Lesley Griffiths: I'm not aware of any correspondence. You referred to quite a large amount of correspondence; certainly nothing's come across my desk. Whether it's in the pipeline, I don't know. But I will have a discussion with the chief veterinary officer, who I know has spoken to the other three chief veterinary officers in the UK around this, and I will write to the Member with the current...
Lesley Griffiths: The majority of Glastir Advanced, Organic and Commons contracts do expire at the end of this year, and many contracts are already the subject of multiple extensions and renewals as we've gone forward. Since 2017, when the five-year contract period of Glastir Advanced came to an end, the position was to extend contracts as they expired, but, of course, you'll be aware that the EU rural...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. It was good to see you also, and Cefin Campbell, at the Pembrokeshire show. It was the only agricultural show that we had over the summer recess, ahead of the Usk Show last Saturday. It was good to show support to the many, many volunteers who had ensured that the show went ahead, in a different format from how we usually celebrate. But it was really good to be there, so, yes, I...
Lesley Griffiths: I think it's very important we deal with facts and not fiction. I hear what you say about Dŵr Cymru. I'm not aware of the circumstances around it, but you've now put it on the record and I will certainly follow that up, because I find it very hard to believe that nothing was done in the way that you outline. I have continually worked with the agricultural sector around pollution. Obviously,...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. As you recognised, that work now sits in the portfolio of the Minister for Climate Change, but I understand the apportionment work is expected to be completed by the end of this year. I know her officials and my officials have worked very closely with Natural Resources Wales to be able to monitor the progress of that project. Local planning authorities are already legally prevented...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Welsh Government is taking a holistic approach to assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of intensive poultry units across Wales, through improved planning processes and regulation, partnership working and supporting the industry through knowledge transfer programmes and financial support.
Lesley Griffiths: Obviously, responsible ownership of animals is something that we have a keen interest in as a Government, and it's a priority, I know, for the Wales animal health and welfare framework group. I'm not sure testing those people who purchase animals is the right approach. I wonder who would be the target audience, for instance. I wonder who would police it. What I do think is important is that...
Lesley Griffiths: I think it's like anything in life: if you're really involved with an issue, then obviously your understanding is better. Certainly, there was a huge amount of media interest, as you say, in the case of Geronimo. It is really important that we continue to do all we can to get rid of this dreadful disease. I will be bringing forward a refresh of the TB eradication programme. As you know, I...
Lesley Griffiths: The theft of pets is obviously a criminal act, and it is a reserved matter, as you say, under the Theft Act 1968. You'll be aware, I'm sure, of the pet theft taskforce that DEFRA have brought forward, so my officials have been working very closely with their counterparts in DEFRA to make sure that we can collaborate. I think we have certainly seen more cases of pet theft during the pandemic....
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you very much. Well, I was certainly very pleased also to see the regulations that were passed on 23 March, then followed by—. Obviously, we had that six-month transition period to ensure that pet shop owners, for instance, were able to consider a different operating model, so they could mitigate any potential impact. But I was very pleased to see the legislation come in. Whilst the...
Lesley Griffiths: Llywydd, I understand you have given your permission for questions 1 and 9 to be grouped. There are several commitments in the Welsh Government's programme for government relating to animal health and welfare in Wales. I have also announced my intention to publish an animal welfare plan for Wales, which will span the term of this Government's office.
Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Government continues to support farm businesses across the whole of Wales, including South Wales West , to improve their technical, financial and environmental performance. The introduction of new technology and innovation is central to the support we offer though our Farming Connect knowledge transfer programme and capital support schemes.
Lesley Griffiths: Pollution of any kind impacts on us all and we must tackle it for the benefit of our environment and communities. Sustainable farm businesses do not pollute the environment and we are mitigating agricultural pollution through partnership working, knowledge transfer services, good practice guidance, regulation, enforcement and financial support.
Lesley Griffiths: I regularly discuss the well-being and mental health of farmers with the Deputy Minister. I met this week to discuss the Deputy Minister’s recent visit to the DPJ Foundation and the charity’s work, including on combatting the stigma sometimes associated with mental health matters and the well-being issues being raised by farmers.
Lesley Griffiths: Llywydd, the Deputy Minister will publish a written statement tomorrow that will provide Members with further information about the roads review.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I am aware of the press interest to which you refer and also of the Deputy Minister for Climate Change's comments. There is a significant amount of work going on in relation to clean air zones, and, obviously, the A470 is one of those areas. There were some surveys undertaken that were completed at the end of August—so, just a couple of weeks ago—so I know that, at the time...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I know officials have been working with the company that you refer to. I don't think there's anything further that the Minister for Economy at this time can add to his written statement.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I actually haven't done the walk through the Rhondda tunnel, but it is something that certainly—Buffy's left the Chamber now—Buffy Williams and I have discussed. I'm not aware of any specific support that can be given, but I will certainly ask the Minister to have a look into it.
Lesley Griffiths: I don't think that would be appropriate for an oral statement. Clearly, you said yourself that, in the answer to your written question, the Minister for Health and Social Services made it clear that there were further questions to be asked of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in relation to the business case. So, I think, obviously, that process will be going through the stages that are...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. In relation to your question around dental provision, you mention very specific areas of your region, so I will ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to write to you about that—I think it was Llandrindod Wells and Knighton. Again, you'll be aware there's a great deal of work being done around pollution of our rivers. It's really important that we improve our waterways...
