Lesley Griffiths: Yes, absolutely. At the moment, we're still in the EU, so we're obliged to comply with those European directives. I would certainly commit to keeping at least the same standards, if not enhancing them.
Lesley Griffiths: Unfortunately, I can't give you any assurance around funding. They are ongoing conversations. I've got my next quadrilateral on Monday in London. Funding is a standing item, now, on the agenda; both myself and my Scottish counterpart have insisted upon that. I absolutely agree; we're completely opposed to any Barnettisation of that funding. But what we have committed to is making sure that...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, that issue has not been raised with me. I do meet supermarkets, and certainly my officials meet with supermarkets and other food outlets to make sure that they are very aware of the amazing Welsh produce that we have and when it's available for them to sell in their supermarkets.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I was reading some statistics last week that said that over 50 per cent, now, of Welsh people would prefer to buy Welsh food and drink, and do so. So, again, I think we are making a big impact there. It's very important that, going forward, we ensure that people—and I think that Simon Thomas raised this yesterday in the legislation that we are taking through—it's very...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, I think I did that in my statement in December. I don't accept that there is that huge amount of uncertainty among the agricultural sector. Certainly, when I spoke at the NFU conference in Birmingham, the national one last month—. Following that, I met with the group, and some of the farmers in that blue flag scheme to which you referred—I had a presentation from them, and they form...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Building on the improvements to the planning system introduced through the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, I am currently consulting on a revised 'Planning Policy Wales' and undertaking preparatory work for the national development framework. I also look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Law Commission to simplify and consolidate planning legislation.
Lesley Griffiths: It is something, certainly, that my officials have been—. I think they’ve probably met with every planning official in each local authority across Wales to discuss this. We are generally concerned about the capacity of our planning departments across, not just local authorities, but obviously the three national parks too. So, I do think we have to look at everything we can to make it...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Decisions on planning applications must be made, obviously, in accordance with the local development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Therefore, any pre-application advice has to be based on the authority's established policies and should provide consistency in advice given. Final decisions on applications are either taken by the planning committee or...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, I think I answered that point in my original answer to the leader of the opposition. I think it's very important that our planning system is simplified and consolidated in a way that would help that to happen. I don't think it is at the moment, and that's why I'm undertaking the review of 'Planning Policy Wales', and, also, the Law Commission are looking at it for us too.
Lesley Griffiths: You're absolutely right in saying that we are seeing an increase in the number of poultry units going through the planning system and are coming to fruition. And I do think it is about farmers diversifying and, certainly, I think Brexit is having an impact on this. This is an area that I've actually asked for some advice on, because there was one up in north-east Wales, actually—not in my...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Wales animal health and welfare framework implementation plan sets out the framework group and Welsh Government priorities for animal health and welfare. One of the strategic outcomes is: 'animals in Wales have a good quality of life'. I will be making a statement on animal welfare on 24 April.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you for that question. I'm very happy to engage with your constituent who I know has founded the campaign. I think I've been asked to speak at the event that's going to be held here in the Senedd in the near future, and I'll be very happy to do that. We have already introduced a number of animal welfare issues well before England, and it is good to see DEFRA now following suit. I met...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Alabama rot, which does not impact on public health, is not a notifiable or reportable disease. The control of the disease is not the responsibility of the Welsh Government. Concerned dog owners should consult their private vet, and we are monitoring developments as private veterinary investigations and research continues.
Lesley Griffiths: I had a discussion with the chief veterinary officer around Alabama rot this morning. As I say, it's not the responsibility of the Welsh Government, but obviously we are very keen to learn from the research that is ongoing. It's considered to be a winter disease and it's associated with wet weather conditions, so I asked the question, 'Well, if we have a wet summer, will the same situation...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch. I have set stretching yet realistic targets for renewable energy. My aim is to decarbonise our energy system, while reducing long-term costs and bringing the economic benefits to the people of Wales. By the end of 2016, Wales generated 43 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewable energy.
Lesley Griffiths: I'd certainly be very happy to look at it. As you'll be aware, not all parts of energy are devolved to us. When I was in London on Monday, I met with Claire Perry, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's Minister of State, and we had some very interesting discussions about what more she can do to support us in our renewable energy desires, so, for instance, in relation...
Lesley Griffiths: The Wales animal health and welfare framework implementation plan sets out the framework group and Welsh Government priorities for animal health and welfare. One of the strategic outcomes is: animals in Wales have a good quality of life. I will be making a statement on animal welfare on 24 April.
Lesley Griffiths: I have commenced a review of Part L of the building regulations to support our carbon-reduction targets. The review is expected to focus on new housing following significant changes to standards for non-domestic buildings in 2014. The scoping study for the review will be complete in the summer.
Lesley Griffiths: Abattoirs in Wales that process meat are eligible to apply for grant aid through the food business investment scheme and the sector has received support. Officials are in discussion with representatives from the small abattoirs to determine what other support would assist their businesses to be resilient and to develop.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I laid the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014 (Continuation of Effect) Order 2018 on 5 March 2018, and I'm presenting the Order today for debate in the National Assembly. The Act contains a sunset clause that states that it will fall if no action is taken to preserve it by 30 July 2018. The Order will preserve the Act, and the Welsh Government's...
