We'll move, therefore, to our next item, the business statement and announcement, and I call on the Trefnydd to make the statement. Lesley Griffiths.

Diolch, Llywydd. There are two changes to this week's business: the order of the statements by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language and the Minister for Economy has been reversed, and I've scheduled a debate on a supplementary legislative consent memorandum on the Environment Bill, subject to the Senedd agreeing a suspension of Standing Orders. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out in the business statement and announcement, which can be found among the meeting papers available to Members electronically. 

Minister, may I ask for a statement from the Minister of health on the threshold for a public inquiry into cases concerning the care and treatment offered by health boards in Wales? I know the answer will probably be, 'Go and Google it, Natasha', but the reason why is something different. I've actually been in correspondence with the health Minister and the Aneurin Bevan University Local Health Board regarding one of my constituents, whose name is Celia Jones, on the circumstances regarding the passing of her partner, who sadly died at the Royal Gwent Hospital in 2017. Celia Jones was and remains dissatisfied and distressed by the way the health board investigated her serious concerns about the treatment Mr Boulton was getting at the time. She made a complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, as anyone would do, who upheld the vast majority of her concerns and who made a series of recommendations. The Aneurin Bevan health board say that they have implemented these recommendations, but my request for details about what action was taken has actually been met with a flat refusal to enter into any further discourse as they regard the matter as a closed case. Only a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Brian's passing will satisfy Celia, but the Minister says the threshold is high and has not been met. Please can we have a statement therefore from the Minister on why this should be the case, when serious failings in care and treatment such as this have had such tragic consequences? Thank you so much, Minister. 

Thank you. Well, you've clearly been in correspondence with the Minister for Health and Social Services. I would think it's more appropriate for you to continue to do that rather than to have a statement. 

You will be aware, Llywydd, of the enthusiastic campaign of Plaid Cymru in Ceredigion and the excellent work done by Ben Lake in Westminster in standing up for the rights of women born in the 1950s, who have had their pension rights taken away from them. Trefnydd, you too will be aware, from all of the correspondence that you've received and what you've heard in surgeries, just how many people are affected by this. We all in this Chamber know of a woman who has been impacted by the disgraceful decisions taken by the Department for Work and Pensions. Back in September, the Counsel General stated the Welsh Government's support for these women, and did so clearly. There will be a protest on the steps of the Senedd on Friday involving the WASPI women, and they would be very grateful to get the support of the Welsh Government and a clear statement from the Welsh Government as to how they can support them. So, what practical support is available for these women who are suffering? And many of them have already died without receiving a penny of the moneys owed to them. Thank you.

Diolch. You're quite right; I have had several constituents contact me around this issue, and I know the Minister for Social Justice has been working with UK Government Ministers to make sure that they understand Welsh Government's concerns. I will certainly ask the Minister for Social Justice if she can update Members, if there is indeed anything to update us on, ahead of the protest on Friday.

Could I ask for two debates, please, in Government time? First of all, a debate on the Environment Bill. Your statement outlines that there is a provision for a supplementary LCM this afternoon. There are a number of different issues that are being covered by this legislation, and this Parliament has not had an opportunity to discuss many or any of them. We've discussed the LCMs and the process, but what we have not discussed are the issues themselves. LCMs are, of course, a means of delivering some changes to our statute book, but I do not believe that LCMs were designed for the weight of legislation that is now being enacted without any opportunity for scrutiny by this Senedd.

The second debate I would like to ask for is on the UK Government's budget last week, and specifically the levelling-up funds, which have demonstrated pork-barrel politics at their very worst, bordering on fraud and bordering on corrupt. What we have seen is Tory Ministers using public funds to support and to sustain Tory constituencies, and what we are not seeing is any use of the principle of need for the allocation of funds. It's probably one of the most appalling decisions that I've seen during my time here in this Parliament, and I believe that this Parliament should be debating these matters. 

