2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:10 pm on 19 February 2019.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 3:10, 19 February 2019

Organiser, could I have several statements, please? The first is in relation to the cystic fibrosis unit at Llandough hospital. I appreciate that there's a business case that has gone into the health Minister from the health board, but speaking to local practitioners in the cystic fibrosis unit there, there is concern that progress isn't as speedy as it should be. There's been great work going on at the site there, huge improvements in patient outcomes, and it would be a welcome boost to the outcomes for patients and the clinicians who work on that site if a road map now could be laid out as to when the unit's improvements could be completed, and hopefully that will be in the not-too-distant future.

Secondly, could we have an update from the Deputy Minister who's responsible for transport in relation to the eastern distributor road here in Cardiff? Or the Rover Way improvement—it has many titles attached to it. That's the last missing link of the ring road around Cardiff, and anyone who travels that piece of road realises that the congestion is at virtually any time of the day, to be honest with you, at that pinch point in the transport network around Cardiff. And an update on progress—I understand Welsh Government did undertake a feasibility study along with Cardiff city council, and the outcome of that feasibility study will be greatly appreciated to understand will the Welsh Government be in a position to take any work forward in improving that real pinch point now in the transport artery around Cardiff.

And also, could I ask for a statement from the economy Minister in relation to air passenger duty? I do think it is vital. I cannot find a coherent argument why—and I'm criticising my own Government here—passenger duty is not devolved here to Cardiff so that, obviously, that can be used for the benefit of Cardiff Airport. I do believe there's a real opportunity. It's a long-standing position I've taken, when the Silk commission was meeting as well, and it was a recommendation of the Silk commission. And I do believe, rather than reading about this in the press, as we read yesterday, a statement on the floor of the Senedd would be more appreciated—certainly by myself, but I'm sure other Members—so that we can actually understand why these roadblocks exist.

And, in a lighthearted way, could I also draw the Assembly's attention to the main rugby match that's happening on Saturday, the Assembly rugby team playing the House of Commons and the House of Lords? I promise to keep my shirt on; I think I frightened so many people when I took my shirt off a few years ago, thinking I had to swap it. But I know Rhun, who's one of the Members who participates, Hefin David—we're playing in his constituency in Caerphilly—and Huw Irranca have been great supporters of what the club has tried to achieve over the last 12 months. It has raised over £35,000 for Bowel Cancer UK and other charities since its inception back in, I think, 2005/2006. And if any Members who are hearing this want to turn up on Saturday to play, or to, obviously, just support the team, I know everyone would be greatly appreciative of that. Thank you very much.