Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. The next item on our agenda is the business statement and announcement, and I call on the leader of the house, Jane Hutt.

Diolch, Lywydd. I’ve no changes to report to this week’s business. Business for the next three weeks is as shown on the business statement and announcement found among the meeting papers available to Members electronically.

May I request a statement from the Minister for Lifelong Learning and the Welsh Language on the lack of availability of bilingual teaching resources and the impact that that has on Welsh-medium education? It’s something that has been raised from time to time over the last few months. But I understood today that the psychology GCSE won’t be taught through the medium of Welsh anywhere next year, because of the uncertainty about the availability of the necessary materials. Welsh-medium schools in Wales have decided not to provide that course, and bilingual schools have chosen to provide the English course, because they know that the resources will be available. The risk there, of course, is that the authorities will say that there is no demand for such resources and we will see a vicious cycle developing that is entirely unacceptable, in my view, and that is a million miles away, of course, from where we should be if we want to see a million Welsh speakers in Wales by 2050. It lets Welsh-medium schools down. It lets teachers who want to teach through the medium of Welsh down, and it lets pupils who want to be educated through the medium of Welsh down. And it undermines all ambitions that the Government has in terms of the Welsh language. So, I would kindly request that the relevant Minister appear before us to explain exactly what the Government is doing, and how they see that this is acceptable in any way whatsoever.

Diolch yn fawr, Llyr Gruffydd. It is very important that we do get the evidence to substantiate these concerns underpinning this question today. My understanding is that, in terms of psychology, it’s being ceased in both English and Welsh in 2018—English and Welsh—therefore, that obviously drives that decision, and, also, that the GCSE biology book was available last October. So, we don’t know why the school in question, which I understand is partly where this question has arisen from, didn’t receive a copy. So, obviously, it is a matter of exploring what these claims are in terms of getting the appropriate evidence and response.

Could I seek two statements from you, leader of the house, if possible, please? On Friday, I met with Llantwit Major Town Council, and Llanmaes Community Council. I know you, in your capacity as the constituency Member of the Vale of Glamorgan, have also met with them, but there is widespread concern over the northern access road, which the Welsh Government is promoting within that particular area, and the inability for the councils’ views to be taken into consideration about the transport options around the exciting development around the Aston Martin development in the Red Dragon hangar. Everyone’s supportive of that development—it’s some of the transport options that are being discussed. And, actually, there’s the feeling that they’re being steamrollered through when the existing infrastructure around there, the Eglwys Brewis road, is deemed sufficient by some people to actually meet the transport needs of the future of that area. And also the flood preventative measures that have been identified for the village of Llanmaes have now, from what the community council tell me, been pushed back, and are dependent on the northern access road actually being built and completed.

Obviously, the community were given an assurance in March last year, just on the eve of the Assembly elections ironically, that £400,000, I believe, was going to be made available for these preventative works to be undertaken for Llanmaes, and now they are being told, after the election, that that is not to be the case. So, could we have a statement from the two Ministers concerned here, around flood prevention, but also around the economic footprint about the northern access road, as to exactly what engagement will be carried out with the community going forward, and, importantly, what evaluations of the existing transport routes around that area have been made? Because it would seem foolish to me to spend £15 million on a new road when a considerably smaller sum of money might achieve the end goal on the existing infrastructure that is there. So, I’d be grateful for a statement on either one of those accounts.

And the second statement I’d be grateful for is over the condition of the A48 from Culverhouse Cross to Bridgend. You will be aware of several accidents that happened last week. I think it was six in total, I am told, that happened that week—[Interruption.] It is not a speech—I can hear that coming from a sedentary position. When you have six accidents on a stretch of road, there is a cause for concern, I would suggest. Thankfully, no-one was killed, but there were some serious injuries. And, if you drive that stretch of road between Culverhouse Cross and Bridgend, the surface of that road is in an appalling condition, with several very deep potholes. I’d be grateful to understand what evaluation has been taken by the traffic management of the Welsh Government as to what maintenance might be required for that road, and, in particular, the safety measures that might be put in place to alleviate some of these traffic hazards that do exist on that stretch of road between Culverhouse Cross and Bridgend.

