Russell George: I think you are. I was just going to come on to talk perhaps a little bit about that as well following your contribution. From the evidence that was gathered—. I'll come back to JTAs. From the evidence we gathered, I don't think we're able to conclude that one specific governance model would be a perfect fit for Wales, but I think a pick and mix of best practice should be applied. We heard...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Transport for Wales and the Minister stated their commitment to openness and transparency, but I would just say that their record on this is imperfect. There have been gaps in time frames covered by Transport for Wales's remit letter, and we've still not seen the long-awaited business case for its future governance. Now, Hefin David spoke at some length...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I would like to associate my own comments with the comments of the Deputy Minister. I think we're all saddened by the tragic incident involving rail workers this morning, but I'm sure that all Members here would want to pass on our thoughts and condolences to the families who are involved. Deputy Presiding Officer, I move the motion in my name. After...
Russell George: In yesterday's statement on improving outcomes for looked-after children, you mentioned, Minister, that you've seen the number of looked-after children in Wales increase by 34 per cent over the past 15 years, and you've promised to look at this closely. I wonder if you have or you would consider launching an investigation into the rise of looked-after children as part of this process.
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Deputy Minister. Given what you have said yesterday that your Government doesn't know what it's doing on the economy, can I ask did the Welsh Government know that Jistcourt was facing any financial difficulties, and, if so, when and what specific action did the Welsh Government take at that time? It would be useful to have a summary of events. I know that my...
Russell George: Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your answer. You'll be aware of the work on the mid Wales growth deal, which is being supported by both the Welsh and UK Governments, and work being undertaken by both local authorities in Powys and Ceredigion through the Growing Mid Wales partnership. I wonder what conversations you've had with Government colleagues here, or indeed with either of the local...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister. Obviously, in January, you did say to me then that the Welsh Government was at some very early stages in discussions with a number of stakeholders who were keen to explore the feasibility of establishing a community bank. Last week, the First Minister reiterated that the Government was indeed working with partners who were also preparing a full market...
Russell George: 3. What consideration did the Minister give to facilitating the creation of a community bank for Wales when formulating the Welsh Government's budget? OAQ54102
Russell George: 8. Will the Minister make a statement on what the Welsh Government is doing to promote tourism in mid Wales? OAQ54095
Russell George: 1. Will the Deputy Minister provide an update on what support the Welsh Government has provided to construction company Jistcourt? 329
Russell George: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I move the amendments in the name of my colleague Darren Millar. On 23 October, the then leader of the house, Julie James, standing in for the then First Minister, speaking on behalf of the Government, committed that we would have a binding vote in Government time on the M4 relief road project. I think it's disappointing that this commitment has not been...
Russell George: Will the First Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's plans to improve facilities for disabled people on public transport in mid Wales?
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister. There is an impending large-scale incinerator application proposal at Buttington Quarry in Powys, which has prompted me to look at the relevant planning guidance. Now, I was quite surprised to see this proposal because it is in a particular site where there's no other large industry at that rural location. When the application is submitted, the scale of it...
Russell George: Minister, earlier this year, my colleague here, David Melding, led a debate that recognised that the number of homes being built in Wales is inadequate to meet demand, and during the debate we all recognised that there was a shortage of social housing across Wales. But there is also a shortage of other types of homes that will attract younger, aspirational home owners to move to Wales. I...
Russell George: 7. Will the Minister make a statement on the planning process for developments of national significance? OAQ54057
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, First Minister. In your manifesto to become First Minister, you set out proposals to support the development of a new Wales-only community bank, with branches open to customers for a face-to-face transaction service, before the end of this Assembly term. Now, the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee has been doing some work in this area and, certainly, the...
Russell George: 9. Will the First Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's proposals for a community bank for Wales? OAQ54058
Russell George: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I probably agree with the Minister's first response today. Can I thank the Presiding Officer and can I move the amendments in the name of my colleague, Darren Millar? I appreciate the Government won't agree with this—I heard the Minister's comments earlier—but £114 million has been wasted in developing a scheme, as well as the public inquiry, which already...
Russell George: Well, you mentioned that the bar has been raised and you mentioned the climate emergency that the Welsh Government has declared in the meantime. That does, of course, bring me back to my question again about the need for changes in legislation. I appreciate the answer that you have given, but it's difficult to understand how a change in those circumstances cannot affect future schemes, and I...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister. In many ways, it demonstrates how much time and resource the Government has spent on looking at alternative routes already, which is the basis, really, of my question. Turning to the public inquiry itself, obviously, Members and I have had time to digest the public inquiry report. In his statement, the First Minister said that he would not have gone ahead...
