Russell George: Diolch, Presiding Officer. Minister, can I ask how confident you are that this new commission that you have established to look at the M4 relief road will come to a conclusion in the space of just six months, after, of course, spending £140 million on the project over the last six years? Given that the public inquiry has already looked at 28 different alternatives, what is there new to...
Russell George: Will the Minister make a statement on road infrastructure improvements in mid-Wales?
Russell George: Thank you, First Minister, for your answer, but I would say I do think that the Welsh Government needs to have a good look at what pain management provision services are being offered across Wales. Can I ask the First Minister what your views are on the Welsh Government developing a fully funded multidisciplinary service, within the NICE guidelines, of course, to offer local services in...
Russell George: Can I ask, Minister, how proactive has the Welsh Government been in ensuring that its investment was widely spent by Ford on alternative opportunities for the plant, including, of course, investment opportunities for bringing the production of electric engines to Bridgend? You've outlined the large amount of capital support that's been provided to Ford, but can I ask you what kind of...
Russell George: 6. Will the First Minister provide an update on pain management services available to residents in north Powys? OAQ53984
Russell George: Can I thank you, Presiding Officer, for accepting this topical question? And it would have been helpful, I think, if the Minister had brought an oral rather than a written statement on this matter. Of course, I read your statement today, Minister, and, as far as I'm concerned, from reading the statement we are going back to square one, with another expert commission appointed to look at...
Russell George: 1. Will the Minister make a statement on the expert commission that will be appointed with regards to the M4 corridor around Newport? 318
Russell George: Ian Price, the CBI Wales director, said today that this is a dark day for the Welsh economy, pointing out that we've had decades of deliberation, over £40 million spent, and no problem has yet been solved. He goes on to say that economic growth will be stifled, confidence in the region will weaken, and the cost of an eventual relief road will rise. That is the view of business leaders across...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, First Minister. I very much welcome the intention to build a healthcare facility in north Powys, almost certainly to be located in Newtown. The initial sum that you talked about is, of course, just for the initial stages, but the full amount will, of course, be 10 times more in order for that project to go forward. Is there anything more you can say at this stage to...
Russell George: 7. Will the First Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government is supporting Powys Teaching Health Board? OAQ53943
Russell George: But we agree that there is a necessity to end regional inequality across Wales. In turn, of course, that will boost living standards and properly planned and funded health, education and local government services in all parts of Wales. Last week, Presiding Officer, we celebrated 20 years of devolution, of our Parliament here. Devolution was intended to significantly improve the economic...
Russell George: Thank you, Presiding Officer. I formally move the motion today in the name of my colleague Darren Millar on the economic performance of Wales. We won't be supporting the Government's amendment today, as it deletes our entire motion, and it is unfortunate that opposition debates are subject to 'delete all' amendments from the Government. I'm sure the Government could have stretched itself to...
Russell George: Surely, Minister, you are the finance Minister—. We on these benches, want to see an M4 relief road delivered as soon as possible, but if that's not going to happen, surely there's got to be a plan B in place. You, as the finance Minister, should be aware of what your plan B is.
Russell George: Thank you, Minister, for your statement today. I agree with you that it's an ambitious project, which I believe will create a hotbed for the rail industry here in Wales and contribute to the economic importance of the UK rail industry, especially in the context of Brexit, given the fact that the main European facilities for testing infrastructure and rolling stock are based on the...
Russell George: You will agree with me, no doubt, that the south Wales metro scheme is absolutely vital to connect our communities in the south Wales Valleys with the jobs and growth opportunities of the wider Cardiff capital region. Can you, First Minister, therefore tell us how the delivery of these two important projects are being co-ordinated, especially in relation to the development of the metro...
Russell George: Thank you for putting forward the legislative proposal this afternoon. Can I say that the Welsh Conservatives and myself fully support the legislative proposal put forward by Rhun ap Iorwerth this afternoon? I was also pleased to support the event that Rhun mentioned earlier today, where he launched his report talking about the Scottish experience, and indeed I was very grateful to him for...
Russell George: The Presiding Officer has indicated that I must be short, and there are a number of questions around energy that have been asked this afternoon, but in terms of how the Welsh Government can help and support the industry in terms of business rates and help on business rates, I'd be grateful for any update in that regard. And also, have you any indication about how this announcement may affect...
Russell George: Thank you, Minister. There was certainly no co-ordination in terms of the theme. But, certainly, housing association tenants have contacted me in numbers in recent months in regard to what they see as the unaffordable levels of their rent going forward. The rent rises are within Welsh Government guidelines. That's an issue that I've written to you about, and, as I understand it, it allows for...
Russell George: Thank you for your answer, Minister. Later today, I'm a supporter of Jenny Rathbone's motion in regard to healthy school meals. In particular, I would like to see an increase in the amount of food for schools being procured locally. Can I ask, what is the Welsh Government doing to assist local authorities, such as Powys County Council and others, to source ingredients locally, where that is,...
Russell George: 6. Will the Minister make a statement on how the Welsh Government supports and promotes the food and drink industry in mid Wales? OAQ53838