Thank you to R.T. Davies for those questions—very much constituency questions that I’m engaged in as the Vale of Glamorgan Assembly Member. But I think, just on to the first two-part question, I understand—and I have been very involved, indeed, in encouraging the Welsh Government to consult with all of the town and community councils affected in terms of the proposal for the northern access road, and, indeed, was able to secure an exhibition to be held in Llantwit Major, following it being held in St Athan, and Llanmaes as well. So, it is only right and proper that town and community councils are responding to that. But, clearly, this is now for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, in terms of planning applications. And indeed, of course, the Cabinet Secretary for economy and transport is fully engaged in this, because, as you say—and you do welcome the exciting development of Aston Martin, who are now in their first phase of construction in St Athan.

I think your second point, of course, and the Cabinet Secretary is here with us, in terms of environment and rural affairs—the money for Llanmaes has been promised for many years. My frustration is as deep as yours—and the people of Llanmaes. We need to get this work done. But, as you are aware, of course, Boverton, the work has now commenced in the village, below Llanmaes and Boverton, and that, of course, is very welcome, and it will also—the money will be spent in Llanmaes as well.

Your second point: of course, we, locally, are very aware of those accidents. That sharp frost, unexpected—the roads were gritted, we know, from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and, of course, the condition of the A48 is something that, I know, will be considered.

Whilst improved transport links are not part of Swansea bay city region proposal, which, quite correctly, is based upon improving economic prosperity, and thus the gross value added, there’s a need for improved bus, road and rail links within the city region. Some people are physically remote from employment, retail and leisure facilities, sometimes when they don’t actually live that far away from them, but, because of the lack of transport facilities, they’re unable to get there. Can I ask for a Government statement on a programme to improve transport links within the Swansea bay city region?

These are crucial in terms of the opportunities that the Swansea city region is taking forward, particularly in relation to the city deal opportunities as well. We did announce, as Mike Hedges knows, nearly £29 million funding for transport schemes across Wales, to improve safety and help in terms of levers for economic growth and promoting active travel. And the city regions have been able to influence transport planning processes at a local and national level. But, of course, we have funded a number of enhancements to rail infrastructure and services for Swansea, and its economic area, in recent years.

And I think this is a crucial point in terms of strategic development. I can go on about bus services being improved, but roads as well, as you say, are crucially important in terms of grant funding for the local transport fund of £13 million in this financial year to local authorities in south Wales for transport schemes. And this does include allocations to the city and county of Swansea for completing the Morfa distributor road, for the A483 Fabian Way corridor—that’s at business case—work for infrastructure enhancements, and also, crucially, Kingsbridge link scheme, which is the key section on the Swansea active travel.

I could go on, but I think that’s enough to answer that question.

Yesterday, Newsquest announced the closure of its hub in Newport, with the loss of 14 jobs. Sadly, of course, this is a reflection of the general trend in print media, and, obviously, we are even more susceptible to that here in Wales. I notice the Cabinet Secretary for the economy is in the Chamber. I wonder if we could have at least a written statement from him, which could include perhaps information on why Newsquest decided to cease operations in Newport but to maintain them in Weymouth, and, specifically and very importantly, what intervention the Welsh Government proposes to support the members of staff there, in terms of their future career prospects. And also, I think, maybe this could act as a further catalyst for greater Welsh Government intervention in the print media sector in general, as we move forward.

Well, thanks, Steffan Lewis, for this question. I believe questions on this have been raised with the Cabinet Secretary many times from the floor. Certainly, the Cabinet Secretary will be very happy to update Members in the course of business. So, thank you for the question today.

I wonder if I could just ask for two statements, please, leader of the house. The first—I see the Cabinet Secretary is here—is about the regulation of wood waste sites. I know this is an issue that’s come up before, but, in view of the fire at Llandow, which has affected residents and at least one small business recently, I think maybe this is something we’d be very, very grateful to hear from you soon, not least whether Natural Resources Wales will have the capacity and resources, actually, to support, or fulfil, any regulatory change that you may be able to introduce. But just an update on that would be very gratefully received.

The second—I wonder, it’s been some time now since the Welsh Government invested in the Pinewood studios. Obviously, that investment was made on the basis of a range of key performance indicators. We heard quite a lot at the time about the local economic impact and jobs created. But, as I say, it was some time ago now. It would be quite useful, I think, if we could have an update on how well that’s gone. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Suzy Davies. In fact, I have been very involved in the impact and outcome of a fourth fire at Llandow industrial estate, which happened on Thursday night—visiting on Friday morning and again yesterday as well, meeting with NRW, who then issued a suspension order, working with local businesses like the Llandow caravan park and, indeed, the circuit there. Those who live in that area will see the smoke and the impact on the much wider community. NRW, of course, and the Cabinet Secretary are very clear, again, about whether there are the regulatory opportunities to take action as a result of these very unfortunate fires in these sites.

