14/06/2011 am.pm

Good afternoon, welcome to the programme. Things are slowly

getting back to normal here in the assembly. First Minister's

Questions is back in his usual Tuesday afternoon slot, and so are

we. Opposition parties have been critical of the Government to fail

to publish a programme of government. Now, do get in touch

with us. Send us your thoughts to us at the programme. You can e-mail

us or to meet us. Just to let you know that our Welsh

affair editor for Roderick will be hit later to pour over the goings-

on in First Minister's Questions, but Carwyn Jones is on his feet in

the Senedd. Let's see what he has said so far during questions to the

first minister. TRANSLATION: the first item,

questions to the First Minister Western one, Paul Davies. What is

the Welsh government doing to improve the health and well-being

of the nation? Thank you, our commitment is demonstrated in our

manifesto commitment to 21st century health care. We continue to

tackle public health priorities, such as smoking and obesity. I am

grateful to the first minister for that response. I do understand that

and implementation plan for the elderly in terms of health care was

updated in 2005 in order to develop a strategy for corporate activity

for older people. It was developed to enable individuals to take more

responsibility for their own health and well-being, and to promote a

better access to a screening programmes, for example. However,

despite this implementation plan, it still appears that there is

discrimination in terms of age in terms of access to some screening

services, so under these circumstances, can the first

minister and his government update that action plan bearing in mind

that most of the action points contained are monitored, all were

monitored only until 2007? course, we do look at health and

equality through our strategic action plan. Namely, the fairer

outcomes for all documents. In addition to that, to ensure that

people can receive the treatment they require in their own locality

in order to ensure that the health outcomes in the health service

continued to improve. The first minister has said that he will work

hard to improve health services to people in Wales. The difficulties

of... Has highlighted the need for the health board to improve its

cataract services. Having been treated in one hour -- I'd 11 years

ago he this lady was turned down for treatment on the other eye

because the policy limit treatment to one I'd only. A number of

treatments -- constituents have to travel a long wait to see the

surgeon. Certainly, the travelling is difficult for people who have

difficulty with their side. Would you agree there is room to improve

the provision of some services in the health service, including the

cataract service? Well, perhaps the best thing to do would be to write

to me with the details of the individual and I will reply. First

Minister, given the concerning situation of Southern Cross at

present, do you agree that county councils should not consider

privatising any care homes for the elderly and that public ownership

provides the long term assurances to hour older people? I don't

believe that any local authority should have to privatise any care

homes. -- should look to privatise. First minister, has the buzz

government comp -- submitted their response to the UK Government's

consultation on the reform of the equality and human rights

commission? We will be submitting a response, but our officials are

working with the agency at the moment to provide advice on what

steps we should take to the proposed changes. We are preparing

a consultation for stakeholders as well for later this month which

will provide our response to the consultation. Would you consider

making representations to the Home Secretary and invite Trevor

Phillips and Mark Hammond, the chair and chief executive of the

commission here to seek commitments about the resourcing in Wales, and

were to be happy not only to invite them here, but to meet not only

yourself, but representatives of all four parties in this chamber?

It is vital that we are sure the commission in Wales will be viable

and continue with this important work to enforce the new specific

equality duties and further promote the distinctive equalities agenda

that we have here in Wales? I know that plight, will be happy to meet

the Czech and chief execs if of the Commission -- Plaid. I am sure that

the Labour Party would be equally happy. This is a question, not an

invitation. The equalities minister will be

looking to make the point that we will be ensuring a strong presence

in Wales, and it should be if that a meeting will be organised and I

am sure that can be done separately. First minister, I hope that the

consultation will help ensure that the Commission is structured as an

effective equality regulator and national human rights institution,

and ensure that public money is used as wisely as possible. In the

consultation got an -- document, the UK government highlighted the

importance of the commission retaining a strong presence in

Wales and working closely with the Welsh government. Given that we

face some unique challenges in Wales linked to equality, will you

join me in welcoming this statement? Well, I hope it is not

the case that we will see a diminishing of E H R C activities

in Wales, and clearly if that has been said by the UK government and

we welcome that, and we will seek to make sure that the function in

Wales remains as strong as ever. During first minister questions

convention has been for party leaders to ask supplementary is to

table questions, and when doing so they have been allowed to ask more

open questions to the first minister. As from this week, I wish

to establish a dedicated time for these questions. The party leaders

may ask questions without notice to the First Minister, and I do not

intend to call other members to ask supplementary is on these questions.

