David Rowlands: [Continues.]—but the whole ethos of the thing—. Right, I’ll start again, First Minister.
David Rowlands: 4. Will the First Minister explore the possibility of part of the cost for the M4 improvement scheme being borne by the Irish Government, given that three quarters of all Irish exports to the EU and UK pass along that road? OAQ(5)0301(FM)
David Rowlands: I thank the First Minister for the answer, but this is a serious proposition, as I understand Ireland may be able to access funds from the trans-European highways fund. [Interruption.] Very ironic, you say. And here I quote—[Interruption.] And here—[Interruption.]
David Rowlands: And here I quote fund allocation principles: ‘Although we have been investing a lot in improving transport infrastructure, there is under investment in many smaller cross-border sections’—
David Rowlands: Llywydd, I’m glad they realise what they’re saying, and that we now can get funds from the EU, post Brexit, of course. I shall start again, First Minister. I thank the First Minister for his answer, but this is a serious proposition, as I understand Ireland may be able to access funds from the trans-European highways fund. Here I quote fund allocation principles—[Interruption.]
David Rowlands: And so do I, Llywydd. Thank you very much. ‘There is under investment in many smaller cross-border sections, and bottlenecks’. I trust the First Minister would agree that the M4 at Brynglas would certainly qualify for the description ‘bottleneck’.
David Rowlands: Well, it will come as no surprise to the Counsel General that, as a member of the UK Independence Party, I obviously welcome the fact that the Prime Minister is working on a new Act of Parliament to repeal the iniquitous 1972 European Communities Act. However, to set UKIP’s position with regard to this, whilst we support the Act, we’re also adamant that it in no way rolls back the...
David Rowlands: Can I also add my congratulations to the Chair of the standards committee on the excellent way that you delivered your first statement to the Chamber? That also reflects the way that you’re running the committee in general anyway. Okay. Being new to the standards committee, I had little time to get to know Gerard Elias personally. However, I’m very aware of the legacy he’s left from his...
David Rowlands: Would the First Minister agree that, rather than spending tens of millions of pounds on wind turbines—which are said to be only around 35 per cent efficient, environmentally damaging and cost the very poorest in the country in increased energy costs, whilst, incidentally, putting large amounts of money into wealthy landowners’ pockets—it would be better to spend the money on home...
David Rowlands: Diolch, Lywydd. Turning to some more mundane matters, but nonetheless important in their own right, Cabinet Secretary, could the Cabinet Secretary inform us as to who is responsible for clearing litter from the trunk roads in Wales?
David Rowlands: Well, I thank you for your answer, Cabinet Secretary, but the reason for my inquiry is that the general condition of the verges of such roads is, quite frankly, appalling. Nick Ramsay raised the matter of the A449 with your predecessor, and a temporary clean-up took place. However, soon after, it returned to its usual deplorable condition. Now, I know that the Cabinet Secretary is fully...
David Rowlands: Well, again, I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his reply, but this is such a fundamental part of what we want to sell Wales as to the tourists who come here. And to see the verges in the absolute state that they are, that does not encourage or give a good impression of Wales generally. Something ought to be done about this, and quite urgently.
David Rowlands: We meet again, Cabinet Minister. ‘Taking Wales Forward’ includes plans for transport in Wales, with the metro being the most comprehensive and ambitious project ever envisaged by the Welsh Government. I am sure the whole of the Chamber applauds you for your vision on this, but will the First Minister please tell us when will the major works included in this project—[Interruption.] I’m...
David Rowlands: Will the Assembly Member please recognise the fact that mass immigration is a huge factor in lowering the wages of the very worst off in society? It’s those people who are paying the price of 330,000 people a year coming into this country with no skills, and they are taking the jobs of the worst off in our society.
David Rowlands: Firstly, Cabinet Secretary, can I confirm that my party wholeheartedly believes in the concept of a Wales development bank? That said, we believe that its remit must be specific and designed to deliver its primary objective, which is supplying funds to the small business sector, where they cannot access funds without the direct intervention of the WDB. Having read the feasibility study, which...
David Rowlands: Cabinet Secretary, UKIP concurs with the Welsh Government’s decision to review or end the Communities First programme. This was a Government flagship strategy designed to eradicate deprivation in Wales. Whilst there are some examples of success, there are also glaring examples of mismanagement. For instance, the 3Gs Development Trust programme in Merthyr spent £1.3 million on staff...
David Rowlands: Given that the new rolling stock is an essential demand within the franchise decision, is the First Minister in a position to specify to any interested parties whether, and to what extent, light rail stock will be required as opposed to standard rail stock, given the implications of the proposed metro system?
David Rowlands: Well, I make no apologies for reiterating a lot of what’s been said in the Chamber today, because I think it’s such an important factor to the Welsh economy. My colleague’s outlined very effectively the legal position with regard to the Government’s proposal to retain the bridge tolls after the transition date. I would like to concentrate on the financial situation with regard to the...
David Rowlands: Following on from the comments of the Assembly Member for Neath, as a former justice of the peace, I know that the closure of Abergavenny court, in my area, makes it almost impossible for defendants to attend the two remaining courts at Cwmbran and Newport, given that many will have to use public transport. Do you know whether these factors were taken into account, and was your predecessor...
David Rowlands: I think we must all welcome and acknowledge the financial help afforded by the Welsh Government to businesses affected by the recent valuation process and indeed over the preceding years. However, we in UKIP are concerned that, given the scale of the recent valuation process and its consequences, the present funding levels may well prove inadequate. However, whether this funding is adequate...
