Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:31 pm on 13 February 2018.
Can I call for two statements, please, from the leader of the house? One on the process that is followed by Ministers in relation to planning inspectorate appeals: I've been contacted by many constituents in the Nantglyn area of Denbighshire, who are concerned about a decision to approve the Pant y Maen wind turbine farm in that locality by Welsh Ministers, against the advice of the planning inspectorate and against local democracy, which, of course, refused the application in the first place. There's been scant explanation, frankly, from Welsh Ministers as to why they allowed this particular development to get the green light, and I think that my constituents are owed an explanation as to precisely why the inspectors' recommendation to Ministers has not been taken forward, and I think shedding some light on this through a statement would be very helpful in supporting them to get a better understanding as to the rationale behind the decision.
Can I also ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary responsible for food and drink on support for the pub industry? One of the—. Again, another concern that has been raised recently in my constituency surgeries is the method of calculation for business rates for public houses and how this is having a severe impact on the financial viability of some pubs across Wales, particularly because, of course, the business rates are based on projected profits and turnover rather than necessarily the ability of those businesses to pay, or, indeed, the square footage of the premises, which, of course, is the case for further business rates. And I wonder whether we can have some sort of statement on support for pubs to see what else might be available to support those businesses, many of which, of course, are in rural parts of Wales and are struggling to make ends meet. We've seen hundreds of pubs close in recent years around the country, and I do think that it's very important that we throw these pubs a lifeline in order that they can continue to thrive and be the centre of their local communities. Thank you.