David Melding: As another Blaenau Gwent electoral old boy, if that's the right way of putting it, I think we've all met with limited success. That's been turned around by you lately, but certainly Mr Lee and I found limited appeal. Can I commend the work of Robert Jones, who I know—and I've had the pleasure of hosting an event at which he was the principal speaker here in the Assembly—but also the work...
David Melding: I welcome this report. I do believe it seeks to examine some of the areas that currently lead to people sleeping on the streets and see where the policy gaps are. I think it's already had a broad welcome across the sector, so congratulations on that. I think the recommendations are constructive and well thought through, and, as is noted, the legislative framework is a pretty robust one now,...
David Melding: First Minister, we're already seeing, from the population statistics for Rhondda Cynon Taf and Aberdare, being very important, that there's an increase in population of people who are between 30 and 40, as some people are relocating to those areas to purchased family-sized housing. This is leading to a larger and more diverse social mix, which itself regenerates areas like Aberdare. But an...
David Melding: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Secretary, can I welcome the statement? I think the principle of responsible ownership that is mentioned towards the end of your statement is key, but I do think that more needs to be done with it. Several Members, including Gareth Bennett, have mentioned the need for education, and it is, after all, pet owners who are going to be able to deliver...
David Melding: Can I say we are very keen to support these regulations that ban microbeads from personal hygiene products? These regulations have already been passed, and indeed they come into effect today in England and Scotland. So, we're pleased to see the Welsh Government following that course of action. So, at least, in the UK, we'll have a consistent approach. I do believe this is a welcome and...
David Melding: Cabinet Secretary, I wonder whether you've had a chance to look at Professor Graeme Reid's report into research funding. He concludes, 'I have found great strengths and national assets in Welsh Universities and in research and innovation centres that have been developed in Wales during the last decade but I am not convinced that the potential of these assets is fully exploited for the benefit...
David Melding: Cabinet Secretary, can I support Lee Waters's call and remind you that, under the UK's digital strategy, they do have a digital skills partnership, which brings together public, private and third sector organisations to tackle the digital skills gap in a co-ordinated and coherent way? Do you not agree that we should be focusing on a cross-sector approach to spark innovation across the...
David Melding: Like everyone else, I find Barclays's decision quite baffling, and I do have some sympathy with you; quite how you can anticipate such a random decision is very difficult to consider. I think what you say about the resilience of the sector is key, because jobs continue to be generated, and perhaps against expectation with automation the service is becoming more skilled—highly skilled in...
David Melding: Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd, and I'm delighted to take part in this—
David Melding: Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. Can I congratulate you on the alacrity with which you readjusted your position there? On two occasions I forgot to call Ann Jones when she was the Chair of a relevant committee, and I felt so bad on the second one I bought her a box of chocolates. [Laughter.] I'm not suggesting that that's a precedent.
David Melding: I didn't correct myself very quickly, so my error was more egregious. Can I thank Simon Thomas for taking the lead in today's debate and getting a really good consensus? I thought we even had UKIP, but it seems, unless their amendment passes, they won't quite come on board, but it was a largely constructive contribution that we've just heard. I do think that the motion as put this afternoon...
David Melding: I have to say I'm very disappointed by one thing in particular, in that I think it was possible to have had a motion today that the whole Assembly could have agreed on, because we are genuinely disappointed by the outcome on the tidal lagoon and I do hope it will be possible for us to revisit things as soon as possible into the medium term. It is incumbent on those who have proposed the...
David Melding: Well, you know, that's the cut and thrust of politics—
David Melding: Well, let me finish my point, thank you, Leanne. Politics needs comparisons. At the heart of devolved Government is the theory that you look at different jurisdictions, and you learn from them. That is definitely legitimate. But what you don't do in the Westminster model—indeed, in any democratic system of government—is get one legislature to vote 'no confidence' in a Minister who's not...
David Melding: I'm just going to make this one point. Could I just add this, in a spirit of consensus? The way the UK Government and the Welsh Government co-operate in economic matters, I think, is worthy. And, since 2010, we've seen small and medium-sized enterprises grow by over 18,000 in Wales, and I don't think you can say that's UK Government exclusively, or Welsh Government—it is a partnership....
David Melding: You're quite right that any Government is accountable to the electorate on its platform in a manifesto. I don't think there is any Government that achieves everything it sets out to do, and obviously if you fall below a certain line you can expect a withering response from the electorate. But we are proud of what we are achieving, and we will defend it, and I'm sure the people of Wales, and...
David Melding: Mark Reckless.
David Melding: I call the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths.
David Melding: David Rowlands to reply to the debate.
David Melding: Thank you. The proposal is to note the committee's report. Does any Member object? The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.
