– in the Senedd at 2:15 pm on 10 July 2018.
The next item, therefore, is the business statement and announcement, and I call on the leader of the house to make the statement—Julie James.
Diolch, Llywydd. There's one change to today's agenda. Later this afternoon I will be making a statement on the review of gender equality, otherwise business for the next three weeks is as shown on the business statement and announcement found amongst the meeting papers available to Members electronically.
Cabinet Secretary, may I ask for a statement from the Welsh Government on the Centre for Cities's report that says that the struggling city centres should end their dependency on retail by replacing shops with offices and housing? According to this report, offices in successful city centres like Bristol and Manchester made up two thirds of the commercial space available, and retail made 18 per cent of that. In Newport city centre, 54 per cent of commercial space was in retail, and 28 per cent of the shops are vacant. Also, the number of people living in Cardiff city centre, an increase of 88 per cent between 2002 and 2015. In Swansea city centre, 63 per cent over the same period. In Newport, an increase of only 20 per cent, Minister.
Could we have a statement from the Welsh Government on the findings of this report, and on how we can breathe life back into cities and towns such as Newport, please?
Yes, a very interesting report, and a lot of work has been done on the changing nature of city centres. The Cabinet Secretary has made a number of contributions to that debate, and we've been working very hard with partners on the city deals in order to take account of what the Member is outlining, which is the fundamental change in the way that people shop, the effect of, obviously, internet shopping on retail space, and what needs to be done to make those vibrant places that people want to go to for something other than a retail experience. The Member has pointed out the findings of the report very much. I know the Cabinet Secretary's very well aware of them.
First of all, leader of the house, can I say that I'm a bit surprised that we haven't had an oral statement on the consultation on land-use management and the future of common agricultural policy payments, which is going to be hugely important over the summer? I understand it's a long consultation, but it will feature strongly in the summer shows. I think an oral statement would have been suitable for such a consultation, and I no doubt will return to this tomorrow when the Cabinet Secretary is due to answer questions. But I think it deserves a particular session in this Chamber, to look at and examine that consultation.
Can I ask for two further possible statements? First of all, does the Welsh Government intend to make a statement on water over the next week or so? We're not in a position of drought yet in Wales—just to be sure that we're very clear about this—however, we do have a situation where we're starting to look at a situation that might arise with drought. Two months in a row of way-below-average rainfall is one of the triggers for drought—we're getting on for that. We're much better prepared than the summer of 1976, which I think we both can remember, but it's certainly true that there is some concern now about water use in Wales—a potential water shortage—and, of course, we'll be on a break over the summer, so if the Welsh Government does intend to support any kind of water-use restrictions, or needs to do that, because we may well have rain, but if it's not of sufficient quantity, we could still be in August with some problems—. So, will the Welsh Government make a statement, and in particular, will the Welsh Government make a statement on the use of the new joint powers in the Wales Act 2017 with the UK Government around water resources in Wales? I'm perfectly happy that our water is shared throughout the United Kingdom; I think it's right and proper that a common resource is shared. But I also think it's right and proper that the right price is paid for the use of resources. I think it would be very difficult politically if we saw any drought restrictions in Wales and water was flowing, shall we say, through English factories and towns without there being a quid pro quo in some of that. We just need to understand where the new powers under the Wales Act will be used by the Welsh Government to have discussions with the UK Government about the joint management, and appropriate management, of water resources in Wales.
The other situation I'd like to request a statement on specifically, or perhaps a letter from the Cabinet Secretary would be appropriate, is the situation of dentistry in Wales, and in particular dentistry at a consultant-led level. I have a constituent who's happy for me to name him, Mr Boff, who has been waiting for two and a half years for restorative dentistry, having lost all his teeth. He can't get that done by a restorative dentist in Betsi Cadwaladr, because they've never been able to retain a restorative dentist, but they're not willing, either, to pay for him to get it done where their previous restorative dentist has gone, which is in the west midlands. So, they're not prepared to pay for him to go there, but they don't have a dentist who can do it in the health board area, and they sent back £1 million to the Welsh Government for dentistry last year, because they couldn't spend the money. In the meantime, my constituent has actually been warned by his general practitioner that he now faces malnutrition because he literally does not have the teeth to eat properly.