I now call on the party leaders to question the first minister. Paul

Davies. Thank you, presiding officer. The economic renewal

programme was one of the flagship policies of the first minister's

previous government. Could he tell us how much money has been

allocated to businesses throughout Wales since its launch last of

life? Given the fact that it takes some time for a programme it to

roll forward, you would not be surprised if I tell you that at the

moment the amount of money allocated is at a low level because

inevitably it takes a number of years for the programme to move

forward, and for the money to be allocated under it. Let me help out

the first minister because I have got the information here. The

information is �47,136 which has been allocated to businesses

between 20th July 10 and made 2011. Does he think that is enough to

help small businesses? No, but these programmes are run pub as

time goes on, and I fully expect that there will be more than

sufficient funds available during the course of the programme.

Following on from that, of course, we wanted to know whether the

Government will continue with the economic renewal programme. We do

now commit to continuing with the economic renewal programme? Yes.

Well, I am glad that we have had an answer at long last. Following a

lot from that, first minister, we therefore commit to setting up

enterprise zones and, if so, what discussions have you had with the

UK government on setting up enterprise zones throughout Wales?

We are looking at Enterprise Zones with great interest. We understand

that the consequential to Wales may be round about the �5 million mark.

We don't know for certain because we don't yet know what the full

package means. It is not a huge amount of money and we should be

careful about what any future Enterprise Zones might look like,

given the fact they had mixed success in years gone by.

Nevertheless, we are looking particularly at the principle of

clustered enterprise zones in different parts of Wales.

TRANSLATION: you said on 25th May, first minister, that he would meet

with George Osborne. Can you give us an update please? A meeting has

been arranged for the beginning of next month. If you recall, on 25th

May you said that there would be two things on the agenda from your

side to discuss with George Osborne. One was to ensure the first part of

the court and report, and secondly were the borrowing powers. Do you

now believe that that agenda is something you would wish to

reconsider, given that what -- what has just happened? I don't want to

follow Scotland, but having said that, it is very important that we

have a package that is of benefit to the people of Wales, and it is

very important to have borrowing powers and that is obvious. I will

be making a statement to the Assembly next week in order to give

the detail of the Government's standpoint on this, and also to

inform the Assembly on what our stance will be as a government when

I speak to George Osborne, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. May I say

