David Rowlands: Can I thank the Conservative Party for bringing this debate forward, as I feel it covers matters that are fundamental to the governance of Wales? If we are to discuss the funding available to Wales, we cannot do so without consideration of the Barnett formula, which—I am sure there would be agreement across the Chamber—is fundamentally flawed. In this respect, I think it is pertinent to...
David Rowlands: 2. Will the First Minister make a statement on the performance of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales? OAQ54798
David Rowlands: I thank the First Minister for that answer. As you say, on 27 November, the commission presented its first annual report. No Assembly Members were invited, and I am informed that even the Chair of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee, Russell George, was not informed of the presentation. It would seem massively disappointing that, after sitting for 12 months, the report simply...
David Rowlands: Can I thank the Cabinet Minister for his statement, which acknowledges the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities? I think that it's true to say that we all share concerns on how we treat our fellow citizens who find themselves unable, through disabilities, to find work. But I may say at this juncture that it seems to be the case that employers do not share the same...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Following the announcement in June this year that the automotive company TVR had selected a west Wales company to furnish their factory unit on the Ebbw Vale automotive technology site, which was a very welcome announcement in itself—that they had chosen a Welsh company to do that—can the Minister give us an update on the progress made so far with regard to the...
David Rowlands: Well, I thank the Minister for his answer. My question really was made more in hope than in expectation, given that, obviously, the actual dates for commencement would be with the TVR company itself. Turning to the development of the park itself, can you give us any details as to other companies that have expressed an interest in coming to Ebbw Vale, and could you confirm reports that the...
David Rowlands: Regional skills partnerships are in place to drive investment in skills by developing responses based upon local and regional need. Given that the Government says their remit is simply to provide statistics and information and not innovate operational work or advise, are they delivering as envisaged? We understand there are three regional skills partnerships in Wales covering south-east...
David Rowlands: Wouldn't you agree that there are many hundreds of thousands of people in this country who are the victims of the overprescription of drugs—in this country, at this moment?
David Rowlands: Will you take an intervention?
David Rowlands: Thank you, Rhun. Would you agree that we had a trade agreement with the United States long before we went into the EU and that there was an opportunity all along, from 1948 when we had the NHS, right up to 1975 when we went into the EU, for the United States pharmaceutical industry and all the other industries to have done exactly what you're saying to the NHS at that time?
David Rowlands: Could the Minister make a statement on Government initiatives to stimulate the economy of Pontypool and its immediate Valleys communities, including Blaenavon? Pontypool was once a thriving industrial community, with companies such as ICI, formally British Nylon Spinners, which at one time employed some 6,000 people; Panteg Steel Works with around 3,000; Pilkington Glass, 700; and...
David Rowlands: What actions will the Welsh Government take in areas other than transport to achieve its target of reducing all carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050?
David Rowlands: 2. Will the Minister provide an update on progress made in tree planting across Wales? OAQ54842
David Rowlands: I thank the Minister for that answer. But, following on from your statement yesterday on your clean air plan, it would seem that the Government is keen on rhetoric but somewhat lacking on commitment. You spoke of such things as healthy resilience, reduction in air pollution both from industry and transport, and the desperate need to increase air quality. And, yet, you fail to mention one...
David Rowlands: Much of my contribution may have already been said or alluded to, but this is such an important matter that it bears saying several times, or even more. Across Wales, we have seen a demise in the ability to carry out financial transactions in the traditional manner—that is, through the high-street bank. The closure of banks, along with post offices, has caused great difficulty for people in...
David Rowlands: Will you take an intervention, please?
David Rowlands: Surely, it's not a responsibility—it's a liability of the banks to the communities.
David Rowlands: Could we have a statement from the Minister with regard to the wilding of upland grazing land? I've been contacted by members of the farming community who are seriously concerned at the degradation of areas that were previously grazed, often for many generations, by cattle, sheep and other livestock. These areas were farmed under proven, traditional management methods. Can the Minister also...
David Rowlands: The public sense and sensibilities with regard to the treatment of animals has changed dramatically over recent decades. What was acceptable in the 1950s is no longer acceptable in the twenty-first century. The welfare of animals, not their entertainment value, should be at the centre of any debate surrounding their use in circuses and indeed in any entertainment scenario. Wild animals belong...
David Rowlands: 3. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government manages its budget? OAQ54852