Second point—yes, the Cabinet Secretary would be happy. It’s appropriate—timely—to do an update on Pinewood studios.

Sport, as we know, has so many, many upsides, but I wonder if we can find time for a statement or a debate on the issue of sport and behaviour, both on the sports field and off, following the unfortunate coverage of the on-field brawl during a rugby league 3 match during the weekend. As somebody who’s followed and even played rugby as a hooker as a youngster, and come off on the worst end of some of the dark arts at the bottom of a scrum or on a touchline, I do understand the passions. But when they boil over into anger or even into brawls—not only on the field, but I’ve often seen it as well unfortunately sometimes on the touchlines when it gets too heated.

So, it would be good to find a debate for that so that we could discuss that, the role of role models on the field, the role models of parents and spectators, but also to discuss the role of the governing bodies, such as the WRU and the FAW and others. This is exceptional, but, where it does happen, we need to speak out against it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

I’m glad Huw Irranca-Davies has raised this question. The Welsh Government, of course, wants to see more people taking part in sport and to be able to enjoy the experience both off and on the field, and condemns any violence during matches and outside, as you’ve described. We will consult with colleagues in the Government over the opportunities we have to respond fully to this in terms of a possible statement or debate on sporting behaviour. But I think, just looking at football, the FAW have in place a Fair Play Award—that’s about raising awareness for the good of Welsh football. And there’s a reward. Clubs—and, in fact, winners can receive a monetary incentive worth £1,000 towards equipment and also ground improvements. The WRU have begun investigating events in Newport and, indeed, that is an important response—a detailed disciplinary process they have in place and, of course, the teams involved have been contacted and will be dealt with accordingly.

I wonder if it’s the Government’s intention to bring forward a debate in Government time on the issue of broadband for Welsh communities, and specifically the Superfast Cymru programme. Many questions have been asked of the First Minister during questions, and, had the Llywydd been patient, I think every one of us could have asked a question about communities that are having difficulty at the moment in accessing Superfast Cymru.

The most recent example I’ve seen in my region is a u-turn by BT in providing broadband for Llanymawddwy. There was a meeting last June with the MP, Liz Saville-Roberts, in attendance, when a pledge was made that Superfast Cymru would come to Llanymawddwy. BT have now u-turned. It’s the first time that I have seen a complete u-turn; there have been delays and reprogramming, but not a full u-turn, saying that broadband won’t be available for this village, despite the pledges made in the past.

For people who consider that remote places are too far away to have modern technology, this happens to be where the first colour film was made ever in Wales. So, we should perhaps rethink where creativity and new technology starts in Wales. Of course, the subject of that film was the red bandits of Mawddwy. So, unless you want a revolt in the hills of Montgomeryshire, it may be time to look at this again in a debate in Government time for us all to understand where Superfast Cymru is going and whether it is keeping the pledges that have been made to Assembly Members.

Simon Thomas draws attention to one particularly important location where there have been these frustrations. In fact, Nick Ramsay drew attention earlier on to the delight of the people of Tintern, while drawing attention to surrounding areas. So, I think that we have to recognise that there are still issues, but, to date, over 621,000 premises across Wales are able to receive superfast broadband thanks to the programme. Wales has got the best superfast broadband coverage among the devolved nations, but it is that work that has to continue, which means that the number of premises across Wales with the ability to access superfast broadband is continuing to rise.

Our Access Broadband Cymru scheme, which the Member will be fully aware of, also offers assistance to those not part of the roll-out in terms of grant aid. We’re also looking, it was announced in November, at how to reach the final few premises once Superfast Cymru comes to an end in 2017, with an investment of up to £80 million. So, that will inform the next scheme, but clearly there are infrastructure, land availability—there are issues that then can lead to the disappointment that you experienced from your constituents. I think it’s important that you shared that today and that I’ve given you an update on the progress that we’ve made. So, whole counties—Conwy, Gwynedd, Blaenau Gwent, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion—would have been left without any access without the intervention, of course, of Superfast Cymru.

