Jane Hutt: The Welsh Government has commercial investment relationships with Qatar. We support Cardiff international airport’s developing relationship with Qatar Airways, with a view to seeing flights between Cardiff and Doha. This is opening up a huge range of long-haul travel options for businesses and tourists.
Jane Hutt: Andrew R.T. Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children is, imminently, going to be making a statement on this matter.
Jane Hutt: I think the Member will recognise that this is a matter for local authorities in terms of their audit and governance arrangements, and I don’t think this is a matter for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government.
Jane Hutt: Well, it would be helpful, Mark Isherwood, if you wrote to the Cabinet Secretary on this matter, and, of course, as her officials are already engaged in that discussion, I think it would be not only a matter of courtesy, but also of clarification, if you wrote to the Cabinet Secretary accordingly.
Jane Hutt: I think that many here would share that view, Huw Irranca-Davies. In Wales we not only endorse the Paris agreement, but we already have legislation in place to deliver on this important long-term goal. Can I take this opportunity just to reflect on that? The benefits to be realised through a transition to a low-carbon economy are recognised globally, and why we saw the support for the Paris...
Jane Hutt: The Cabinet Secretary did respond positively, Russell George, to that request. He indicated he would share a copy of the Welsh Government response to the UK industrial strategy. That response now is ready, and will be shared with all AMs. It will be sent to all AMs. That, of course, is a letter to Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and you will of...
Jane Hutt: Mike Hedges, of course, is very aware of the fact that SMEs—the small to medium-sized enterprises—are the backbone of the Welsh economy. It’s the next stage, as you say—growing into medium-sized businesses and beyond. We remain committed to doing all we can to support them to grow and flourish. The construction sector is dominated by SMEs and that’s why the Construction Industry...
Jane Hutt: Well, Darren Millar, I think you’re aware of the tragic circumstances that led to this very unfortunate hold-up. I think it’s important to say that, from Easter, we’ve seen a culmination of four years of imperative improvement work, especially to the tunnels of the A55, recent road surface improvements, flood alleviation work and urgent maintenance work, but the Cabinet Secretary does...
Jane Hutt: Diolch, Llywydd. There are several changes to this week’s business. Today’s oral statements will issue as written statements, and the debate on the school nursing framework has been withdrawn. As no questions have been tabled for answer by the Assembly Commission, the Business Committee has agreed to amend tomorrow’s timings accordingly. Business for the next three weeks is as shown on...
Jane Hutt: Diolch yn fawr, Dai Lloyd. You have given us an opportunity this afternoon, in your short debate, to provide an important picture of the historical achievements of influential figures and also progress in terms of what Wales has offered and delivered, not only to its own country, but to the world. That historical perspective is too often lost, and it’s important that you’ve reflected on...
Jane Hutt: Diolch yn fawr, Bethan Jenkins. I know the Cabinet Secretary has heard the concerns that have been raised about Warwick university and the alleged lack of recognition of Welsh as an A-level. I know that she’s going to immediately take that back and inquire and we will make sure that the response is clearly published and given not only to the Member but possibly on social media and placed in...
Jane Hutt: I’m glad Vikki Howells has drawn this to our attention, because I think this is an issue that’s probably affecting other constituents of other Assembly Members. Under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the local authority is responsible for issuing blue badges to applicants in their areas, including deciding whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. Welsh...
Jane Hutt: Thank you very much, Simon Thomas, for informing us of the outcome of the Petitions Committee decision to propose a debate, and of course, helping that petition to such an extent that it now crosses the threshold. It will be a new development, as you say, for us to debate this, particularly focusing on live music and current local situations. Indeed, following the written statement made by...
Jane Hutt: As Members will be aware, I’ve made several changes to this week’s business. In light of recent tragic events in Manchester, I’ve postponed the oral statement, ‘Plant yn Gyntaf/Children First’, which will be rescheduled in due course. The oral statements on ‘Assessment for Learning—A Distinct Welsh approach’, and the Welsh Government prosecution code, will take place tomorrow...
Jane Hutt: Rhodri was my friend, he was my leader when he was first Minister and he was also my constituent; we shared a great enthusiasm for the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. And Rhodri always found time to campaign with me, but he also loved his local walks, swimming in the sea with Julie at Whitmore bay, and one memory from a friend this week of Rhodri spending time with her two young boys on...
Jane Hutt: Thank you, David Melding, for drawing attention to the Brandt report in your contribution, which recommended the 0.7 per cent target. Thank you again for reminding us in terms of the robust and rigorous auditing and monitoring, that 0.01 per cent is minute in terms of the ways in which we deliver and indeed the UK Government delivers its international aid programme. I do want to set out...
Jane Hutt: Dirprwy Lywydd, I am glad to be able to respond to this debate this afternoon. Members have said this and I do believe this debate has exposed a very wide political divide in this Chamber, one that I have not witnessed before in 18 years of this Assembly. It is a divide, and it’s a divide that we have debated this afternoon; it is a divide and a fundamental difference in those values and...
Jane Hutt: Move.
Jane Hutt: Well, Nick Ramsay, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport is sitting here listening to your first two questions, one of which I did respond to in terms of rare diseases and also the priority we give to that, but also to the state of play in terms of the critical care centre. Yes, it’s wonderful that you have a stretch of the Heads of the Valleys road with more funding coming...
Jane Hutt: I’m very grateful that Huw Irranca-Davies has brought this to our attention in the Chamber today, and I have to say that, certainly in my constituency capacity, I’m being approached by people who are now suffering directly as a result of the further cuts to welfare benefits, particularly affecting disabled people from 1 April—people who are struggling and who are losing access to...
