6. Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:24 pm on 13 May 2020.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 5:24, 13 May 2020

Thank you, Minister, for those answers. Could you confirm if goat and sheep farmers who milk the sheep or the goats would benefit from the dairy support package that is made available—it's not just people who milk dairy cows who benefit from the scheme? And could you commit to updating the Plenary at your earliest convenience around your meeting with the chief vet tomorrow, so that we may understand how the Government are proposing to bring forward the Lucy's law proposals?

Also, I'm a little disappointed, because you did indicate in your response that the money has come through, or you've had indications certainly, from the Treasury, that the money will be coming through from the Treasury in relation to the top-up and the 15 per cent pillar transfer. So, could you, as Minister, give your commitment today to support that proposal? I don't see why you can't give your commitment to support that proposal.

And, finally, in your statement you did allude to the opening up of the countryside, which I'm sure we'd all welcome. But, in light of the tragedy that happened in Monmouthshire the other week, where sadly someone lost their life while crossing an agricultural field with buffalos in the field, it's vitally important that the safety message is promoted. Can you give us assurances that that message is being actively promoted by the Welsh Government, because, in my own region of South Wales Central, it was only some years ago that sadly two walkers lost their lives on the edge of Cardiff when they were in a field of cows and the cows stampeded and trampled them? So, health and safety is vital when we do reopen the countryside, and that people are aware of their responsibilities when mixing with livestock so that we avoid tragedy.