Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:50 pm on 7 March 2017.
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.