that it is important that you should share that agenda with us as

soon as possible because, if the agenda as set out on 25th May was

to be your agenda, then obviously that is going to sell us short,

compared to what is happening in Scotland. May I just remind you of

what was said about Scotland yesterday? In addition to what has

already been announced, there were to have physical powers worth �12

billion - macro fiscal powers. Payments to enable the work on the

Forth Bridge to commence, and legislative rights to change the

way that Scotland borrowers through what they are calling bond issue

winds. Something which you as a party were disparaging abound

during the election campaign. As you have said that you are going to

stand up for Wales, can you tell us today what, in addition, will you

be asking of George Osborne. Compared to Scotland, it is obvious

that you have a long way to go. regards borrowing powers, we will

have the same powers as Northern Ireland and Scotland, and the same

level as well. You don't have to have a bond issue. It is possible

that is what Northern Ireland will do him to borrow money without

having taxation powers, and also without borrowing money on the

markets. Whatever the mechanism may be, it is important that Wales has

the means to borrow money in order to to fund major projects in the

future, bearing in mind the fact that capital is going to be very

scarce over the ensuing years. First minister, over the last 12

months we have seen the publication of a number of reports that have

been less than flattering about the state of the education system in

Wales. Today, the head of the Association of School and College

Lecturers has identified a lack of investment in future leadership of

schools and the importance of continuing professional development

of our teachers and he said, "in Wales I don't think we have

invested enough in continuing professional development and that

we have got some very good school leaders, but a lot of them are

approaching". Do you accept his criticism and analysis of the

situation in Wales, and what new policies but your Government set

out to ensure that we bring on the next generation of teachers and

school leaders? I take your point and it is right to say that there

are some very good leaders in schools and colleges in Wales. It

is also right to say that there are a dozen positions of leadership who

are not as good as some others. What is important is that there is

a good system of qualifications, and that is in place already, and

of continuing professional development, and I believe we have

those systems in place and we will see many more schools in the future

benefit in from heads and principles with enhanced leadership

skills. I am surprised that you say that, first minister, because the

recent inspection of the Budget acacias system made some very

specific and direct criticisms of the current way in which we train

our head teachers and the way in which we handle continuing

professional development in our schools. I am not aware that the

minister has been able to induce any significant changes to that

since that report was published. If I could go back to the comments of

This gentleman who has considerable experience of leading schools here

in Wales, he gave some specific examples of how we could improve

the situation. He makes direct comparisons with England about the

importance being placed on business matters there which allows head

teachers to focus on School Leadership, the curriculum, and on

teaching and learning. But to promote the use of business

managers in Welsh schools? Schools are not businesses. I don't think a

business manager is the right person to run a school. I think

actually that is unfair on so many heads up and down Wales who are

committed to education, and also good at managing schools. They need

the right level of support and qualifications, but I have seen

many schools in Wales where the heads are effective managers indeed.

Key for us is to ensure that the good practice we see in so many

schools around Wales is repeated in all schools around Wales, and that

remains the challenge. Once again and surprised by your analysis of

the situation. If you don't want to take the advice of the unions, and

that is your choice, and you question the role of business

managers in schools, your own inspectors have identified in their

work that employing a good school business manager can free up at

least 20% of the time of a head teacher, thus allowing that

professional to concentrate on curriculum development, leadership,

and promoting learning and excellence within that school. This

afternoon, we are going to have your legislative statement.