This is something that could be solved so easily if health boards had a way of utilising the resources that they've been given by Welsh Government to spend outside their area, to make sure that our constituents do get the healthcare that they need. Now, the last time—I could read this out; I've got a very long list of interactions on this, and a lot of people have been involved—but the last time, most recently, a couple of weeks ago, a response from the Cabinet Secretary did show a little bit of urgency and a realisation that the health board can't continue sending holding letters to me—several weeks ago—on this matter, and that Mr Boff does need his full treatment. I would appreciate some response before the recess on what's being done to restore this service, which must be affecting other constituents, because Betsi has not had a restorative dentist for at least a year now, and is not able to provide a very essential service.
Llywydd, in time-honoured fashion, going in reverse order, I'll make sure that the Cabinet Secretary is aware of the issue, and finds out for the Member where he is on the response to his constituent's concerns.
In terms of water, we have not yet got to the point that some of us remember from the long, hot summer of 1976. I have to say, many of my Cabinet colleagues, of course, were not born in that time, but, sadly, I was. But we are keeping—forgive the pun—a weather eye on it and I'm sure that the Minister will bring forward a statement if we get to the point where that's necessary. I don't want to jinx the lovely weather, Llywydd, as I've an important family wedding, for which I very much hope it will last until, just after recess.
In terms of land management, obviously we are out to consultation, and the Cabinet Secretary, once we've had the consultation, will be coming back and giving us an outline of that consultation. The Member himself pointed out that there are a number of events over the summer where it will be discussed in some detail, and the time to bring a statement forward will be when we have the results of the consultation.
Leader of the house, I'm particularly concerned to safeguard my constituents in the western part of the Vale of Glamorgan, where there's a long-standing practice of using the services of the Princess of Wales Hospital. Can you provide an update on the proposed health board boundary change in Bridgend?
Secondly, I would be grateful if the leader of the house could confirm that the Welsh Government will respond, as a matter of urgency, to the report from the independent medicines and medical devices safety review, which has concluded that there must be an immediate pause on the use of surgical mesh for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. You will know that I held a meeting last week of the Welsh mesh survivors group. Does this accord with a statement made by the Cabinet Secretary, Vaughan Gething, on 8 May, where he drew attention to his support for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence new guidance in December last year, stating that transvaginal mesh repair for vaginal wall prolapse should only be used in the context of research? And also, in his statement, he stated his support for the recommendation from the working group that the NHS supports women with pelvic health problems, moving to a focus on prevention and conservative therapies, with surgical intervention as a last resort.
It's a very important issue, and as Jane Hutt correctly said, the Cabinet Secretary has already made some remarks on that. We are advising the NHS to restrict the use of vaginal mesh in Wales, ensuring its use is continued only in those with very specific need and who fully understand the risks. That is in line with the recent recommendations of the report from the review panel, which Jane Hutt just mentioned, and the Chief Medical Officer for Wales has written to medical directors reiterating that advice.
We expect sufficient levels of clinical governance, consent, audit and research are in place in health boards to ensure that all women can be confident that the appropriate safeguards are in place. We have evidence of a significant reduction in the number of vaginal mesh procedures in Wales. So, that largely suggests, Llywydd, that a pause is already in place, driven by a change in clinical decision making during recent years. However, it's our expectation that that will continue to be the case until the requirements for increased safeguards can be met. So, I think the announced immediate curb in England very much reflects the Wales position. So, they're basically following our lead in implementing those safeguards.
