2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:48 pm on 23 March 2021.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 2:48, 23 March 2021

Trefnydd, can I call for a statement from the Minister for Education on the use of face coverings in schools in Wales? I've been contacted by a number of constituents who've been very concerned that the schools are requiring them to wear face coverings all day in school, and of course that is causing a great deal of discomfort to many children who are having to wear them for the full period. We know, of course, that the Welsh Government has introduced regular, twice weekly lateral flow testing in schools in order to reduce risks, so it does seem to me that that needs to be taken into account and the guidance needs to be refreshed on the use of face coverings to ensure that it's appropriate.

Can I also call for a statement on the use of enforcement powers by Natural Resources Wales? I listened very carefully to your response just a few moments ago to Huw Irranca-Davies, but I have issues in my own constituency in the Ruthin area with a significant issue in relation to smoke pollution, and it seems to me that Natural Resources Wales do not have adequate resources to be able to meet their obligations to respond quickly to these things when they happen. In fact, there was an investigation launched into the source of the smoke problem back in January, and we're getting towards the end of March and the outcome is still not expected until the middle of April. Clearly, that's unsatisfactory. It is possible that people's health is being put at risk as a result of these delays, so I would be grateful if there could be a statement from the Minister for environment just on the adequacy of the resources that Natural Resources Wales has in order to deal with and tackle the problems caused by air pollution, in particular in north Wales. Thank you.