David Melding: Minister, this is very important work. You may know that the fire service has issued enforcement notices at Celestia Homes, where there are deficiencies in external blocking and cladding, the compartmentalisation of these buildings is inadequate, and, as a result, leaseholders are now facing very substantial sums of money to put these things right. This housing was built in 2006, and...
David Melding: I must say, First Minister, that I feel a very deep emotional attachment to Britishness and to Welshness, and I do believe the union is much more than a constitutional arrangement. So, that's the first remark I'd make about the attitude you're taking to undoubtedly needed constitutional reform. I do welcome reforming our union. I think it is an interesting document and I give it two cheers,...
David Melding: I note that Lord Bird, the founder of The Big Issue, is introducing a future generations Act into the House of Lords, inspired very much by the work of Welsh Government. So, a big tick for that. I think this is a really good process, but I have to say, in the financial scrutiny I've been involved in in committees, when you ask the senior officials what training they have had in the use of the...
David Melding: Deputy Minister, areas like Caerphilly, as you say, are immensely rich in their industrial heritage, and I think, all over those industrial parts of Wales, industrial heritage is often in the hands of local groups, and obviously local councils. I noticed recently Aber Valley Heritage Group and what they’ve done in the past to raise awareness of the Senghenydd disaster and keep that memory...
David Melding: First Minister, do you join with me in welcoming Persimmon Homes' decision to settle out of court during the summer and grant 55 householders on a Cardiff estate—St Edeyrns—their leasehold free of charge? They were on that estate despite the fact that the other 1,100 properties were sold as freehold, and it really is time that developers stopped using leasehold simply as another tool to...
David Melding: While I agree with much of the Minister's approach, I do think it's time to move more quickly, though I do welcome the fact that we're having regular statements on this very important issue. For instance, I note that you will publish a White Paper on building safety. I think that's appropriate. But I think what we also need to know is whether you intend to legislate before the Assembly...
David Melding: Can I start by just welcoming the fact that the Deputy Minister is inviting us to make our own contributions in terms of the ongoing approach to expand the tourism sector and is open to ideas? I think that many of the ambitions that have been set out will be shared. So, anyway, this is my opportunity to tell the Assembly, and the Minister in particular, about what I think needs to be in the...
David Melding: Which I've walked.
David Melding: The whole length. [Laughter.]
David Melding: The former First Minister always speaks with great passion on these issues through his family connections and we respect that. However, I would remind him that both Mrs May's deal and the current deal is and was supported by the Republic of Ireland's Government, so I do regret some of the rhetorical flourishes you made and threw at our benches. I think that was very unfair, frankly.
David Melding: I didn't say anything. I was just sat here listening. I think what we must realise in a point of crisis like this is that we have come to the time when we must decide. Our EU partners have been very patient. They need to move on, just as we do. I would have much preferred Mrs May's deal. It did seem to me to fully respect the referendum result, which was clear, that the people—unexpectedly,...
David Melding: I will give way.
David Melding: Well, you know, we may be at the point where you could convince people of that, but, frankly, nothing would have pleased me in the last couple of years than that there would have been a huge shift in public opinion and an obvious demonstration that the public wanted another vote. The problem is, if we had another vote, it could well be the same result. And these arguments have been aired for...
David Melding: Oh, do I have time to give way again?
David Melding: I'll give way.
David Melding: No-one can predict with certainty what will happen in a general election, but I cannot see any way than refreshing the current Parliament and attempting to form a Government that has a mandate to act. That may be a coalition Government—who knows? But that's always the situation, at great points of peril, in a general election. You have to face the electorate and deal with the outcome they...
David Melding: If we were just talking about the sole issue of how to conduct properly a Bill of this magnitude, I would agree with you; it does require time and it's obviously not going to get it. However, the First Minister has said this afternoon, in the most emphatic terms—and he's passionate about it and he's entitled to his opinion—that he doesn't want any deal; he wants to remain in the EU. And...
David Melding: 4. What action is the Welsh Government taking to inform and educate young people about homelessness through the education system? OAQ54595
David Melding: Thank you for that encouraging answer. I'm sure you'll be encouraged by the Youth Parliament also calling for a greater focus on skills in our educational system. The skill of living, the skill of keeping a tenancy going, and the skill of knowing where to go for help when things break down is an essential one, I would say. In those classes that promote citizenship, social awareness and health...
David Melding: 3. What is the Welsh Government's response to the Carers Wales 'Track the Act' report? OAQ54593