In terms of the health board boundaries, I know that the—Llywydd, obviously, my constituency is one of the ones affected, just to remind Members of that—chairs of the health boards have issued a joint statement on this change and invited all elected Members to raise any concerns directly with them. If you haven't received that, I'll make sure you have a copy and that the invitation is extended to you, if that hasn't happened. There's no intention to change front-line health services in the Bridgend local authority area. We are obviously very keen to reduce duplication and bureaucracy, and to encourage simplicity. The proposals for realigning the health board boundaries are intended to offer such opportunities, empowering local government to be strong and capable and make decisions based locally on clear accountabilities and to work effectively with a consistent set of partners, so it realigns the boundaries, as I know Jane Hutt is already aware.
Welsh Government is continuing to work with the health boards and other partners as preparations for the boundary change are developed, and the relevant legislation will be brought forward in due course. Obviously, any further health service change proposals will be the subject of separate public engagement and, where appropriate, consultation in line with usual procedures for the consideration of such boundaries. So, this isn't the harbinger of another set of changes to come.
I endorse the call for a statement on mesh operations. England hasn't followed Wales. NHS England has announced a stop to NHS operations—full stop. In that context, I would welcome a statement.
Secondly, I'd welcome a statement on the contribution that heritage railways can and can further make to Wales and our local and regional economies. Last week, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas hosted a Worshipful Livery Company of Wales event with the magnificent Ensemble Cymru from Bangor University at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, playing, at which we heard the chair of the Worshipful Company was related to the family who had saved the Snowdonia mountain railway. Last Friday, at the Prince of Wales PRIME Cymru awards in Llandudno, I was speaking to a representative of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway. Last Saturday, we saw Channel 4 screening its fifth and final episode of its Great Rail Restorations series, operating its time train on Llangollen Railway, promoting the wonderful railways setting between Llangollen and Carrog, but, of course, now going to Corwen as well, their ability to operate the heritage train, and the efforts of all those involved. For many years, we've heard of the Welsh Government's support for some heritage railways, a celebration of Welsh heritage railways, but we still need a joined-up tourism officer with through ticketing, enabling regional visitors to extend their stays and have the fantastic time we know they can have. Therefore, I call for a statement accordingly.
The Member highlights a really great part of Welsh heritage, and I'm delighted to say that I recently was in Llangollen for their heritage railway event there, and it was really fun to see, and the enthusiasm of all of the crowds that came to greet the train was also great to see. I know the Minister takes it very seriously indeed, and will be considering how we can best join up those services to make sure that we put our best foot forward in the offer that we have. I know the Member is very enthusiastic about those railways, as am I. I'm sad to say I haven't been on the Snowdon railway very recently, but I'm hoping to make good on that over the summer. So, I'll speak with the Minister about the best way to ensure that the Member's concerns are highlighted properly.
In terms of vaginal mesh, as I already said, I haven't really got anything to add, Llywydd, to what I said earlier about the mesh issue. Obviously, we are very acutely aware of the issues that the Member raises.
Leader of the house, you'll be aware of the recent British Council research comparing the soft power of sub-national countries and regions, and examining how they can build their international profile. There was a meeting here involving Rhun ap Iorwerth recently. The research looked at the people, brands, political values, culture and sport of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and seven other broadly comparable regions and countries. In terms of overall results, Scotland come second after Québec, with Wales in sixth place.
Now, clearly, perception and branding are important to our tourism sector in terms of attracting international visitors. Last year, all nations within the UK experienced increases in the volume of international trips, but Scotland and London performed particularly strongly. Whilst the number of trips to Wales also increased, spend in Wales during the same period decreased by 8 per cent, in contrast to spend growth across the rest of the United Kingdom of some 11 per cent. So, despite Welsh Government efforts, it is clear that more can be done to grow Wales's profile and international visitor numbers, and therefore, I would be grateful if the Minister for tourism were to bring forward a statement on the work that is going on in this field, his response to the British Council report, which identifies potential challenges and opportunities, and also to set out his vision of how he sees the international tourism strategy developing over future years.
