Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Obviously, as we roll out this policy, more work will be done and has been done with our schools. You mentioned that you'd had a response from the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language in relation to further work that was being undertaken during the month of October. Obviously, we're still in the month of October, so I would hope that when he has that information to hand,...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I certainly think it would be worth you writing to the Minister for Economy, outlining the proposals that you suggested, and I know we have undertaken quite a lot of work as part of town-centre regeneration, particularly in the run-up to Christmas over previous years, to highlight how they can get more footfall into our town centres, and, clearly, free car parking is one area.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, we certainly know that, for many people, this cost-of-living crisis will absolutely tip them over the edge, unfortunately, in relation to their finances, and I know the Minister for Social Justice considered the report very carefully, and that she is looking—. I know one area where she is doing some work is debt owed to the public sector creditors, for instance, and that...
Lesley Griffiths: I will certainly ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to consider making a statement on cancer services in Wales. I think she does do so most years, but I'm not quite sure in the cycle where we are, but I will certainly ask the Minister—who's just heard your question—if she's prepared to do so.
Lesley Griffiths: —to make sure that—
Lesley Griffiths: —to make sure that our major hospitals in north Wales do have the emergency care consultants that are required.
Lesley Griffiths: Well, the Member knows that we can't possibly do an urgent statement this afternoon on a very distressing individual case, and I'm sorry the Minister isn't in the Chamber, but I will make sure she hears about the individual case. While she can't obviously comment on a specific case, you will be very well aware of the significant work that the Minister is doing with Betsi Cadwaldar University...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I know the Minister for Climate Change, who obviously has responsibility for this scheme, has recently written to Councillor Huw David, the leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, thanking his officers, particularly, for their ongoing engagement with her officials in developing the detailed business case. As you said, the Minister approved the scheme in principle, back in last...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, the Member does raise a very important point, and it's certainly something that I think we've seen outside many of our hospitals in Wales, which is something that we don't want to see, and I know the Minister's been working very hard with all the health boards to try and improve the times that ambulances are waiting outside. Obviously, this is an issue with capacity in our...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I certainly think you've done a very good job in raising awareness of a very unknown, I think, type of diabetes. The Minister for Health and Social Services is in her place and has agreed to write to you on it.
Lesley Griffiths: Diolch, Llywydd. There are three changes to this week's business. The statement on the national contemporary art gallery has been withdrawn. Additionally, the debate on the Welsh Language Commissioner's annual report has been postponed until 15 November. Finally, an oral statement on the closure of the Menai bridge has been added as the last item on today's agenda. Draft business for the next...
Lesley Griffiths: You said 'single seat'.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Member raises a very important point of the horrific things that we've seen with modern slavery here in Wales, and I know the Minister for Social Justice would be very happy to bring forward a written statement, and she's also very keen to publicise the standard amongst organisations here in Wales.
Lesley Griffiths: The education Minister wants to come with me as well. I think you make a really important point. The links between north Wales, and particularly north-east Wales, and the north-west of England are very important, and we know that people do travel to Liverpool and, indeed, Manchester, and probably further afield, to see arts and culture events. Clearly, the Eurovision contest coming to...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, it certainly does sound a very exciting plan by Bridgend county council. Obviously, the provision for transport all has to be taken into consideration when planning applications are done, but I don't think it's suitable for a statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Well, we won't be able to have a statement before your questions tomorrow, so I am pleased that you are raising that directly tomorrow with the Minister for Economy. I do know he has been having regular meetings with business groups such as the Confederation of British Industry, for instance, to discuss the crisis that there clearly is around energy. You will have heard me say in my business...
Lesley Griffiths: Just to tell you exactly where it sits at the moment, and that is with the local authority. Welsh Government has not received a formal application for funding to replace Llannerch bridge. I have seen media coverage myself that has included statements by the council to say that they are building a robust business case to submit to the Welsh Government for it to be assessed. Once that robust...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Well, they were certainly extraordinary comments, I think it's fair to say, and I think you make a very good point about, if we weren't seeing other areas of incompetence in the UK Government grabbing the headlines, that surely would have had far more of a focus on it. It is a really important issue, and I know the Minister for Health and Social Services would absolutely want to...
Lesley Griffiths: Such a decision would not be appropriate for a statement in the Chamber.
Lesley Griffiths: Well, as with any new scheme, I think you do have teething issues and things can always be improved. I certainly shared a very pleasant train journey home to Wrexham a couple of months ago with a refugee who was very, very grateful for the scheme and was simply travelling to Holyhead and back, just to leave Cardiff and sample the scenery across our beautiful country. Obviously, asylum seekers...
