Questions to the First Minister

QNR – in the Senedd on 13 September 2016.

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Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative

(Translated) How will Brexit impact the Welsh Government's skills strategy?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

We remain committed to delivering the skills Wales need to grow and prosper. Whilst the partial Treasury guarantee on funding for current structural funds programmes is a welcome short-term assurance, we will continue to press to ensure Wales does not lose a penny of current or future anticipated EU funding.

Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative

(Translated) Will the First Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to improve technology services in west Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

(Translated)

The Welsh Government’s priority is to continue to expand and deliver improvements to technology services for businesses and individuals in the west and across Wales.

Photo of Julie Morgan Julie Morgan Labour

(Translated) What estimate has the Welsh Government made of the levels of prosperity in Wales?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Levels of prosperity in Wales are best judged by a basket of indicators that includes GVA, employment, income and poverty. Taking the basket in the round, since devolution, Wales has broadly kept pace with the UK, a period over which the UK has grown faster than the EU average.

Photo of Leanne Wood Leanne Wood Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the First Minister make a statement on increasing the use of the Welsh language?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

The Welsh Government remains fully committed to increasing the use of the Welsh language. Our challenging vision for a million Welsh speakers by 2050 is currently subject to public consultation and we will consider all responses in due course.

Photo of Jayne Bryant Jayne Bryant Labour

(Translated) What progress has been made in delivering extra value in the Welsh life sciences sector?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Life sciences is an important driver of economic growth and improved well-being. It is vital to the economy, for creating jobs, increasing wealth and developing high-end skills. Weekly earnings have increased by 8.3 per cent, over 5 percentage points more than the increase of any other sector.

Photo of David Rowlands David Rowlands UKIP

(Translated) Will the First Minister provide an update on what is being done to address the working conditions of migrant workers involved in car valeting facilities?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Working conditions and workers’ rights are reserved matters and remain with the UK Government.

Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour

(Translated) Will the First Minister outline the discussions he held in America in relation to promoting and supporting Welsh steel making?

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour

Maintaining a strong Welsh business climate, including the advanced materials and manufacturing sector, is important for our steel industry. I was in the States to remind them Wales means business. I will publish a full statement on my visit shortly.