Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs

QNR – in the Senedd on 23 January 2019.

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Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru

(Translated) What plans does the Welsh Government have to support community hydropower projects?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

(Translated)

I have agreed to continue to provide business rates support in 2019-20 for hydropower projects, which deliver local benefits. Community hydropower projects will receive 100 per cent rate relief as part of this support. Community energy groups can also access a range of support and funding through the Welsh Government energy service.

Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative

(Translated) What guarantees can the Welsh Government give to the agricultural industry about farming subsidies after 29 March 2019?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

(Translated)

I guarantee the Welsh Government will continue to support farmers after the UK leaves the EU. We are currently analysing the Brexit and Our Land consultation responses. I have also announced there will be no changes to the Basic Payment Scheme before 2021.

Photo of Mandy Jones Mandy Jones UKIP

(Translated) Will the Minister provide an update on efforts to tackle air pollution?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

Our clean air programme for Wales is considering evidence to inform the development and implementation of actions across Government departments and sectors to reduce the burden of poor air. This work will inform the development of a clean air plan for Wales, which we will publish for consultation this year.

Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on the operational activity of the Welsh fishing fleet?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

The Welsh fishing fleet consists of approximately 400, mainly small scale vessels, working from small ports taking shellfish and non-quota species primarily for export to Europe and the far east. Whelk, brown crab, scallop and lobster are the main target species with landings for 2018 exceeding £8 million.

Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on reducing air pollution arising from congestion on the Treforest to Nantgarw section of the A470?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

The Welsh Government plan for tackling nitrogen dioxide exceedances was published in November last year. It highlights action being taken on the A470. Following detailed assessments, measures have been introduced on the A470 between Upper Boat and Pontypridd to encourage smoother traffic flows and address exceedence of nitrogen dioxide limits.

Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative

(Translated) What measures is the Welsh Government introducing to support farmers in Pembrokeshire?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

The Welsh Government will support the farming industry in Pembrokeshire, as in all parts of Wales, to become more profitable, sustainable, resilient, and professionally managed. I continue to fight for a full funding allocation for Wales, so that we do not lose a penny as the UK leaves the EU.

Photo of Hefin David Hefin David Labour

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for small-scale flood risk management in Wales?

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour

We are committed to providing at least £1 million annually over the next two years to support small-scale flood risk management across Wales. This approach is welcomed by local authorities and is making a real difference to people,  reducing risk to more than 3,300 properties since its introduction.