Jane Hutt: Thank you, Julie Morgan, for those questions. And it was Julie Morgan who led the debate on this issue—in terms of your first question—here in the Senedd. And there was unanimous support from AMs and the Cabinet Secretary for health in terms of pressing for a full public inquiry. And we do, of course, now welcome the Prime Minister’s confirmation that an inquiry will be held into the...
Jane Hutt: I thank Llyr Gruffydd for those two questions. In terms of the first question, which, as you say, is not just a matter of road safety, which of course, the Cabinet Secretary regards as a high priority, but about a particular area in north Wales, where there has been this attraction, and, clearly, risk-taking, encouraged, it appears, and fatalities as a result of it, and you mentioned the...
Jane Hutt: Well, I think the Member clearly is listening to and representing his local constituent, a business. But I think you have explained, indeed, in terms of recounting the experience, that that business, local constituent has had, why he or she has found themselves in that situation. This is a matter for the local authority, and it is a matter, not just in terms of regulation and statutory...
Jane Hutt: Joyce Watson is right in saying how important discretionary housing payments are. In fact, it was very clearly highlighted in the Shelter Cymru campaign, which I’m sure we all heard about last week—the Waste Not Want Not campaign—highlighting their concerns and raising awareness that people could be entitled to additional help through the discretionary housing payment scheme. Clearly,...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Bethan Jenkins. I think, on your first point, there may be particular issues that you will feel it’s appropriate to write to the Cabinet Secretary on in terms of your meeting and visit to a particular housing association. Your general points are important in terms of the governance and accountability arrangements for registered social landlords and the housing association sector,...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Nick Ramsay, for two very positive questions on the business statement. Clearly, I recall visiting Monmouth Comprehensive School and being able, as education Minister at the time, to help secure the funding through twenty-first century schools. I actually would like to revisit, perhaps when I’m passing by, because I’m sure it now has splendid premises that are having an impact...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd. I have added three oral statements to today's agenda. The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport will make a statement on the interim report of the parliamentary review on health and social care. The Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language will make oral statements on the Welsh language strategy and an update on the ministerial task force on the south...
Jane Hutt: Thank you to Hannah Blythyn for that question. It's very timely, I think, at this stage of the year, to be asking for an update from the Cabinet Secretary, who is here beside me, on the Year of Legends campaign, and also the opportunity to tie this in to the gold cape. Now, just to enhance the opportunities here, I understand the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure has asked his...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Darren Millar. On your first question, the Cabinet Secretary, as I’ve already stated, is going to do an update on the Year of Legends. And, clearly, you have identified one possible missing legend, which should be considered—those relics, more than one, I think—but, particularly, you referred to St Winefride at the holy well in Holywell. And I think this is very important...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Simon Thomas, for those two questions. Indeed, I recall that you raised the issue of the proposed closures of the DWP offices, and of course those concerns are not only shared by the Welsh Government, but by other Assembly Members and their constituents. And, again, it is important and timely that you raise this, for us to re-examine where we are on this in terms of our...
Jane Hutt: Yes, I do recall, of course, those discussions from way past, and the work in collaboration that was achieved, how that was moved forward. I'm very interested also in your comment about the importance of the ARCH proposal, which I believe and understand—because there was very much a cross-government, Welsh Government support for that—is also contributing to the Swansea bay city region...
Jane Hutt: I thank the Member for that question. In fact, the Cabinet Secretary met with the chair of the enterprise zone for Ebbw Vale only this morning and was able then to impress on him the importance in terms of the opportunities that are now presented as a result of his announcement and allocation of funding last week. And it is all-important that we look to this in terms of the jobs created, and...
Jane Hutt: Well, I’m glad Julie Morgan, the Member for Cardiff North, has also chosen to raise this again this afternoon, obviously following a question to the First Minister. I want to again repeat what the First Minister said, that we strongly support women’s right to choose to have an abortion. We are looking into the provision of abortions in Wales to women from Northern Ireland. We believe that...
Jane Hutt: Once again, the Member uses his, I would say, role as a member of the Public Accounts Committee in such a way to list out a number of issues that are properly, and have properly been, scrutinised by that committee.
Jane Hutt: Well, as the Member says, this is—. Andrew R.T. Davies, as you quite clearly state, it’s now in a stage of a detailed planning application to the Vale council to build what is known as the northern access road. I do recall—and I think it was last year—when there was an exhibition about the proposals for this road in St Athan, and I said it should be also in Llanmaes and in Llantwit...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd. I have three changes to report to this week’s business. The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children will make a statement shortly to update the Chamber on developments in Wales following the Grenfell Tower fire. I’ve also re-ordered two of today’s oral statements, and the Business Committee has agreed to reduce the time allocated to tomorrow’s questions to the...
Jane Hutt: Well, I would, again, just in response to that second question, say that this is—. I very clearly recognise the work that Carolyn Harris is doing and the impact that she’s made as your MP, but also I think we are convinced, and it is timely that we do look at an appropriate time and arrangement for a debate on the impact of gambling. Of course, on your first substantive point:...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, Jenny Rathbone. I think it is important that Tesco realises the public are very concerned—their customers are very concerned, about the way that their workforce has been treated in Cardiff. And, of course, so many people working, and families and communities, are affected by their devastating announcement last week. It just indicates their lack of understanding and recognition of...
Jane Hutt: Well, it’s important, in response to that question, to recognise that the health board is working in partnership with the GP practice in Corwen to agree ongoing funding support, in line with the Welsh Government’s GP sustainable assessment framework. And that should help the practice continue to provide a service for the residents of Corwen, and the surrounding area. In fact, they’re...
Jane Hutt: Thank you to Nick Ramsay for raising awareness again of motor neurone disease. The fact that it is awareness month does mean that it will be drawn to our attention, I’m sure, as Assembly Members, and we will all know of constituents and family members who have been devastatingly affected by this disease. And, of course, this is something where, again, it’s an opportunity to update on...