Wouldn't you agree with me it is time for this Government to bring

forward a teaching standards bill to put in place a new streamlined

structures for the training and development of our teachers,

driving up standards and timed in the profession so they can deliver

for all of our children? One of the suggestions that will be coming

forward to in my statement is indeed education, and I will make

that clear during the course of my statement. I am grateful for that

answer, First Minister, but I would bring you back to the point that

may or own inspectors here in Wales believe that the employment of

business managers would be a good idea and there would ask you to

reflect on the comments he made earlier. The education minister is

due, once again, to make a keynote speech to an external audience

which and told will set out how he and your government will drive up

standards and respond to the failings. Will you ensure that now

in the future any policy initiatives are announced in person

to this chamber? Policy initiatives are announced to Assembly members,

that will be inevitably occasions where policies are discussed with

those in the professions, those who are stakeholders. Today we will

hear later on the proposed legislative programme, and next

week there will be a statement on Has the Minister received any

further information on the electrification of the railway line

from Cardiff to Swansea? It is said it will cost some �60 million to

electrify as far as Swansea. Having noticed the Secretary of State's

opposition to the high-speed rail line, if she is opposed to that, we

will be happy to take some of that money to pay for electrification to

Swansea. Can I thank the First Minister for his response? Can I

followed up by saying that areas such as his own have importance in

terms of economic regeneration of the electrified line. Will people

making investments look at those areas which have motorway, fast

broadband and electrified railway lines? If we do not have that we

will be at a significant disadvantage. Will he be it would

be more used to the economic regeneration of Swansea and West

Wales to have elect a vocation than it is to have enterprise zones or a

fiscal powers? The sad reality is that many businesses will select a

vocation as far as Cardiff as the UK Government's message of seeing

that anywhere west of Cardiff is not somewhere that should be

invested in? That may be the message that is sent. I think we

both a deep that proving the business case for continuation of

the electrification project from London to Swansea is the key to

economic revival in our part of the world. I was pleased to be present

in Swansea this April when the Prime Minister, David Cameron,

confirm to the UK Government would go out of their way to improve

business. I am sure it will impress all members of South Wales to know

what action you have taken since forming the Government to assist in

proving a sound business case. What I -- while I do not want to

prejudice your answer to this question I fear the evidence speaks

louder than words. Can you come to the question, please? Will you

commit to improving their record and working alongside the UK

Government to provide electrification to Swansea? We have

a very good record in opening railway lines. The Vale of

Glamorgan line is one. I do not take criticism from the party

opposite about the commitment to railways. We have made appoint many

times in correspondence and in meetings that we want to see

electrification to Swansea. The railways are not devolved. It is

for the UK Government to provide the business case for a

electrification. We will do all we can to assist the UK Government.

First Minister, thank you for that. Swansea is still riding on the

crest of a wave after their football promotion to the Premier

League. Like the Radyr Cup weekend in Newport last year I am sure we

all recognise that for the next 12 months Swansea will be the window

through which the rest of the world will see Wales. I hope we can all

work together to maximise this wonderful opportunity. We cannot

allow our second city to feel underneath the international

spotlight. Can you agree with me that we need to press the

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to fully get behind the

electrification of the rail line between Cardiff and Swansea? It is

important for West Wales that we are seen internationally to be up

for business. I think that must be right. It is important we realise

the Wills's main line ends at Swansea. It has never been the case

that the Wales line ending at Cardiff has been seen up until now.

That is unfortunate because businesses have said that they will

think. Beyond Cardiff there are problematic conditions for economic

growth which is the wrong message to send to world investors.

TRANSLATION: The Westminster Government represents the policy of

expanding economic development. If there was concern about the Welsh

economy the would be aware that Swansea has greater risks of job

losses than elsewhere in Wales. Will he agree that what makes the

situation worse is that the cost per mile of continuing

electrification from Cardiff to Swansea at a future date now puts

it out with their reach of a possible investment package, has he

expressed this to the Westminster Government and made these points

directly to the minister with responsibility in this area?

TRANSLATION: The point has been made by this Government and the

previous Government, there was no difference in the stance taken by

the previous Government and this Government. We are still pressing

for electrification to the west of Cardiff. First Minister, I was

disappointed to hear the first Minister for Swansea were allowed

an enterprise zone for Swansea because it is quite important that

that forms part of the package along with the electrification.

Given that when this issue was raised in the chamber last Comer

there were points that the whole Assembly had to stand up and get a

case forward to the UK Government, can I ask what is your Government

doing now in terms of actively lobbying and working with experts

to get that case together and to put it in front of Government

ministers in the UK to make it clear to them that we need this

additional electrification on to Swansea. In terms of enterprise

zones, it does not matter to us. It is for us to decide what any future

enterprise zones might look like. We need information on capital

allowances from the UK Government, once we get that information we

will be able to proceed. Point of order. Nor, I am sorry. Julie

Morgan. What is the latest assessment available to the First

Minister of the likely economic growth rate of Wales in 2011?

know that Welsh economic indicators generally attract those of the

wider UK quite closely. UK prospects remain highly uncertain.

