Carwyn Jones: It's very difficult to give an answer to that question, because, of course, the private sector is not something that comes under our control, but what we have done, however, of course, is to effectively outlaw zero-hours contracts in the public sector. We want to make sure of this, for example, in the care sector. The care sector is a foundation sector, as far as we are concerned, and we will...
Carwyn Jones: Well, the Member is talking about fundamental constitutional changes. I don't believe this is one. I think it is perfectly possible for parties to examine this and take their case to the people of Wales through an election—if that's what it takes—but, certainly, you've always got to be careful about this and it's never going to be popular to say to people, 'Let's have more politicians'....
Carwyn Jones: Well, we shall see what happens at the next election in terms of whether UKIP are correct in their analysis of public opinion. If he wishes to know my plans post 2021, he is welcome to look to join the Labour Party and attend the general management committee of the next Bridgend constituency Labour Party, and I'm sure he will be enlightened as a result of that. Can I say that it's hugely...
Carwyn Jones: Well, I think the leader of UKIP is an example of life after death in politics, although I'm not sure what kind of political life it is for him. From my perspective, I've outlined a timetable. I think it's important the country has continuity, and it's important of course that everything is in place to prepare for my successor, whoever that might be.
Carwyn Jones: Interesting. Usually, of course, in the past, this has been dealt with under the building regulations in relation to the standards that are adopted as regards the construction of these houses. The planning system deals with the land use and not with the construction standards of houses built on that land. But, having said that, it is an idea that’s well worth considering, and if I can write...
Carwyn Jones: It is a matter for local planning authorities to have in place a development plan and to meet the requirements in terms of housing supply. The problem is, of course, if there's no development plan in place, then there is no guidance in effect. The problem then is that it becomes something resembling a free-for-all. That's in nobody's interest. Two things, however, are important. First of...
Carwyn Jones: Well, can I point to two things in particular? I mentioned there the house building engagement programme. Now, we are working with private developers, including SMEs, to understand and, of course, to tackle the barriers that they face to building more housing. That relationship is reflected in the recent announcement to quadruple the Wales property development fund to £40 million. That...
Carwyn Jones: Well, it is for the health board to plan and design services that meet population needs. Now, of course, as the Member has said, there are public concerns due to the closure of the ward at Chepstow. I understand the community health council have expressed overall support in relation to the community-based model. We know that community-based services assist people to have access to...
Carwyn Jones: There are many products to support the sector. For example, through the development bank, the Wales property development fund provides SME home builders with affordable housing opportunities, and our house builders engagement programme also works with small companies to develop targeted support.
Carwyn Jones: Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board have recently completed a consultation on the development of three centres of excellence for dementia care in their area and they are working with the regional partnership board to implement the new dementia action plan.
Carwyn Jones: I'm here every Tuesday.
Carwyn Jones: Well, the Farmers Union of Wales, of course, has raised concerns about what the Irish Government has done, whether it's legal or not, and that is something, perhaps, that ultimately we must consider. We understand that the farmers are now seeing the grass growing because the weather has changed. But can I say that there is a charity called Forage Aid, which supports farmers where they have...
Carwyn Jones: Well, first of all, Farming Connect's locally based team of development officers are on hand to provide advice and guidance. We expect the weather to improve, of course, over the next few days, which may provide some relief. We are in contact with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the other devolved administrations, which are all monitoring the impact of persistent...
Carwyn Jones: I agree, and I know that the Cabinet Secretary is speaking at an event on Thursday that deals with this exact point. We are supporting a number of initiatives to assist the region's technology credentials. We have the UK's first National Software Academy, a National Cyber Security Academy and innovation point. The Member's quite right to say that this work cannot be centralised in London, not...
Carwyn Jones: The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs is meeting the unions later this week and will discuss the current fodder situation. I understand that the National Farmers Union has opened its fodder bank.
Carwyn Jones: We do remain committed to increasing frequency of services along the Ebbw Vale line and the options being considered do include services calling at Newport. It is important that the Ebbw line is consistent with our metro aspirations, so we will work with the winning bidder to identify the technical solution that's required to complete the infrastructure that's needed to enhance the number of...
Carwyn Jones: I have to say, Newport council has an excellent record in terms of investment. We see the development along the river, the university campus and the opening of Friars Walk, which I was pleased to open some years ago now. So, there has been significant development in the centre of Newport and I expect the council's good record to continue.
Carwyn Jones: The 'Prosperity for All' national strategy and economic action plan set out the actions we are taking to improve economic development across Wales, including Newport.
Carwyn Jones: May I say, historically, that it was the Labour councils that were in the vanguard of establishing Welsh-medium schools, particularly in south Wales, so they have a very good record on that? It’s true to say that some authorities haven’t come up to the standard we expect, and we have asked them to ensure that the plans are rewritten and redrafted in order to attain the ambitious target...
Carwyn Jones: Aled Roberts was appointed in February 2018 for a 12-month period to implement the recommendations of the rapid review of the Welsh in education strategic plans. Fifteen plans have been approved and work is ongoing with the remaining seven authorities. We are committed to improving the planning of Welsh-medium provision, as outlined in 'Cymraeg 2050'.
