Ken Skates: .... I’ve also been clear that the workers at the museum—the people who ensure that visitors have the best experience possible—are better represented at the most senior level. That includes representation at boards of trustee meetings. I think it’s essential that employees are represented and heard and taken notice of.
Ken Skates: Yes, I’d gladly do that. And can I suggest that I visit that particular stretch of the A470 with the Member? I recently had representation from the Member’s colleague Darren Millar concerning a similar road in his constituency. I took a site visit there and, as a consequence, we are now looking at altering the signage at the road, which is often confusing. I think it’s absolutely...
Ken Skates: ...this important issue, and perhaps invite her to write to me formally regarding the bus service from Tredegar to Aberdare, which I’d like to take a closer look at, if I may, and perhaps make representations on behalf of her constituents. Further devolution in respect of the traffic commissioner’s functions over bus registration will give us the opportunity to consider changing how bus...
Ken Skates: ..., because it could not take an investment in TVR, because the company was, at the time, located outside of Wales. We were able to, on the condition that manufacturing came to Wales. In terms of representation on the board, as a minority shareholder, with just 3 per cent, we would not be expected to be able to present a board member. However, as I indicated this morning, a Welsh...
Ken Skates: ...group, I'd like to congratulate him for that sterling work, and I'd agree that the mutual principles are vitally important in terms of the new operating model. We've already offered worker representation on the TfW board, and I'm keen to extend mutual principles to the establishment of TfW Rail Ltd, who will be responsible for that publicly owned delivery of rail services under the new...
Ken Skates: ...Kidz who brought forward an important petition regarding this very significant piece of work. There are people the length and breadth of Wales who often lack a voice, but nonetheless require strong representation. Disabled people require Government to operate in a way that gives them more connective opportunities. I think it's absolutely right that I bring forward this policy statement...
Ken Skates: ...is not a decision that is being taken here in Wales locally or by the Media Wales team. Instead, it’s being taken by another company within the Trinity Mirror group. So, I’ll be making direct representation to that company, in which I’ll be seeking assurance over the future employment of those people who would be affected if closure goes ahead. It’s my understanding, based on the...
Ken Skates: ...in my constituency, in Brymbo, was closing, that, rest assured, Mold and Ruthin were safe. Now, we see Ruthin at threat. I will be warning my colleague, the Member for Delyn, that she should make representations direct to NatWest to get assurance that that branch is safe. As a Welsh Government, we too are deeply concerned at the negative impact that bank closures can have on local...
Ken Skates: ...further improvements that may be made to the process. We've already strengthened the local authority representation on the active travel board, as recommended, and we’ve welcomed new regional representations at the last board meeting in June. Transport for Wales are also now a permanent member of the active travel board and I’m delighted that TfW is currently recruiting a dedicated...
Ken Skates: Absolutely, I'll guarantee today that I'll make those representations, and in regard to what support we may be able to offer, if we were able to introduce a hardship bursary for any individuals that simply cannot benefit from existing support systems, then we will do so in partnership with our local government colleagues. A significant number of businesses are still able to apply for...
Ken Skates: ...is shared by many other Members in this Chamber? Indeed, the local Member Jayne Bryant has discussed her concerns over the future of the company with me on numerous occasions and made very strong representations. Essentially, I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment or speculate over the viability of the company were the flood not to have occurred, but in terms of what happened...
Ken Skates: ...administrations, and of course with BEIS. I do welcome what was announced last week in terms of competition laws, but, of course, we are alive to what is a rapidly changing situation, and I'll make representations for the dairy sector in the coming weeks to UK Government, so that we can get the support that's required for it.
Ken Skates: ..., to remain managed centrally at a Great Britain level. However, this system must recognise the diversity of a UK devolution settlement and be subject to appropriate governance, transparency and representation from national Governments and authorities with devolved powers. We are already in a strong position to meet these challenges. In Transport for Wales, we already have the structures,...
Ken Skates: ...network has not received the sort of infrastructure funding that it should rightly expect. I hope that in the next round, the next control period, that will be addressed, and certainly having Welsh representation on the board at Network Rail will be of assistance. In terms of the roll-out of new technology, KeolisAmey have designed the roll-out of improved Wi-Fi, the installation of new...
Ken Skates: ...to legislate for the stand-alone customs, VAT and excise regimes that the UK will need once it leaves the EU, and also detail on the contingency planning in the event of a ‘no deal’. The strong representations we and industry have made in respect of frictionless trade I think have been heard, but how that will work in practice remains unclear, especially in the event of ‘no deal’,...