Does the First Minister agreed that the manufacturing led recovery

which was going strong in the second half off 2010 seems to have

run out of steam in the first half of 2011? What can he do to try and

restore the health and vigour of the recovery? The key to recovery

is to make sure our people have the right skills in order to provide

the basis for that recovery in future. That means ensuring there

are schools, colleges and universities working together with

industry and Government to endure we have a skills base in Wales that

is attractive to overseas investors. There are various initiatives

particularly one foundation which I had the pleasure of helping to

launch last week. TRANSLATION: With economic keep growth forecasts

worsening it is important to sustain capital schemes and I refer

of course to the reduction of the 30% in expenditure over the next

four years. Can we expand the right and enhance it to give the building

and construction industry a boost. The drive already exists with local

authorities working with central Government. TRANSLATION: We are

considering at present, as we do not have borrowing powers, it is

important we can work with local Government so they can use their

powers and collaborate with each other to ensure the best outcomes

for their own the us. The best solution is to ensure that we do

have borrowing powers as a Welsh Government. First Minister, D U A D

that the economic growth in Wales with develop hour manufacturing

sector. In the last Budget a carbon tax was introduced which could

affect such industries. Can you continue to ask your cabinet

colleagues to investigate ways in which we can support such injuries

-- industries as manufacturing with carbon tax. Especially companies

which are energy saving in a waste products. You place a high

importance on addressing the challenges of climate change. On

this occasion we believe the potential impact on industry,

especially energy intensive industries, such as steel

production, that needs to be seriously considered. First

Minister, you may have had drawn to your attention research released by

Manpower today which emphasises the importance of small businesses in

job-creation and leading us out of recession. Job-creation is

essential with recent figures showing 77,000 people in Wales have

been claiming out-of-work benefits for over 10 years. I asked what

your Government is going to do to further assist small businesses in

turning more opportunities into real job and stimulating economic

growth. The programme is clear in terms of what it offers businesses.

It is important we focus on helping businesses in the first two years

of their lives when they are at their most vulnerable in many ways.

The policies in the economic renewal programme are aimed

squarely at small businesses as well as those businesses which are

have agreed to her size. Thatch which are of the greater size.

Unfortunately the economic growth of our city-centre is suffering

because of the Liberal Democrat Leader Council which is bereft of

ideas. I can assure you that team Labour in Swansea are pressurising

the Council with some success to address the issues that our city

centre businesses are facing. Will he were with me to capitalise on

our city's good fortune and identify a strategy to deliver

growth to Swansea and the city centre economy in the current

financial climate? We are committed to the regeneration of Swansea City

Centre. It is one of the seven regeneration areas across Wales.

There is the railway station redevelopment, phase one of they

are urban village on high street. There is the castle, bus station

and transport infrastructure improvements. It was interesting

earlier listening to some of your colleagues trying to blame all the

wars of our current economic situation on the UK Government. I

am sure you agree with me that the previous Labour Government left us

with an enormous legacy of debt that some families are trying to

get to get up some left. -- trying to get to grips with. How will you

proposals helped to improve the situation in Wales? Under your

watch over the last 10 years GDP has gone down. That is obscene,

what are you going to do to make sure the figures are improved?

I have seen is a party who uses an employment as a weapon against its

own people. We saw that in the party opposite in the 1980s. The

enemy within. That is what Margaret Thatcher called those hard-working

miners. We see from the UK Government at the moment no

leadership. Where is the help for first-time buyers? Where is the

programme to deal with inflation which continues to rise? Where is

the programme to deal with unemployment? From the party

opposite we have only seen empty What is the first minister's

priority for South Wales Central in the next year? We will get on with

what we set out in the manifesto. Thank you for that answer. A couple

of months ago BMI Baby said they were withdrawing services from

Cardiff air port and does offered handers to that airport. Time and

time again they have turned to the Welsh government to seek assistance.

What are you going to be able to do in the next four to six months to

assist the airport in establishing new routes and, above all, securing

the long-term future of Cardiff Wales Airport? We work with the

airport as best we can. Week provide for the bright projects

capital money, but ultimately it is for the airport to attract business.

I am concerned about the future of the airport. There is no airline

with a base at the airport. It is important that such a base is

established, and then it to be a close examination of what the

airport's future should be, how it is secured. We will work with the

owners of the airport to ensure that we see growth at the airport

in the years to come, rather than Airlines, for some reason, leaving.

My plight but -- Plaid colleague has uncovered that less than

�500,000 worth of Olympic contracts have gone to Welsh firms out of a

pot of �6 billion worth of work. You made a great deal in the

election about being a protective shield for the people of Wales. Do

you have a view on the death of Olympic contracts coming to Wales,

and do you agree that that of vestment could have provided jobs

for those people who are unemployed in South Wales Central, some of

whom were described by your leader Ed Miliband as ripping of society

yesterday, a statement to use your words, first minister, that uses

unemployment to attack its own people and plays into the hands of

the Tories and their right-wing friends. Hold on a second, the

Minister of economic development... Let's not go down that line again.

