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Deputy Minister, and I don't disagree with anything you said. I do want to try and draw out what your initial assessments were of those recommendations and perhaps if you could address that. I did note from reading the report myself that the key recommendations outline the need for action over the next four months. Now, these actions are for the city deal to...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Minister. I am glad that you and Alun Cairns are working together on this, and I'm pleased that you're updating local Members on issues as well. But I would be grateful if you could also keep all Members updated, perhaps through statements, because we've all got an interest in this. I'm glad that the report does highlight the positive contribution that the deal can make in...