I raise two items of business. First, I call for a statement acknowledging that yesterday marked the beginning of the tenth UK National Apprenticeship Week, not to recycle the arguments we’ve already had here around the levy, but the broader issues that are being brought to the fore. For example, many charities, like the National Deaf Children’s Society, are disappointed, putting it politely, that apprenticeships won’t be covered by the proposed new additional learning needs legislation as it currently stands, and such as new research by Centrica, owner of British Gas, which found that nearly one in two young people would be attracted to work for a company with opportunities across the UK, compared to just over one in four young people in Wales, who didn’t believe this was a priority for them. Although university is still viewed as the ideal start, and most people surveyed don’t view apprenticeships as the best starting point to reach senior positions, 90 per cent of Centrica’s apprentices, for example—I’m sure that’s reciprocated elsewhere—feel better equipped for the world of work than friends who went to college or university.

Secondly, and finally, I call for at the very least an oral statement, and preferably a Government debate, on ‘Moving North Wales Forward’, the Welsh Government vision for north Wales and the north-east Wales metro. This is a vitally important matter for north Wales. We’ve been waiting many, many months for the Welsh Government to detail its response to the proposals that have been made. Instead, we just got a written statement last Thursday full of platitudes, such as

‘Modernising transport in North Wales…will contribute to the achievement of our well-being objectives’, and

‘There are strong links between the economy of North East Wales and that of North West England’.

We didn’t need a statement to tell us that. And we had recycled announcements such as on the bus summit, which, vitally important though it is, we’ve had statement after statement after statement in the Chamber, and the proposals for Deeside and Wrexham that we’ve heard many times also.

The only reference to the rest of north Wales was the third Menai crossing, which is, in fact, a recycled consultation, because for the last one, nine years ago, the recommendations were ignored.

Finally, and most importantly, it refers to making

‘the case to the UK Government for a fairer share of rail funding’, knowing full well that that’s predicated upon the growth vision for north Wales and Growth Track 360, which were presented to the UK Government early last summer and are critical to whether the UK Government can invest in north Wales electrification and other matters, as the Minister well knows. Simply saying that you will look at

‘regional arrangements associated with public sector reform and Growth Bids’ as they develop isn’t good enough. Until we know how the Welsh Government is going to respond to those proposals, we don’t know how this can go forward.

Well, I think, in terms of your first question, as far as the Welsh Government’s concerned, we’re only too delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, considering we as a Welsh Labour Government have committed to developing 100,000 apprenticeships, even at this tough time. That is about us choosing priorities that we know will have the kind of impact that you describe so well, Mark Isherwood, in terms of the opportunities for young people. In fact, it was very good to hear, I think on Monday morning, on ‘Good Morning Wales’ a young person who had successfully entered an apprenticeship rather than going to university, which was an option, or she hadn’t been appropriate, in British Gas. But we also know, in terms of the opportunities for the apprenticeship scheme that we developed, of course, it has been backed by European funding, and a disappointment for us is that we don’t know, in terms of the future, how we can use that all-important European funding in terms of skills to take this forward. But the 100,000 apprenticeships that we are funding will make a huge difference.

In terms of moving north Wales forward, well, yes, I’m sure that you would welcome the fact that the Cabinet Secretary for economy and transport did acknowledge, applaud and welcome the very good cross-local authority partnership working in north Wales. North Wales, of course, features very highly in terms of investment. So, do you want me again to remind you, Mark Isherwood—I’m very happy to do so—for example, of the works on the A55, improving safety and resilience, carried out during the winter when traffic flows are at their lowest, completing all planned daytime work on the A55 before Easter. Clearly, that’s going to be very important in terms of impact with Conwy council. Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass public inquiry date—the Cabinet Secretary has agreed to hold a public local enquiry for the A487 Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass, and we’re finalising details.

A third Menai crossing—I think you mentioned that, as only one example. A clear, long-term commitment to a third Menai crossing, and we are looking at possible solutions to the existing Britannia bridge, because this is crucial in terms of access to Wylfa Newydd. The Deeside corridor consultation [Interruption.] I will continue, as you asked me the question—consultation on the Deeside corridor project, beginning on 13 March, lasting 12 weeks. And looking at those all-important issues around Queensferry and Northop, that’s going to represent investment of over £200 million, and, of course, as far as rail is concerned, north Wales will benefit as a result and as we take forward the Wales and borders rail services and metro consultations in north and south Wales. So, you know, you welcomed the bus summit; this was just one aspect of where north Wales is featuring so strongly with the Cabinet Secretary for the economy and transport.

