Mohammad Asghar: This debate this afternoon provides an opportunity to highlight the transformation that has taken place in the United Kingdom economy, thanks to the policies of the Conservative Government. Labour wasted 13 years in power and left behind a dismal economic legacy. I think that our Adam Price must remember very well what he just shouted very clearly and loudly, telling all this Chamber about...
Mohammad Asghar: Wait a minute. Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has not deterred foreign investment, as companies wish to take advantage of our strong and stable economy. Come on, Adam.
Mohammad Asghar: Adam, what I’m saying is this: don’t mix oranges with—. Our economy in Wales, actually, we have been given different funding with the Barnett formula. Our Government is there to answer. Most of our economy is controlled by us here, also. You should not blame London. Your education, transport, health—you name anything. Twenty devolved areas, none of them have reached the level that you...
Mohammad Asghar: Something the First Minister failed to do at his campaign launch on Monday. We cannot allow—[Interruption.]
Mohammad Asghar: We cannot allow—. We cannot allow a Government [Inaudible.]—
Mohammad Asghar: [Continues.]—to put our economy at risk.
Mohammad Asghar: Cabinet Secretary, I recently visited my general practitioner. I had to go very early in the morning—an 8 o’clock appointment—and what I saw was unthinkable. I had to pass through a couple of surgeries, and people were waiting from 7.30 a.m. until 8 o’clock, outside in this weather, only a couple of days ago, with children—able, disabled and senior people with, of course, sickness....
Mohammad Asghar: I am grateful for the opportunity to speak this afternoon on the motion, which I believe deserves cross-party support. This debate is about how we can protect children from the dangers presented by the internet. We are all aware how the internet has brought enormous benefits to our society. Whether in the fields of business, trade, education, or simply in the way we seek information, the...
Mohammad Asghar: Your Cabinet Secretary on 17 May stated that due diligence is an important part of consideration in financing any project and that he would not short-cut that process. Recently it was claimed that the Circuit of Wales project could be lost to Scotland. If the Welsh Government does not make a decision soon, will you confirm that scaremongering such as this will not result in decision making...
Mohammad Asghar: Leader of the house, may I ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government on loans and grants issued by local authorities in Wales for the refurbishment of properties and business properties in Wales? A constituent of mine was actually given £20,000 to improve his business property. He injected his own £9,000, so it cost him nearly £29,000 three years ago....
Mohammad Asghar: Leader of the house, I think Qatar Airways is going to start the airline next year, as we’ve been told by the First Minister. I know that Qataris at the moment are having a very difficult time improving the country’s world image on terrorism support and others. Also, don’t forget they’re having the football world cup there. So, what are the consequences if Qatar doesn’t come to...
Mohammad Asghar: What guidelines has the Welsh Government given to local authorities in south-east Wales on the issue of fixed penalty notices?
Mohammad Asghar: 1. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve access to work experience placements for secondary school pupils in Wales? OAQ(5)0647(FM)
Mohammad Asghar: Thank you for that answer, First Minister, but, in previous years, when secondary school pupils were sent on placements to experience the world of work, it was the duty of Careers Wales to check that the employers and their workplaces were suitable, safe environments, and that legal requirements on insurance and risk assessment were met. However, your Government has forced Careers Wales to...
Mohammad Asghar: Leader of the house, may I ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for health on free prescriptions in Wales and medicine cost management in the NHS in Wales also? The cost of free prescriptions was £593 million in 2015. However, the cost of prescribing some drugs is far higher than the price at which they can be obtained across the counter in supermarkets. The cost to the NHS in...
Mohammad Asghar: 4. What plans does the Welsh Government have to reduce the pressure on teachers’ workloads in Wales? OAQ(5)0134(EDU)
Mohammad Asghar: Thank you for the reply, Minister, but the facts are that official figures reveal that there were 275 fewer teachers employed in Wales in 2016, compared to the previous year. Also, there were 446 fewer teaching assistants. A survey by the Education Workforce Council found that more than 88 per cent of teachers said they did not think that they could handle the workload in agreed hours, and...
Mohammad Asghar: Everyone in this Chamber will agree with the objective of this Bill. This Bill makes provisions for meeting the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum conditions. It protects and promotes the rights of some 34,000 people living with autism in Wales. In fact, many autism sufferers do not receive the support they need to help them to get into life. They face challenges when they try...
Mohammad Asghar: Yes, go on then.
Mohammad Asghar: Thank you, Joyce. Some families received a diagnosis from just one clinician, while others were seen by five or more. We need greater training for school staff to be able to support children with ASD. Not all schools are able to accommodate specialist needs. In England, continual professional development exists for teachers in order that they fully understand them. This needs to be done in...