You make a serious point. It is right to say that Wells companies

did not benefit as they should have done from Olympic contracts - Welsh.

I have discussed this issue and it is clear that more needs to be done

to give the confidence to Bull's firms to bid for these contracts.

It was clearly an issue of confidence that arose after the

contracts were allocated. We are aware of that situation and of

course, when a situation like this arises again, I want to ensure that

Welsh firms feel they are able to bid and have the confidence to bed.

-- bit. What is the Welsh government doing to help tackle

disability hate crime? Although hate crime is a non- devolved issue,

it has been recognised that there is a need to tackle hate crime in

all its forms, and we will work to reduce disability related to hate

crime. This has been part of the manifesto that the Government was

elected on. In a recent Mencap report called living in fear,

Mencap find that over 90% of people with a learning disability had

suffered some form of verbal or physical abuse from people they did

not know. This is a shocking and unacceptable. What can the Welsh

government do to ensure that people with a learning disability are

valued in their community, and thereby reduce the incidence of

abuse that many people face every day? I welcome and support the

Mencap campaign to tackle hate crime against people with mental

health issues. I know that the leader of the house will be

speaking at the breakfast reception on 22nd June to highlight our

commitment to working with all partners to reduce hate crime

incidents. Thus the Assembly Government plan to implement an

update its plate Strategic this assembly Dem? Every child has a

right to play and it enriches the lives of children. Wales has led

the way in promoting play and supporting play opportunities for

children and young people, and the deputy minister will set out

priorities for play in due course. TRANSLATION: successive governments

have emphasised the importance of play in promoting a child's

development. Are you able to provide an assurance that in any

work on the strategy, Wales will not follow the lead of that

flagship Conservative local authority in Wandsworth in charging

children for the use of play facilities, and the children in

Wales will continue in the words of the strategy, to be free to play,

not free to pay where access to these public services is concerned?

I can assure you that we have no intention of charging for the use

of playgrounds in Wales and we would be dismayed if any Welsh

authority followed the lead of Wandsworth. How low can you get?

taking forward your revised strategy, how will you be defining

play where previously government policy here was that play should be

freely chosen, personally directed, and performed for no external

reform or reward, but the children and families measure last year

redefined that includes any recreational activity. This has

caused concern particularly with the voluntary sector play providers

across Wales, and there would be grateful if you could provide

clarity to a sure that the free play priority is emphasised.

terms of section 11 of the measure, but how she work has been

undertaken in developing standards, and guidance that will form part of

the regulations that will be produced regarding this duty.

TRANSLATION: my question reflects the failure that we have seen by

not having a governmental programme because there is no mention in your

manifesto of a play strategy, there have been a number of good and fair

points about child's play in the Labour manifesto, but nothing about

a clear programme. Can I ask you, under your manifesto, when will you

find the resources to double the number of children that profit from

the Sure Start programme? This is being considered at present, and as

I have mentioned the detail of the legislative programme will be

published next month. There will be a statement today, and we must bear

remind that we are way ahead of Scotland in terms of publishing a

legislative programme. Will the firm Mr -- first minister outlined

his policy for enhancing the economic devolution dividend?

plans for growth and sustainable jobs as set out in our manifesto,

and they include two -- plans to raise the skill levels of a work

force and other actions to lessen the impact of measures being

imposed on Wales by the UK government. Thank you, first

minister. There has been clinic -- continued criticism for performers

on economic to run it. Academics have highlighted a focus on

bureaucracy rather than a delivery. Bearing in mind alarming figures

such as the fact that less than 18% of the previous Assembly Government

Innovation programme targeted support directly at the private

sector. How is your government looking to better tailored

programmes to ensure that many promising SMEs in Wales are able to

grow and find new markets? It is correct to say that we have not

done enough to prioritise delivery over the cause of the last decade,

and that is why I am setting up a delivery unit to make sure that

what we say we are going to do is what we do, and that the public

will be able to measure those outcomes as well. You're quite

right to say that it is essential that support for business must be

made to as freely available as possible, while remembering of

course the need for diligence in examining the applications that

come before us. First minister, as you know, Sunday 11th September is

an important date in the diaries of all Welsh rugby fans, and there are

plenty up in North Wales as well, because that is the day that Wales

will play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup. What are you doing to