Yes, we were very pleased to see the increase in visitor numbers, and I was particularly pleased with the cruise ship arrangements in Ynys Môn, which we hope, very much, to be able to duplicate elsewhere in Wales. The Minister's indicating to me that he'll be more than happy to bring forward a statement to that effect, so I will liaise with him about the best timing for that.
Leader of the house, every six minutes someone in the UK suffers a sudden cardiac arrest and their chance of survival is less than 10 per cent. Within Wales, it's less than 3 per cent, yet in many other countries across the world this person would have a 50 per cent chance of life. Sadly, children and young people can suffer sudden cardiac arrest as well as the older generation. Medical experts believe many children could be saved if a defibrillator were used within minutes of the collapse. I know that the charity Welsh Hearts have worked with the Welsh Rugby Union to try and install defibrillators in every single rugby club across Wales, which is a great initiative, and I know the Member from across the Chamber, Suzy Davies, has done some work in the past on this issue. But could we have another update, because we did receive a very useful update from the Cabinet Secretary in December 2016? But could we have another update on this extremely important issue?
And also, can I request a second update from the Cabinet Secretary for Education on mental health services in schools? It's almost a year since the Welsh Government announced its £1.4 million investment to strengthen the support from specialist child and adolescent mental health services to schools, and it would be extremely useful again to have an update on what work is being done to improve the services within our school system.
Jack Sargeant raises two very important issues. There isn't a specific programme for schools to have access to a defibrillator as such, but all schools, of course, should have arrangements in place for dealing with emergency situations. As part of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest plan, which we published in June 2017, work is under way with partners to map out the organisations that provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation training within communities across Wales. We have effective partnership working, which will mean that people of all ages in Wales are not only given every opportunity to survive a cardiac arrest, but are also provided with the CPR skills and resources, like defibrillators, to enable them to assist in saving a life. And, as Jack Sargeant's just pointed out, the provision of defibrillators in appropriate public places, including rugby clubs, combined with investing in first responder training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and ensuring the fastest possible ambulance response times, does significantly increase the chance of survival and recovery for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
The Welsh ambulance service and third sector organisations are working with schools across Wales to promote CPR and the use of defibrillators through initiatives such as Shocktober and Restart a Heart Day. There were 53 secondary schools involved in Restart a Heart last year and, in total, 10,622 secondary school pupils were trained in CPR. Thirty-two primary schools took part in Shocktober 2017, and 2,146 pupils were taught CPR as a result of that. They also covered when to ring 999 and what to do in emergencies such as choking as well. So, it's a very important issue and we look forward to seeing the extension of that this year as part of the campaign.
Leader of the house, can I call for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs on big cat sightings in Wales? The leader of the house may be aware that there was a further big cat sighting in north Wales just over 10 days ago on the A5, and that's in addition to, of course, the 10 big cat sightings between 2011 and 2016 reported to North Wales Police—a number of which have been recorded by the Welsh Government. I'm sure that you will agree with me that we do need to understand whether there is a population of big cats in the Welsh countryside. There have been sightings in my own constituency in and around the Clocaenog forest and, of course, many farmers are concerned about the safety of their livestock as a result of these animals, should they be in the Welsh countryside. So, I wonder whether the Welsh Government can make a statement on whether they will be commissioning any further research into this subject, in order that we can establish whether there is a population in Wales and what risk they may pose to livestock and the public.
The Cabinet Secretary is indicating that, obviously, she answered a question from you, and she expects that a letter from her to you should be received at any moment.
Could we have a statement on the issue of British Steel pensions, which were swindled from workers by Celtic Wealth Management and their partners? I have raised this with the First Minister, but he seemed to fudge the response. We know that Celtic are not a financial advisory firm, so they will not be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and so to try and claim that the FCA are looking into this issue is not something that I accept. We know that the firm has been offering sports tickets to pension holders, to get them to take their pensions out of the British Steel pension scheme and the PPS. And there needs to be an investigation by the Welsh Government as to how this grant was given, on what premise it was given, and, since November, you've known about the problems that have emanated from this particular firm, and I would like to see an investigation carried out by the Welsh Government before we're waiting for more problems to emanate in relation to other pension holders in the Port Talbot area.
