Item 2 on the agenda is the business statement and announcement and I call on Jane Hutt.

This week’s business is as set out on the Plenary agenda with oral statements from the Government on the Wales Bill, Tata Steel and the European football championships. Additionally, Business Committee has agreed to schedule a procedural motion to elect the Assembly Commissioners, which requires the suspension of Standing Orders. Business for the next three weeks is as shown on the business statement and announcement found among the meeting papers, which are available to Members electronically.

Minister, I would like to request a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure on the ongoing industrial dispute between National Museum Wales and the Public and Commercial Services Union. As you’re aware, the staff have been on indefinite strike since 21 April. I believe the staff are suffering hardship as a result, in particular in Big Pit where the strike has been solid; the museum has been closed for several weeks, and I do pay tribute to the staff for the commitment they’ve shown. I very much welcome the early efforts of the new Secretary to resolve this dispute, but it does now need urgent resolution, and I would be grateful if he would be willing to update the Assembly on his efforts.

I thank Lynne Neagle for that question to the business statement. The First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary, as you have acknowledged, are taking a very keen interest in progress on this issue. They’re aware that recent meetings have been held between the national museum and PCS, and the national museum has confirmed that it made a significantly enhanced offer to PCS over the weekend, and a meeting to discuss this offer is being held this afternoon. So, we, of course, await the outcome of this meeting, and hope that agreement can be reached in order to bring this long-running dispute to an end.

As this is the first business statement we’ve had for some weeks, I might have one or two things I’d like to ask the business Minister that I hope we’ll hear from the Government over the next couple of weeks. I want to first of all say that I support what Lynne Neagle has just called for, and, of course, this strike is affecting museums across Wales, in fact, and many museums in rural parts of Wales as well. I’m confident, business Minister, that Wales will vote to remain within the European Union, but it is conceivable that the UK will vote to leave. Can you tell whether the Government is preparing any contingency plans in the event of a ‘leave’ vote, and the effect and the shock that would be to the Welsh economy? Is it possible to have a statement, therefore, on any contingency planning that the Welsh Government is doing in advance of that possible outcome?

The second issue that’s come on the agenda very recently is the further fall in milk prices for Welsh farmers. This is not an easy situation to resolve—I understand and appreciate that—but I think we’d all value an early statement from the new Secretary regarding milk prices, support for the dairy industry in Wales, and, in particular, I think, what discussions the Welsh Government is having with the banks, who have lent quite generously over the years at low interest rates to many dairy farmers, but who are now experiencing, of course, some real cash-flow difficulties, and the banks, in some cases, are being rather heavy-handed on some of those repayments. And I think the Welsh Government has a role to play in interlocution with banks and the dairy industry in that context.

The final point I’d like to raise arises from, I think, the question, that, to be fair, the Leader of the Conservative party asked regarding the Government’s present policy of reducing class sizes for nursery school pupils. I looked very carefully at this when I was responsible for education policy for Plaid Cymru, and I wasn’t convinced by the evidence. But I’d love to see the evidence that the Welsh Government now has that justifies this expenditure as regards other expenditure that is far more valuable, as I saw it, regarding investment in the profession itself and the skills and standards of developing the education professionals—not just teachers but classroom assistants as well. So, I hope that we can have an early statement from the new education Secretary—I welcome her to her place—and that that early statement will set out the evidence for this policy that the current Government now has.

I thank Simon Thomas very much for his first questions to the business statement in this fifth Assembly. Of course, Simon Thomas will be clearly aware of our stated position as a Welsh Government that Wales is best served by being a member of both the United Kingdom and the European Union, and, clearly, we hope that will be reflected in the outcome of the referendum on 23 June. It is very important, of course, that we also draw attention to the adverse impact, and we’ve had an opportunity to share some of those points of concern this afternoon, as is only appropriate. I think that is where we will want to concentrate our efforts at this point in time.

On your second point about milk prices, I know that the Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs has already been able to start discussions with representatives of the farming unions, and to look at key issues of concern that are facing the farming sector. And, of course, these will be issues that she will be looking at very carefully.

Of course, in terms of reducing infant class sizes to under 25 pupils, it’s a very important issue for parents and, of course, can have a very positive effect on teachers’ workload. It is a priority area for the Welsh Government, it does stem from our progressive agreement co-signed with the First Minister and Kirsty Williams, and now, as the First Minister has already said in answer to questions this afternoon, this clearly will be taken forward in terms of the best way in which that can be delivered.

