3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:53 pm on 4 December 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 4:53, 4 December 2018

Leader of the house, could I seek two statements, or clarification at the very least? The first one is a letter received from the First Minister in relation to the environmental impact assessment that was promised on the Barry incinerator by the Minister for Environment back in February of this year. I received this letter on 21 November from the First Minister, and he says in this letter that the decision will be made by the end of November 2018. That decision has not been forthcoming. When I looked at the calendar, the date of the end of November was Friday of last week. I've had numerous residents contact me wondering why there's no decision in the public domain at the moment. So, in the first instance, could I have clarification whether the decision has been taken? And, in the second instance, could I understand when that decision will be relayed to Members and to constituents? I'll happily share the letter with the Minister, because I see she's indicating that she's had no sight of this letter, but this letter was sent to me by the First Minister on 21 November, which is only two weeks ago, and he was quite categorical that, at the end of November, that would be in the public domain—that decision would be made. So, some clarification on that would be gratefully received.

The second point I would like to understand is the interaction between senior civil servants and special advisers within the Welsh Government. Last week, at the inquest that was held in north Wales, there was a point of evidence given that the head of the Cabinet division took instruction from the senior special adviser—Jo Kiernan, at the time—to look at Carl Sargeant's diaries. I have that here as well, and it's part of the record that was in the inquest. It was my understanding that special advisers were not in the position to instruct civil servants to undertake work on their behalf, and that civil servants worked exclusively to Ministers or Cabinet Secretaries. Could I seek a point of clarification as to exactly what role special advisers have in instructing civil servants to undertake specific pieces of work? Because I do believe that's a breach of the civil service code.