I'd also like to ask for another statement, with regard to your communications with the police in relation to the death of a young Sudanese man in Newport last week—Mustafa. Obviously, I understand that the law needs to be enforced, but when there is a serious incident such as this, resulting in a death, after or during an enforcement operation, we need to be thorough, and we need to ensure that, in future, incidents like this do not happen again. We don't want to see anybody die in this way. Whilst we do not know his immigration status, this man was employed and came to this country for a better life, and it should not have ended with his death. I know that immigration isn't within the confines of the Welsh Government's powers, but I really would urge you to assure the Welsh population, who have contacted me, who want to know what's happening in this regard, so that we don't see instances like this happen again.
That's a very important issue. Actually, I'd like to reassure the Member that I have asked for more details myself, as the equalities Minister, to find out exactly what happened there. When I have those details, I'm happy to—I'll probably write to all AMs once we have them. I'm in the process of having that conversation at the moment.
And in terms of the British Steel pensions, if the Member has any further information—specific information—that she'd like to share with me, I'll make sure that we take that very seriously.
Can I just endorse the remarks made by Jack Sargeant earlier on? I think it's a very important issue that he's raised, and I'm glad you took it so positively. In the figures that you gave us, though, I didn't see anything about the repeat engagement of students over time—a one-off hit is not going to create a nation of life savers, I'm afraid. So, if there is a statement to come on the now-belated anniversary of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest plan, then perhaps that information could be included.
Could I just ask for a statement, please—probably from the Minister for tourism—well, an update really, on the state of cruise tourism, specifically, within the Welsh picture at the moment? We heard a lot about this in the last Assembly, but I don't think I've heard about it at all in this Assembly. And it's not just visitor numbers I'm interested in, but the development of local businesses, and local provision—quality of providers, and so forth—to meet the expectations of cruise passengers, which are obviously pretty high, and what the Welsh Government investment has been in that area of activity, as well as in the marketing of Wales to cruise companies. Thank you.
It's a very important point. As I said, I know there's been a big increase in cruise visits to Ynys Môn. Suzy Davies is of course right: we did hear a lot about cruise tourism in the last Assembly. I know that the Minister's been working very hard to make sure that we could get an embarkation point in Wales, which would be the holy grail of the cruise industry. When those conversations are well advanced, I'll be sure to help the Minister make an update to the Assembly on those discussions.
And in terms of the defibrillators, my understanding is that that's a rolling programme. If I'm wrong in that, I'll make sure that I let the Member know.
Leader of the house, you've already given the Minister for culture one namecheck today, or I should say another Member did. I was delighted to welcome the Minister to my constituency for a meeting with Cadw and local residents at Raglan castle last week. The meeting was primarily about the successor to Cadw's resident access scheme, but attention quickly turned to the dangers for local residents crossing the busy A40 from the village to the castle, with a relatively high speed limit, and without a crossing or a bridge, or any means of crossing safely at that point. Would it be possible for the Welsh Government to bring forward a statement on possibly having an access review to Cadw's sites across Wales, as soon as possible? I'm sure that Raglan castle is not the only Cadw site affected by similar issues. It's brilliant, on the one hand, to be revising the resident access scheme and to be increasing the ability for local residents, and indeed residents from other areas, to access Cadw sites, but if the physical access to those sites is limited for pedestrians, then you're either asking for trouble, with the increasing likelihood of accidents, or people just won't be able to get there in the first place in order to access these wonderful sites and places of heritage and interest that are found across Wales.
Yes, that's a very good point. The Minister is indeed getting a lot of namechecks today. I'm sure he won't have any problem with that at all, and he's also nodding happily that he's looking into that issue and will bring something forward in due course.
Thank you to the leader of the house.