2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:34 pm on 13 February 2018.

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Photo of Mr Simon Thomas Mr Simon Thomas Plaid Cymru 2:34, 13 February 2018

Could I ask for a couple of things from the business manager? First of all, is it possible to have a statement or at least an indication of the timetable of an announcement regarding the ward 10 project in Withybush hospital? This is the project that a young girl called Elly has been fundraising for—Elly's flag appeal. I've done a 90-second statement on her appeal here, and I think a lot of Assembly Members will know about it. My understanding is that the business plan has been presented to Welsh Government by the health board about the refurbishment of this ward. Of course, there have been announcements since about possible consultation around Hywel Dda's services, and I'm very clear that I don't want this particular plan to get lost in that. A decision was expected some time in the new year, so it would be good to hear from the Welsh Government either a statement or an indication of when such an announcement could be made.

Secondly, can I ask for a debate around fracking? We've talked about the powers coming to this Assembly, and, in turn, to the Welsh Government, and the delay in those powers—that's something we'll disagree upon. But the issue of fracking has just come back to the fore because of the release of UK Government papers that suggest that, in fact, fracking is not the panacea for our energy ills that was foreseen. The development of fracking is not, in fact, even expected by the UK Government, which is officially in support of fracking, to develop at the pace that was expected or to fill the energy gap. That just allows us to reconsider how we use our natural resources, which are actually wind, Darren Millar, and other resources—how we best utilise them. And I think perhaps a debate on energy and fracking might be an opportunity for other Members to raise their own individual issues as well. But I think it is timely now that we have a proper look at this, because a number are asking for a real reassessment. Even those who may support the technology are rethinking whether the practicality and the cost of this is available.

And the final thing I'd like to ask about is a debate, if we may—we've talked about Brexit today, but I think we need to talk about Brexit and fishing in particular. Fishing is the one area where, as a great remainer, I would say that the European Union didn't always get it right, I have to say. So, I'm quite happy to have a debate around that, and particularly to think afresh about what can we do in Wales with an inshore fishing fleet and a very strong shellfish industry here—about 90 per cent of our fish catch is actually shellfish. The Public Policy Institute for Wales has produced a report on fishing and Brexit. I think that would be a good basis for a Government debate, in Government time, on fishing, and the possibilities and the ability to perhaps, in an environmentally sound way, but also in a way that supports our sea communities, to try and work new ways of supporting the fishing industry and seeing the development of that industry in a sustainable way. I think several Members would take an active interest in such a debate.