David Rowlands: Diolch yn fawr, Lywydd. Can I first thank the Minister for his clear and comprehensive statement on this very important project? Representations have been made by Newport ports authority with regard to the black route and its negative impact on its operations. Does he have any possible alterations to the route that might take into account their concerns before the public inquiry actually...
Carwyn Jones: ...an element of devolution, and there’s an element of truth in what he says. But, for me, it’s a matter for this institution as to whether there should be police and crime commissioners or not. In fact, we had no choice; they were imposed on us by Parliament in Westminster, when in fact the decision could have been that of the people of Wales. They may have decided that they wanted them....
Russell George: .... Now, among the changes, it’s recommended the closure of the information and retail element of the centre, which replaces it with an unstaffed information point. I’d ask you, Minister, to make representations to the national park authority to urgently reconsider this decision, as I certainly believe this would have an adverse effect on tourism, not only in the area, but in the wider...
Mick Antoniw: ...one, and I understand now that the four Welsh police and crime commissioners are also supportive of the need for there to be an inquiry into this issue. Can I ask the First Minister that any representations made will be supportive of what is the need to have an inquiry into a long-outstanding injustice that still remains in the minds of many former miners from south Wales?
Carwyn Jones: .... That’s the reason why High Court justices travel around. In the last few years it’s now been suggested that people have to go to justice, and travel a long distance, and when they get there, not get representation either, while they’re at it. That shows how much of a deterioration there’s been in the justice system, but I’m fully in agreement with him that there’s a need to...
Mick Antoniw: 7. Will the Welsh Government consider making representations to the UK Government in support of calls by Welsh miners and the South Wales NUM for an inquiry into the events at Orgreave in June 1984? OAQ(5)0026(FM)
Carwyn Jones: No representations, but we are aware of the issues and we support the National Union of Mineworkers in their call for a review.
Carwyn Jones: Well, we already have. Certainly, I made strong representations to the UK Government that they should be seen as one of the preferred bidders. I’m encouraged by the fact that they seem to be talking to one of the other bidders, namely Liberty Steel. I think that’s a good blend. I think the management buy-out option contains a lot of technical expertise, but has not yet raised the money....
Adam Price: ...First Minister is going out to Mumbai. I was wondering, in light of the fact that the Welsh Government has supported the Excalibur bid, which is also very welcome, to date, will he be making active representations on behalf of that team? In terms of their vision, of course, we know that they are seeking a continuation of primary steel production; they’re also involving the workforce in...
Steffan Lewis: 10. What representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Government regarding the future of the miners pension scheme?
