20/03/2012 am.pm

Hello. Welcome to the programme. We have First Minister's questions

coming up for you later. We will meet the new Plaid Cymru leader,

and she will take on a Carwyn Jones. I will resist the temptation to

take a more aggressive stance with you to get in touch with us, I am

sure a gentle reminder it will do Item one, First Minister's

questions. Question one is withdrawn, questioned two. Will the

First Minister outline the world's government's priority.

approaches are outlined in the programme for government. In your

most recent trip to America you had these Proteas in mind, can you

explain why you travelled across the Atlantic to seek investment

when they are American terms already -- American firms already

interested in Wales. Your government seems completely

oblivious to inward investment and only wants to work in partnership

with itself. What is going wrong with your message and your actions

to investors? Could you tell us what you're doing about this,

please? I can say that if you think the way to attract investment in

Wales is not to go anywhere, that is not a sustainable model for the

future. It is important to meet with those who are already

investing in Wales along with potential investors. The biomass

site in Port Talbot needs to be sold because the company have not

developed of the area. Have your officials had any discussions on

negotiations with the company because there is concern, great

concern locally, because the site has not yet been sold? I have not

personally played a role in this. I will look at it to see what the

latest situation is. Leader of Plaid Cymru. Thank you. First

Minister, I am sure you will share my concern about recent GDP figures

which showed that West Wales and the Valleys have fallen further

behind the European average. Wales remains the poorest nation within

the UK. Tomorrow, George Osborne is set to exacerbate the situation

further by announcing that public sector workers in Wales should take

a big hit. When the people of our they should need their politicians

to join together, the parties of this Assembly are able to unite in

a common goal. We you therefore join me and divide the other party

leaders to stand together in a united position in order to stop

this UK government from putting further pressure on household

incomes in Wales? Can I welcomed the leader of Plaid Cymru to her

new position. I look forward to working with her where we can do

that. She may have heard me on Radio 5 on Saturday morning express

my very strong views about regional pay. I believe it will have a

detrimental effect on Wales. I welcome her stance. I would be more

than happy to call on the other party leaders in this Chamber to

condemn them any moves towards regional pay. The thank you.

Therefore can I urge you at this time ahead of tomorrow's

announcement to make a specific commitment to a ridge of meeting

this afternoon between the four of us in this Chamber so that we can

immediately seek agreement in Wales on cross-party statements which

will there be presented to the Chancellor ahead of the budget

announcement tomorrow? The this afternoon may be a bit difficult

given my timetable. We should wait and see what the other party

leaders actually say. Thank you. Will you agree with me that public

sector cuts have already hit the private as well as the public

sector hard? Unless we stop these plans they risk further depressing

for the Welsh economy by undermining productivity. We you

join Plaid Cymru in stating clearly that what is needed now is a

stimulus for the wealth -- Welsh economy and not further

constrained? I welcome Plaid Cymru's support for our position as

a government. There are various difficulties with this suggestion

of regional pay. If we have two people living next door to each

other, or want... It is a policy that is designed to reduce the

living standards of those in the poorest parts of the UK and to

increase the wealth gap. I look forward to hearing what the other

party leaders have to say on this matter. Kirsty Williams. Thank you.

Can I formally offer my congratulations to Plaid Cymru's

new leader? It is an important step in the equality of women in Wales.

Last week, we saw a new figures show that GDP per capita in West

Wales and the Valleys has fallen from 79 % to 68.4 % at the EU

average. We hear a lot in the media about the state of the Greek

economy. Are you not ashamed that these figures show that most parts

of Greece are doing better than most parts of Wales? We need a

government with the same ambition that our rugby team showed!

