Lesley Griffiths: I refer the Member to my two previous answers. Whether Conwy council have four-weekly, three-weekly, two-weekly collections is a matter for Conwy council. I don’t tell them what to do. Welsh Government doesn’t tell them what to do. In relation to local authorities and the 0.2 per cent, as I say, littering is a crime and it’s up to local authorities to make sure that they use all their...
Lesley Griffiths: Absolutely. I think that’s a really important point in relation to the issue we have with it. I’m really delighted to hear about the very collaborative approach that you had in your scheme in Pembrokeshire. I think it’s an easy way of improving the quality of our environment, just one piece at a time. Two minutes isn’t a great deal of time to ask people to volunteer. So, while that is...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Welsh Government Local Energy service launched in January of this year, supporting renewable energy projects delivering local benefit. Our ongoing support since 2010 has helped communities deliver eight completed schemes. Eight more are currently under construction, with a further nine to be constructed by the end of 2017.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, my officials are constantly monitoring the effect of UK Government energy policy to ensure that the sector can continue to deliver for Wales. I think there has been a lack of progress because of that change in support that we’ve seen coming from the UK Government. We’re looking at models that can support renewable energy development to continue. So, for example, Welsh...
Lesley Griffiths: I haven’t had that discussion since I came into portfolio, but I know my officials are actively having those discussions not just across the devolved administrations, but also with the UK Government.
Lesley Griffiths: I can. I was in committee this morning, and Simon will have heard me say this, but I was in Morrisons in Wrexham on Saturday, and, as you know, I visited Puffin Produce in Pembroke over the summer, where they have their very recognisable packaging. So, I bought leeks and new potatoes, and I also bought a cauliflower—that’s three. I bought some Welsh lamb. I’m trying to think of the...
Lesley Griffiths: Halen Môn—yes.
Lesley Griffiths: The Member for Ynys Môn is correct actually.
Lesley Griffiths: Yes, well, as the Member is aware from committee this morning, we are having those discussions now. A great deal of work and activity has taken place over the summer with the farming sector, looking at what we will do post Brexit, and, clearly, the issues around subsidy are very important to our farming industry, and it’s very important that we support them. They are, basically, our food...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Sorry, I thought you said ‘beyond 2020’. Absolutely; we know we’re getting that money until 2020. We have that assurance, and, absolutely, that’s the case. In relation to your question regarding migrant workers, I think you’re absolutely right. Both the agricultural sector, and probably more so the food processing sector, relies on migrant workers, and they’re again...
Lesley Griffiths: As you know, we have our eradication scheme, and I’ve already said that we’re having a close look at that, and I’ll be making a statement in this Chamber next month.
Lesley Griffiths: What the Member also fails to mention is that we’ve seen a 16 per cent decrease in new herd incidents, and whilst I don’t want to see an increase in the number of cattle that are slaughtered, given the fact that we are testing so hard, I don’t think we can expect not to see an increase in the reactors. I’ve already said that I’m considering all options over the summer. I’ve said...
Lesley Griffiths: I think it is being dealt with in the manner to which you refer already, and has been for several years. The issue you raise around trade after we leave the EU, I think, is a very pertinent one and one that I’ve already discussed with the sector and will continue to discuss at both the ministerial level and with my officials also.
Lesley Griffiths: Clearly, the Member for Mid and West Wales wasn’t listening to my answers to Paul Davies. I don’t agree with you that there’s been no action. Again, you just quote the 43 per cent, but you fail to mention the 16 per cent decrease in new herd instances also.
Lesley Griffiths: I think it’s a great shame that we’re having to have post-Brexit negotiations at all, to be perfectly honest with you. You heard my answer to Paul Davies. I do understand concerns about that and I will continue to have those discussions. It’s very early days in the post-Brexit discussions, as you are aware.
Lesley Griffiths: We will be consulting later this month.
Lesley Griffiths: The revised technical advice note 1 provides a consistent methodology for local planning authorities to annually assess their housing land supply based on the housing requirement figures set out in their local development plans.
Lesley Griffiths: I think the reason for having the revision of TAN 1, you’ve just absolutely said. I think that because sites weren’t coming forward, that was why the technical advice note was revised and I think it’s taken the cover off what was taking place before. So, I think it is bedding in now. It has set out a methodology for carrying out the review. That can be applied consistently across Wales,...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The strategic development plans came from the planning Act, as you said, and it was to try and get local authorities to work much more closely cross border. Unfortunately, at the current time, there doesn’t seem to be much discussion between local authorities, apart from the 10 south-east Wales local authorities in relation to the city deal—I think that’s part of their...
Lesley Griffiths: It’s very important that LDPs are in place. My officials monitor this very carefully. We have just a handful, now, of local authorities who haven’t got them in, and we monitor that to ensure that they come in within the timeline. What an adopted plan means is that local authorities and communities can then positively steer and influence the future to their benefit, rather than being...