Leader of the house, please could we have a statement on land banking from the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children? Land banking is a real problem in my constituency of Cynon Valley and across Wales, with prime sites in many towns and villages being held, thereby blocking the regeneration that could boost house building, create new jobs and improve our urban environment. I was pleased that the Welsh Labour manifesto contained a commitment to consider options to tackle land banking and I’d be keen for further information about the Welsh Government’s approach to address this problem.

I thank the Member for Cynon Valley for that very important question. It’s crucial, of course, that we do increase house building and support employment as a result of that—key priorities, of course, for the Welsh Government. House builders in Wales insist that they don’t land bank and the business model doesn’t allow them to hold on to assets that don’t work for them. We need to make sure that the best use is made of land in terms of accelerating the rate of house building, including, of course, in your constituency. We are doing further work on exploring whether land banking is a significant issue in Wales and that will include reconsidering whether any lessons can be learned from the Barker review of housing supply—that was back in 2004—and the Lyons review of 2014. That did make very specific recommendations and, of course, we will respond to those—we are responding to those, but we will explore again whether this is a significant issue. So, thank you to Vikki Howells for raising that question.

Can I congratulate you, Minister—Cabinet Secretary, should I say—on your appointment, or reappointment, back to the Cabinet? Two statements, if I could, I seek off you—and I do declare an interest as a partner is a farming business. The first is, obviously, a statement on what the new Cabinet Secretary will be doing to seek to achieve a better working relationship with the farming unions in addressing the price pressures that are on the farm gate at the moment, and in particular the continuing pressure, as was raised by the Member for Mid and West Wales, in the dairy sector. There are huge pressures there, and I know we’ve had review and we’ve had analysis from previous Governments, but there is a competitive role that the Government could play here in working with the rural development plan, and the measures within the rural development plan, to assist some investment in processing capacity. I’d be most grateful if a detailed statement could come forward where a timeline can be identified in that statement as to the delivery of support to the dairy sector.

And, secondly, supporting many agricultural businesses but also many small businesses that do look for microgeneration projects—the ability to get grid connection is a huge issue, and very often the simplest response from Western Power Distribution and the other distribution network operator in north Wales is just to say ‘no’, and all of a sudden an alternative stream of income that could be brought into a business, which would help that business through a difficult time or to continue to expand and create new jobs, is cut off before it even gets off the ground. I’d be most grateful if the Cabinet Secretary could bring forward a statement as to what discussions she and her officials will be having with the DNOs in Wales to see how they can bring forward a comprehensive plan to increase grid capacity, so that many microgeneration projects can have the ability to plug into the grid and seek that alternative revenue, which could make the difference between that business staying viable and that business closing down.

I thank Andrew R.T. Davies for his questions and for his welcoming comments. I’m very pleased to respond that the Cabinet Secretary has already swiftly met with the farming unions and has had a very good response, and has been able to share key agenda points, which, of course, include those that you raise today. I’ve already commented on the fact that milk prices have been on the agenda, but also the capacity in terms of the grid and the opportunities in terms of microbusinesses are a key issue that I know she will want to take forward in terms of her new responsibilities, and also the importance of ensuring that this can enable the development, particularly in a rural area, of those businesses.

Can I add my support to Lynne Neagle’s comments about the strike at the museum? I think this really needs urgent resolution. Following the debate and discussions that arose at First Minister’s questions, would it be possible to have a debate in Government time about the implementation of the planning Bill and, in particular, the strategic planning element that was included in that Bill? My colleague Hefin David, the Assembly Member for Caerphilly, and I have both been very concerned about the possibility of development on Caerphilly mountain. We not only want to protect the unique environment but also deal with the issues of possible increased traffic and congestion. It seems very important that there should be a strategic look at that whole area. So, would it be possible to have a debate in Government time to look at this issue?

Thank you to Julie Morgan for that important question. Of course, the Planning (Wales) Act 2015 does provide that legislative framework. It does enable a group of local authorities to prepare a strategic development plan and it will therefore deal with some of those cross-boundary issues that you draw attention to with your colleague Hefin David in terms of Caerphilly and the proximity in terms of Caerphilly mountain. So, a way forward of course is to make more efficient use of resources. It’s a key advantage of the strategic approach to planning. But I think I would say in terms of progress that good progress has been made in implementing the improvements to the planning system, with two thirds of provisions having already been commenced and supported by the necessary subordinate legislation. So, I’m sure an update would be appropriate.