Would it be possible for the leader of the house, or for the Government, to clear up the implications of Trump’s latest travel ban and its effect on Welsh residents and their families, by perhaps a written statement? The list of countries includes Somalia, and, as the leader of the house knows, there are many people from Somalia living in Cardiff, nearly all from Somaliland. Would it be possible for the Government to clarify whether the ban includes Somaliland, which de facto does operate as a separate country, and, obviously, if it does, this would have implications for Welsh residents and their families?

Julie Morgan raises a very vital question that is of great concern to her constituents and the people we represent here in Wales. Welsh Government officials have, I can confirm, spoken today to their counterparts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. They’ve confirmed that Somaliland is normally treated by the international community as an integral part of Somalia, so the Foreign and Commonwealth Office expects that the latest US travel ban will impact equally on all Somalians, including those from Somaliland. This, in fact, was the case with the previous US travel ban. There’s no indication at present of any distinction being made this time, but our officials have highlighted the concerns of the Somali community in Wales. We’ve requested any further information about the likely impact of the ban on Somalia and the other countries as well that are included in the latest ban, and that this should be shared with the Welsh Government as soon as possible. As was the case with the previous US travel ban, much remains unclear about the details, about the practical implications of the ban, of President Trump’s latest announcement. The Welsh Government continues to have serious concerns about the restrictions being put in place, and I would hope that those concerns would be shared across this Chamber. We’ll continue to urge the UK Government to do everything possible to ensure the interests and rights of Welsh citizens are not harmed.

I would say also, finally, that Wales is making a significant contribution to the refugee crisis by receiving refugees and asylum seekers in almost every part of the country. We’ve a solemn duty to help and protect refugees and the Welsh Government takes that very seriously. We have benefited from inward migration, we believe that migrants make a positive contribution to Wales’s economy and to our society more widely, and we stand in full solidarity with all our people, irrespective of their country of origin or religion, and the UK Government should represent all of our citizens in discussions with the US Government.

Cabinet Secretary, may I ask for a statement from the Welsh Government on the announcement of 60 job losses in Careers Wales? Careers Wales provides independent careers information, advice and guidance to people of all ages in Wales. It helps people make realistic career decisions, whether by encouraging further learning, training, skills development or employment. It is a matter of great concern, therefore, that 60 jobs—nearly 10 per cent of the workforce—are under threat due to the Welsh Government cutting its funding. One of the key roles of Careers Wales is to assist the implementation of Welsh Government’s programmes. Indeed, they are bidding at present to provide the Welsh Government’s employability and apprenticeship training programme. Shedding so many jobs must call into question the ability of Careers Wales to effectively deliver Welsh Government’s programmes and provide quality careers advice to students and people out of work. I should be grateful if the Welsh Government would make a statement on this important issue now. Thank you.

Well, I do sometimes wonder where Mohammad Asghar thinks that we’re going to find our funding, you know, with a £1.8 billion cut and more austerity to come. But, I think we need to look at this serious question, and important question, carefully. We were aware of Careers Wales’s decision to initiate consultation on a voluntary release scheme, and we do hope and expect that Careers Wales and its staff and trade unions can work collaboratively on this issue to improve and help the financial sustainability of this very important service, which, as you say, does deliver important outcomes to our learners—to all-age learners in Wales.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Ann Jones) took the Chair.

Leader of the house, there appears to be a growing trend by some to call into question the independence of our courts, tribunals and similar bodies. I’m sure you’ll agree with me, leader of the house, that the effectiveness of these bodies and the protections that they provide for citizens in this country rely on us all respecting the independent role that they play, even if we don’t like the results. Would the Welsh Government consider, therefore, making a statement that sets out the operation of the Adjudication Panel for Wales, and its independence, so that we can ensure its integrity isn’t undermined and so that the public can have confidence in the decisions it makes?

I thank Dawn Bowden for that important question. The Adjudication Panel for Wales is an independent tribunal. Its function is to determine alleged breaches by elected and co-opted members of Welsh county, county borough and community councils, fire and national park authorities, against their authority’s statutory code of conduct. Members of the tribunal are appointed by the Welsh Ministers through an independent judicial appointment process, conducted by the Judicial Appointments Commission. Welsh Ministers have no involvement in the tribunal’s decisions, which are made by members of the tribunal on the basis of evidence before them.

Thank you very much, leader of the house.