Thank you. In relation to your first call, for a statement on the UK Government's Environment Bill, as you say, we've got a further—well, this is a supplementary—LCM this afternoon. This is about an amendment that we had asked for; the UK Government told us it wasn't possible, and then, right at the last minute, they've now put that amendment forward.

In relation to your second point, certainly, having looked at the levelling-up fund myself, it does appear that it is Tory constituencies that are certainly benefiting; I think it's about 60 per cent. Whether that's on purpose or not I think remains to be seen, but I think you're quite right, we certainly do need to have a debate in this Chamber around that, and I will certainly ask the Minister for finance to do so.

Trefnydd, can I call for two statements from yourself, please, as rural affairs Minister? Firstly, this week marks the start of COP26, and I note the absence of a statement from yourself regarding the positive role that agriculture can play in the fight against climate change. I'm sure you'll agree with me that it is our agricultural communities that are the natural custodians of our environment, and so the long-term sustainable support and involvement of the industry is critical in tackling climate change. Therefore, and with this in mind, can I request that you make a statement on the steps you are taking to support the agricultural community in their own attempts to protect and restore the planet via sustainable food production and agri-environmental schemes?

And, secondly, given the outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry and wild birds in Wales, can you give a statement on the outbreak and what steps you are undertaking to support the poultry industry and wild birds in Wales? I note that the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, has announced temporary disease control zones of 3 km and 10 km around the infected poultry farm in Wrexham, but I think this Chamber, Welsh poultry farmers and wild bird enthusiasts would appreciate a statement from yourself on the outbreak and what further work is being undertaken to protect and support wild birds and poultry here in Wales. Diolch.

Thank you. So, I absolutely agree with you—the agricultural sector, and certainly farmers themselves, would say they are part of the solution to the climate emergency and contribute a significant amount to ensuring that happens. You will be aware I recently made a statement around our proposed sustainable farm scheme, and I will certainly update at the most appropriate time.

In relation to the AI outbreak in Clwyd South constituency, you may have heard the chief veterinary officer this morning on the radio outlining the steps we are taking. This is something, sadly, that we face every winter; I think it's just come a little bit earlier than we anticipated this time. There are temporary disease control and prevention zones being worked on at the moment. What we do as a Government is we ensure that we contact everyone that keeps birds and poultry in Wales. We have a register, and I would encourage anybody, even if they only keep one bird, two birds, three birds, to make sure they are registered, because it's very easy for us to send information out on the press of an e-mail. So, it's really important that we all make sure that our constituents are registered on that poultry-keeping register.

Will you as agricultural Minister, or even the economy Minister, bring a statement before us on the steps that you are taking to tackle the increasing habit of large multinational companies buying our agricultural land in Wales in order to use it to plant trees and thereby offset the carbon emissions of those companies, so that they can continue with the polluting practices of their companies? Switzerland has placed clear conditions on agricultural land since the 1950s that mean that that land can only be used for agricultural purposes in Switzerland. We need to ensure that agricultural land in Wales remains in food production, and that family farms in Wales continue as farms that support the foundational economy and the circular economy. Thank you.

Thank you. It would actually be for the Minister for Climate Change, if such a statement came forward. There is a piece of work being undertaken, as you know, by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change around tree planting, and this is clearly an issue that's been raised as part of that review. I think it's very difficult to tell people who they can sell their farmland to, and certainly the discussions I've had with farmers around this is that they don't want to be told who they can sell their land to, and I would absolutely agree. However, I think it is really important—. And you'll be aware of the sustainable farming scheme that we're bringing forward—that's all about rewarding active farmers, and I think there is that discussion to be had between our farmers and land managers, and certainly tenant farmers, who—they are the active farmers, aren't they? So, there is a piece of work being done. I don't think it would be appropriate at the moment to have a statement, but I'm sure the Deputy Minister for Climate Change or, indeed, the Minister for Climate Change will update us.