Before asking my question and making my comment, may I declare an interest because my wife has recently been made a partner in the family farming business? But what I would ask for is an early statement by the Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs on the new Government’s approach to tackling bovine TB. Now, in responding to a question in this Chamber a fortnight ago, the First Minister said, and I quote, that:

‘One of the first things that the Minister will be looking at is what the next stages will be in terms of dealing with bovine TB.’

We know, of course, that the vaccination policy has been halted. We know that there is new evidence coming from England where there is a cull policy and there are obviously lessons to be learned in that regard. So, I’d ask you to ensure that there is an early statement on the new Government’s policy in this area.

I thank the Member for this question. The Welsh Government, as you know, is committed to delivering a science-led approach to the eradication of bovine TB. Our comprehensive TB eradication programme includes annual testing of cattle, strict biosecurity measures and movement controls, and this approach is aimed at tackling all sources of infection. Of course, we are aware that this will be an issue for the Cabinet Secretary in terms of one of her early considerations of the situation.

Minister, could we have a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure regarding Silcox coach company? You will know that, on Monday, the 134-year-old Pembroke Dock-based company went into administration and that that resulted in the loss of around 40 jobs. It is of course really sad that a company with such heritage and roots in the community has ceased trading. Nonetheless, our concern now must be for those who have been affected by those job losses and also to secure the services that Silcox operated in Pembrokeshire, particularly school transport and essential local bus services. So, I just wonder, Minister, whether we can have a statement that would give some reassurance to that community that we here are taking those concerns very seriously.

Joyce Watson has drawn attention, appropriately, this afternoon in a question to the business statement so that we are aware of not only the potential impact in terms of job losses and services in her region—and, of course, this is a matter that the Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be clearly looking at in terms of his new responsibilities.

Cabinet Secretary, can I ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for health and social services to provide an update to the house on the special measures and their impact in the Betsi Cadwaladr health board area? The Minister will know that it’s now 12 months since the board was put into special measures and since the publication of a scandalous report on mental health care at the Tawel Fan ward in Glan Clwyd Hospital. And, yet, according to the update papers that have been provided to the latest health board meeting, there’s still no mental health strategy in place for the health board, and neither of the two reviews that have been commissioned by the board into the outcome of the Tawel Fan scandal have been completed. Not one person has lost their job as a result of the dreadful situation that occurred on that ward, and it’s about time heads should roll. Can we have an urgent update, in order that we can consider this, because I think the people of north Wales deserve much better?

Well, it’s clearly a key priority for the new health Secretary. And, of course, he has not only made sure that one of his first priority visits was to Betsi Cadwaladr—actually, we have also had a very good response from the chair of Betsi Cadwaladr, in terms of progress that’s been made, as a result of us taking that key responsibility as a Welsh Government. But, I mean, clearly, we also have to recognise the fact that the health board has taken action to improve its responsiveness to patient concerns and complaints, reviewed its governance and processes, and engaged much more fully and effectively—and you need to hear my response to your question, Darren Millar—and improved, of course, the clear engagement—important engagement—with both public and staff too, and regarded this, clearly, as a priority. And it is for the patients, of course, that we have to respond to those concerns.

And, finally, Hefin David.

I’d like to add my voice to Julie Morgan’s request for a debate on the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. I’d say that it is to the Welsh Government’s credit that they’ve already passed the necessary legislation to create strategic development plans. But, particularly in the debate, I’d like to see a discussion about the strategic plan for south-east Wales, including the 10 local authorities. I feel that local development plans don’t connect very well, and the strategic planning process is a way of resolving the pressure that is inevitably on local authorities.

And one word about the way the debate should be conducted; I think we could be constructive in this debate. It isn’t a party political problem, which is why I was surprised earlier, during First Minister’s questions, that Neil McEvoy—placid bloke that I’ve heard that he is—decided to be party political about it. I don’t think it needs to be party political—[Interruption.] I don’t think it needs to be party political; I think it can be a debate that is constructive. The only way we’re going to solve this problem is if we work together, across parties. So, I’d like us to reflect on that when we conduct the debate.

Well, I thank the Member for Caerphilly for that question. Of course, there is no better example of how local authorities have worked together than with the successful development of the city deal, the 10 local authorities, which is also as a result of cross-party engagement of local authority leadership at that level—at regional level. But I think you have made an important point, in terms of the legislation. It is about initiating a plan, and we have that opportunity now, which can reflect the principles of local democracy, and it is for local authorities to collaborate and to submit proposals to the Welsh Government, and, of course, we would welcome that in terms of that strategic approach to development as a result of our new, successfully secured Planning (Wales) Act 2015.

Thank you, Minister.