3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:06 pm on 4 December 2018.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 5:06, 4 December 2018

Leader of the house, can I ask for a statement from the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs on woodland and forestry management in Wales? As I understand it, felling licences can be issued in Wales but cannot be refused on wildlife protection grounds. I understand that that is also the situation in England. In Scotland, they've recently changed the law so that considerations in respect of wildlife can be considered prior to felling licences being issued. Of course, this is adding to the protections of a variety of species, including the red squirrel, which I'm the species champion for. So, I wonder if we could have a statement on whether the Welsh Government has any plans to improve protections for wildlife in that regard.

Can I also ask for clarification from either the Counsel General or an appropriate Government Minister in respect of the extent of legal indemnity for Ministers and indeed former Ministers of the Welsh Government? I've had some recent questions that have emerged in my inbox in recent days regarding the extent of legal indemnity that is afforded to Ministers. I would be very grateful for a statement clarifying the situation, and particularly whether that indemnity applies to former Ministers. Thank you.