Lesley Griffiths: Yes.
Lesley Griffiths: Yes, we are talking about ecosystems. So, to embed this, the Act sets out an interconnected delivery framework. I launched the first of these, the state of natural resources report, produced by Natural Resources Wales, last month. It forms a national evidence base, identifying the pressures and opportunities for the sustainable management of our natural resources. I will shortly be consulting...
Lesley Griffiths: Yes.
Lesley Griffiths: I’m unable to attend, but I will certainly have a senior official going in my place. As referred to by Simon Thomas in his opening remarks, we now have in place a legislative framework that addresses these issues. Our groundbreaking Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 mean we have the strongest foundation within the UK, and we are acknowledged...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Lywydd. I very much welcome this debate on the state of nature report and I’m happy to support the motion. I do recognise the important work done by the state of nature partnership and thank them for producing this very important report. I also appreciate the vital and important work undertaken by volunteers in Wales, whose efforts in monitoring and recording species and habitats...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Lywydd. I’m really pleased that Plaid Cymru have brought forward this debate on climate change today, especially in the run-up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP22, in Marrakesh, where I will be attending to participate in discussions on this global challenge. As we’ve heard, last year, my colleague Carl Sargeant, in his role as Minister for Natural...
Lesley Griffiths: I thank Dafydd Elis-Thomas for, again, his positive comments and questions. Yes, I’m very happy to look at the border. As I said, we need to look at the governance, if we’re changing the regions from what we have now—for a variety of reasons, I think, we need to do that. I think, on the issue you raised about the evidence and the science that we get in, along with the responses to the...
Lesley Griffiths: I thank the Member for his very positive comments. Absolutely, it’s really important, if we have that evidence-based approach, that we listen to, as you say, not just ecologists, not just scientists, but absolutely everybody who has those good ideas. As my colleague, Ken Skates, said before, I’m not the keeper of the only good ideas. No one person can eradicate TB on their own. It’s...
Lesley Griffiths: I’m very happy, as always, to be scrutinised by the Member’s committee, and certainly, if you write in requesting that date, I’ll be very happy to come if I’m available. If not, as you say, we’ll look for another date. I know you have asked the chief veterinary officer to give evidence already, but of course I would be very happy to come to be scrutinised. Is the evidence changing?...
Lesley Griffiths: I’ve read a great deal of different reports. I had a new report on my desk last week from somebody who’d undertaken a Nuffield scholarship. I’m constantly reading about it, and believe me, we do have a policy. I think I’ve outlined our policy. I’ve also mentioned about trade. It’s not just Wales that has bovine TB. I think it’s really important that we understand that. Of...
Lesley Griffiths: I actually prefer evidence-based approaches, which I think is the same as science. Of course we use science, but I think it’s really important that we do maintain that evidence-based approach. I think it’s really important we go out to consultation. I would urge Members to submit responses—anybody that’s affected by bovine TB. I’m expecting a significant number of responses to the...
Lesley Griffiths: I haven't said at all that there will be a badger cull. I mean, please, I have not said that. What I have said is that I want to see bespoke action plans. I think it's really important that we look at pilots from other countries, but I think it's really important that when we have those bespoke action plans, which I think are very needed, particularly with the chronic heard breakdowns,...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I was very pleased that Vikki Howells undertook visits arranged by the two farming unions. I think it's really important, and certainly since I came into post, that's been my message to the farming unions: that we should encourage as many Members as possible to visit farms and learn more about the sector. In relation to your two specific questions, officials are currently assessing...
Lesley Griffiths: I absolutely don’t agree with that. I don’t think you can compare vaccination and culling at all. In relation to your comments around Northern Ireland, as I’ve said, I think—certainly looking at what they have been doing—it has had a very positive impact on the badger population also, and I’m very concerned about the health and welfare, of course, of badgers too. I’m not...
Lesley Griffiths: I thank Paul Davies for his comments and that series of questions. I think we are taking a holistic approach. I think it’s very important that we do look at the tools at our disposal. Please remember this is a consultation and I will certainly consider all the responses we have before making any decisions. I’ve told officials I want it to be very quick, so the consultation will close on...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Simon Thomas, for those questions. I refute allegations that there’s been a lull in our TB eradication programme since we announced we wouldn’t be vaccinating badgers. That’s just one part of the programme; we have other measures, and that includes the animal testing regime. We have been testing much harder than we were. We’ve got Cymorth TB. We’ve had informed purchasing,...
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Lywydd. I would like to update Members on the Welsh Government’s refreshed TB eradication programme. Our 2012 framework for bovine TB eradication in Wales comes to an end this year. It is time to take stock, reflect on our successes, learn lessons and consider a refreshed approach. Since 2012, we’ve seen a downward trend in the number of new cases of bovine TB in cattle herds in...
Lesley Griffiths: I thank Mike Hedges. It’s always really good to receive positive feedback on how our flood schemes are performing, and I think the £7 million Swansea scheme is an example of how flood investment can bring multiple benefits, and, certainly, having looked at it, it brings benefits for biodiversity, for instance, and amenity improvements.
Lesley Griffiths: In my 28 June statement, I set out this Government’s approach and priorities for flood and coastal risk management. We are investing £55 million this year on reducing risk and maintaining our existing assets. This includes major work in St Asaph, Boverton, Risca, Newport and Talybont in Gwynedd.
Lesley Griffiths: I said in an earlier answer to Mohammad Asghar that the way we treat our animals really reflects on our society’s values. As the code of practice states, snares should only be used when other control methods are not available. I am very happy to assure the Member that I will monitor it, and if it’s not effective, I will look at further action. We are also discussing with stakeholders how...