promote Wales's economic interests around the forthcoming Rugby World

Cup, and would you agree that such competitions are not just about the

sport success on the field, but they are also more important

economic benefits for Wales as a result of playing on that global

stage? As well as being a major event on the international sporting

calendar, the World Cup does provide a major opportunity for us

to promote Welsh Business and Wales as it to his destination, and I

have been invited by the UK High Commissioner to New Zealand to work

with them to develop a programme to promote our interests around the

World Cup and I do plan to take up this opportunity. My officials are

working with the High Commission and others to develop a detailed

programme. Thank you. What is the Welsh government doing to promote

fire safety in Wales, please? you know, of course, we published

our manifesto for the election and we are committed, of course, to

taking forward the domestic fire safety Wales measure. Thank you for

that answer, first minister. You mentioned our expense of manifesto

commitments, however the regulations flow from the last

December. As your watchword is delivery, when it can I expect

delivery of these regulations please? You have been personally

very committed to the domestic fire safety Wales measure, and it is

something I know you promoted tirelessly in the chamber. We are

committed to considering the regulations following the success

of the measure, and I can report that we have begun the working

looking at the technical issues relating to drafting the

regulations, and we will be reporting back in due course as to

the exact date when we can hope those regulations can come into

force. Russell Jones? Sorry, presiding

officer, I have not got a question. TRANSLATION: in August 2008 a

framework was put in place on fire rescue in Wales. It was a framework

that was to be in place for three years. You don't have to be an

expert in maths to understand that you will need to review that

framework within just a few months. What do you intend to do in terms

of the review of that framework, and what powers do you feel need to

be given to Fire and Rescue authorities in Wales to enable them

to implement that framework? When the time comes to review that

framework it is something that the minister will consider over the

ensuing months. That's your lot from First

Minister's Questions this week. You can watch all of the proceedings

from the National Assembly fire hour online coverage. -- through

our online coverage. Jeremy now is our Welsh Affairs Editor Vaughan

Roderick. It has been a while. Rosemary Butler is now in the chair

as Brett -- presiding officer. I don't know if you can call today's

First Minister's Questions as the first back in the groove, but what

other changes she has made? Because it doesn't have a system of open

questions, which you have in Westminster, and which has now been

introduced in Scotland, which is the sort of question that says will

be trimester list their engagements of the day, which enables anyone to

ask anything they want. It has always been a problem for party

leaders. They have been given a little bit of leeway to ask the

questions, but Carwyn Jones has recently been having a go at them

for doing that, trying to suggest, a degree in Kirsty Williams's case

that somehow that was out of order. Now the presiding officer has

created this window where the three opposition party leaders can act as

if they were following an open question. It would be far simpler

if they just allowed open questions. Yes, but because all the party

leaders came after each other, and normally it is those who land the

blows on the first minister, the rest of it was a little bit

lacklustre. Yes, it was odd. It made it seem like two different

sessions. You did have an element today, which you sometimes get in

First Minister's Questions, where they are a little bit flat because

something more important is coming along later in the day. In this

case, that is a statement about the Government's legislative priorities.

Really, all the politicians there were aware that the press attention

would be on that statement, rather than on the question session today.

But it did feel a little bit flat. It was quite polite, there was no

real confrontation. It was the sort of First Minister's Questions you

get when an election is a long way away. Briefly, you mentioned the

government led programme, what can we expect? Not as much as the

opposition parties expected. If Carwyn Jones does not give them at

least some meet two to one, there will be a lot of angry people in