I'm asking for one statement and one Government debate. I'm requesting a statement on procurement to increase the amount bought from locally based companies. The Welsh Government, and the Welsh Government funded public sector are major purchasers of goods and services. If you add universities, the third sector and social landlords, it becomes a very large purchaser. I'm asking for a statement to include an overall procurement strategy, including work with other bodies, and progress on reducing the size of contracts. Too many contracts are of such a size that local firms cannot bid. 

I'm asking for a debate led by the Welsh Government on the Welsh Government's economic strategy. Since the founding of the Welsh Development Agency, there's been a strategy of attracting inward investment. I have heard Ministers say that we offer more than anywhere else. If you have to do that, they do not want to come and are liable to leave with few providing the number of jobs initially promised. I'd like to see a debate on an economic strategy based on developing local ideas and companies, summed up as, 'More Admiral insurance and fewer LGs and Bosch'.

Thank you for those two requests. In relation to local procurement, Welsh public sector procurement expenditure accounts for £6.7 billion, of which around 52 per cent is spent directly with businesses based in Wales. And while we've seen an increase in the past eight, nine years or so—a significant increase—I think we can do better, and certainly across Government we are looking at what we can do to support Welsh businesses in relation to procurement. We have a Wales procurement policy statement, which we published in March 2021, and we have a ministerial group that's looking at what we can do to increase that.

In relation to the Welsh economic strategy to encourage start-ups, you'll be aware that the Welsh Government does provide extensive support to start-up businesses. We have Business Wales, which is our bilingual business support service, both for microbusinesses and SMEs, and that of course includes social enterprises. We are seeing a really positive number of new start-ups, even in this tough time at the moment. You'll be aware that last week I held Blas Cymru, Taste Wales, in the Celtic Manor, and it was a real pleasure to be able to launch over 200 new products, food and drink products from across Wales, over the past year, and many of them were from companies that were new start-ups. So, there is a lot of support out there already, and I would encourage any business or entrepreneur to ensure that they do contact Business Wales in the first instance.

Trefnydd, I'd welcome a Welsh Government statement providing an update on the plans to tackle what seems to be a growing skills shortage in Wales at the moment. I've recently had the pleasure of meeting a number of small businesses from across north Wales with the Federation of Small Businesses, two of those being the Fifth Wheel Company in Rhuallt and also the White House hotel and spa, which I would highly recommend.

A common theme when meeting with these businesses and employers is that they are struggling to find people with the right skills to employ, and this is despite their jobs being well paid and there being the potential for a long and successful career in those jobs. I have noted the Welsh Government statement on a COVID commitment to employability and skills, but as this was a statement in July last year, it was well over a year ago and, of course, the world has moved on quite a lot since then. So, I think the time would be right for an updated statement on the Welsh Government's plans to tackle the skills shortage, and what they would do to encourage rapid skills development throughout the country. Thank you.

Thank you. I am aware of quite a few sectors' concerns around skills shortages in specific areas, and I think it is really important that certainly our further education institutions ensure that they are able to put modules into different courses at different times, and very rapidly. So, for instance, I remember when I was a skills Minister that it was really important that we had electricians who were able to install solar panels. The world has completely moved on since then, so I know this is something that the Minister obviously takes a close interest in, and ensures that discussions around skills—. Just last week, as I mentioned in an earlier answer to Mike Hedges, we had Blas Cymru. So, I spoke to a lot of hospitality businesses, a lot of food and drink businesses, who, again, want skills in very specific areas. So, it is really important that the Minister works very closely with our further education and higher education institutions to ensure that we have those skills available for all our sectors in Wales.

Trefnydd, could I call for a statement from your colleague the Minister for health on the use of COVID passes in Wales? A number of constituents have contacted me about issues that they have experienced when trying to access paper passes. In particular, they have not been able to speak to an advisor to request a pass, as the phone number listed on the Welsh Government website has not been working. In fact, my office tried calling the helpline yesterday and struggled to speak to somebody, with the call cutting them off. Obviously, this is an important issue, as it may prevent some people from being able to access social activities and hospitality services. And so, an update from the Minister at the earliest opportunity about this issue would be much appreciated.

And finally, could I ask for an urgent statement regarding Welsh Government response times to correspondence from backbench Members? Whilst I appreciate that officials have experienced a high workload in recent times, I am finding that it's taking a long time to get responses on important issues raised with me by constituents. This restricts the ability of Members to respond to issues in a timely manner, and causes frustration amongst constituents who need help. It would be helpful if all Members could access departments directly, to get answers to more mundane issues, such as traffic issues on trunk roads, for example. Could I ask you to work with Government officials to look into ways of modernising the processes here, so that Members are able to fulfil their duties more efficiently? Diolch.

Thank you. In relation to your first request, on COVID passes, you raise a very specific point and, I have to say, I have contacted that helpline myself and not come across any problems. So, I don't think it's appropriate for a statement, because I think that's something that needs looking at straight away, so I will certainly make sure that the Minister's officials look at that today.

In relation to your second point, I have to say, as a Minister, it frustrates me, and I know the huge workload that officials have in correspondence. But I am very happy to work with the central office in Welsh Government to see if we can stick to, I think it's 17 days turn around. But you will appreciate—and you did say yourself—that particularly the health department has had a massive increase in the amount of correspondence that the Minister and the two Deputy Ministers have had. So, I do sympathise, but I do appreciate the frustration too, but I will certainly see what can be done.

Trefnydd, this time of year is an exciting one for children and adults alike. While the sight and sound of fireworks in November is not exactly a new phenomenon, the period in which fireworks are set off has become elongated in recent years. What used to be one night of anxiety for people and animals who are afraid of loud noises has become considerably longer. With public displays also being limited due to COVID, it appears that there could be more private garden displays this year—more than ever. The RSPCA briefing earlier this week, as part of their Bang Out of Order campaign, made it clear the devastating impact this can have on animals. We also know that some people, particularly those who served in the armed forces, can be traumatised by a succession of loud bangs. The issue is largely a reserved matter—for now at least—and the Tory Government has been typically passive, despite strong evidence for proactive action coming from the Westminster Petitions Committee. There is more that we can do in Wales, however. Will this Government take up the recommendations of the RSPCA and encourage retailers to stock quieter or quiet fireworks, compel public displays to be advertised well in advance, so people can take precautions to mitigate risks to them and their animals, as well as launch a public awareness campaign about the adverse impact of fireworks? Diolch.

Thank you. This is certainly something that's raised on an annual basis. I've been very pleased to see that some supermarkets are not selling fireworks this year—I think because of the concerns that you've raised in your question. I think, unfortunately, we will see a reduction in the number of planned firework events, so it's interesting to see that some of the retail outlets have taken that decision. I'm well aware of the work that the RSPCA have been doing, and I absolutely support that, and certainly I know, when I was the Minister with responsibility for this, I had many discussions with UK Government Ministers to see what could be done, and I know the Minister for Climate Change is continuing to have those discussions. We certainly looked at what we could have in relation to silent fireworks, and while I do appreciate, as you say, it is an exciting time, and as the mother of a child who has a bonfire birthday, I'm very well aware of that, but I do think we need to think about particularly pets and animals. And for those of us with dogs who just tremble the whole time, I really do think this is something where we need to make some progress.

Minister, could I ask for a statement on support for the hospitality sector during the winter months? Pubs are the cultural hub of our communities, providing good home-cooked food, good local ales and that warm Welsh welcome when we have visitors to our pubs. But with the First Minister floating the idea of extending vaccine passes to the hospitality sector if COVID rates don't go down in the next three weeks, a lot of those businesses are very anxious about losing trade during the winter months. So, could we please have a statement to outline what support will be given to those businesses if the vaccine pass is extended to the hospitality sector? Diolch, Llywydd.

We've provided a great deal of support for the hospitality sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be a vote next week on the next stage of the regulations. 

I thank the Trefnydd.