figures are three years out of date. That is the first thing I would

like to point out. We know that the plans to cut the pay of thousands

of public sector workers in Wales would mean for GDP would drop

further. I asked the Leader of the Liberal-Democrats if he would

condemn any of these plans. Either the First Minister has develop the

skills of a clairvoyant recently or he has seen the Budget. I suspect

that neither is true! As for regional pay, I have long been

opposed to regional pay. When I think that Westminster is getting

things wrong I will stand up and say so. When Labour were doing

outrageous things to the people of Wales during their time in charge,

we did not hear a squeak out of him! In 2002, Rhodri Morgan stated

that the huge amount of funding was Welsh Labour's big chance to bring

the Welsh standard of living up that of the European average. 10

years and more than �6 billion later, what went wrong the First

Minister? I read today that Lib-Dem ministers have been banging the

table at a Cabinet meeting to mark the passing of the coalition's NHS

reforms. Having been offered the opportunity to declare absolutely

clearly that she is against moves towards regional pay she has

singularly failed to do so. The people of Wales will judge the

Liberal Democrats on that fact. thought this session was entitled

this questions to the First Minister. If the First Minister

would like to swap places with myself, I will be happy to take him

up on the offer! Your failure to answer these questions this

afternoon is alarming. The European money given to your government is

meant to sure that Wales becomes a relatively better off. The vast

majority of European regions that have received the same money have

made that happen. They have got relatively better off. The people

of Wales are entitled to askew as their First Minister why our

country is not one of them. What lessons can we draw to ensure that

should Wales qualify for yet another round of additional funding,

we will be rather more successful than we have been over the last 10

years. For the leader of the Liberal Democrats can snarl as much

as she wants to. One of the reasons why the people in Wales will feared

deterioration in living standards, if which -- if what we read in the

papers is correct, is because of the introduction of regional pay,

cuts in the rates of pay across Wales and an 18 % cut in wages for

public sector workers. The Liberal Democrat leader was given the

opportunity to stand up for the people of Wales and she has

singularly failed to do so. Leader of the opposition. Thank you. With

your indulgence if I could welcome the new leader to Plaid Cymru and

the role that she will undertake. I wish her well in her endeavours. I

think it is safe to say from our exchanges that there are some

differences between the two of us! What is the problem with a brand of

Wales? We need to make sure that we develop a unique selling point and

make sure that people have a clear image of what will the stands for

and the opportunities that exist here. You are therefore in

agreement with your business minister when she taught in the

committee last week about the government not getting the brand of

Wales are right. By have highlighted over the last three

weeks how or inward investment figures have been deteriorating

rapidly and how the tourist numbers are falling year-on-year. Is it not

the case that your government needs to be proactive flea-market in

Wales? The comments he made about Cardiff airpark -- Cardiff airport

to give out of the wrong image. Can you map out what your government

will be doing to improve the image and brand of Wales? Let's start

with Cardiff airport. He must be the only person in Wales that think

that Cardiff airport is doing well. The situation there cannot continue.

It is not doing well. The present owners are not running it along the

model that they should be. There is great potential in Cardiff airport

with the right owners. If you really think that the airport at

the moment is doing well and it is a credit to Wales, I cannot agree

with you. It could do so much better. That is why they go to

countries like the United States in order to understand -- in order

that they understand what needs to be done. It is also to attract more

tourists. We have been pro actively supporting any endeavours to

improve the brand of Wales, but you're knocking of Cardiff airport

and the staff that work tirelessly to improve the passenger experience

at that airport, based on two government reports, 2007 and 2009,

but clearly indicated that if the government at that time would have

supported better route structures, we could have a far better

proposition to offer people access in Wales. If you look at the GDP

figures for Wales, it just shows that we are falling further behind.

Is it not the case, First Minister, that your team are only delivering

wooden spoons for Wales? As far as the airport is concerned, business

people week after week after week for many months have complained to

me about the airport. Not about the staff, but about the airport. I

have met the owners of the airport twice and I have put these points

to them and I have been met with a shrug of the soldiers. That is not

good enough. I have seen situations myself where people have been

locked in the baggage hall. This is not good. The owners need to run it

properly or pass it over to those who are interested and wish to run

it properly, develop it, and make the terminal building more

attractive. That is absolutely crucial. When it comes to GDP, I

notice once again that the leader of the opposition was given the

opportunity to condemn regional pay and once again he has failed to do

so. Question three. Thank you. Will the First Minister give an overview

of the Welsh government's actions to ensure an affordable cost of

living? Prices have increased faster than wages and we are

working across government to maximise support in services. We

want to provide these services to households and communities to meet

the mounting financial pressures on them. Thank you. More than ever of

affordable living is an important issue. Welsh government are doing

all sorts of things in order to alleviate poverty. For the Save the

children report talked about the additional cost of 12 % that

families on low incomes pay for services and goods compared to

family's on higher incomes. In addition to this, the Welfare

Reform Bill from the Westminster government will have a detrimental

effect on such families. What further action does there was

government intend to take in order When the next financial year starts,

many families will be affected detrimentally. We also know that

the welfare reform Bill currently going through Parliament, there

will be a huge negative impact and that is why the minister

responsible for this area has been considering the impact on Wales

over the last few months. First Minister, can you explain how your

Government's decision not to pass on a council tax freeze in Wales is

designed to help people here meet their bills? Gutting For paid by 18

% isn't there to help them, is it? You are keen to do that. Let's look

at the where the money was spent. A young recruits programme, skills

growth Wells copper capital investment in schools, social

housing will, our investment in enterprise zones. This tells us

that when we invest in people, in jobs, in skills and make sure

people of all, the Tories don't care. Interested in money but not

in people. A welcome your comments on regional pay. -- I welcome. Is

it right than to be Welsh teacher or a Welsh nature -- a nurse should

be paid what less in Wales than in other parts of United Kingdom?

I don't. It's crucial that people are paid what they deserve for

their jobs and they should not be penalised on the basis of where

they live. As we know already, we don't even know if there are

suggestions are being made upon where they work or where they live.

You could have to people living next door to each other and they

are paid to fragments. It's ludicrous, ill thought-out but to

because of this UK government. discussions has the world

government have -- hand with Welsh Water companies? We work closely

with the relevant sewerage... They have a duty to provide access to a

public sewer. Thank you. A number of residence in the Vale of Clwyd

are struggling to Secure sewerage connection. Section 101 A of the

Water Act of 1996 states that water companies must provide such a

connection and the Environment Agency will have the final say on

the applications. Despite these commitments, my constituents are

suffering as a result of the Welsh Water's failure to act in a timely

manner and have been told that they will possibly wait until 2015. What

assessments have to read of the actions being made by water

companies to meet their duties under this legislation? Am aware

that there are several ongoing applications. -- I am aware. Bosch

must have to have power to enforce... Because of the

enforcement powers that Welsh ministers have, I cannot comment on

specific cases but I hear clearly the representations that you made

on the heart of your constituents. There is no small amount of unease

in rural areas of your Government's priorities for water management.

Wells has had the compulsory registration of septic tanks,

whether it is necessary for compliance. -- Wales. Crieff Hydro

Government's recent -- we have had your government recent application.

Will you confirm that any future single environment body will

approach water regulation, that is proportionate to the risks involved,

and six to collaborate with other possible with a Welsh housebuilders

and Londoners? Of course, these bodies are designed to streamline

these processes without weakening the commitment to protecting the

environment. Many housing estates have been built, particularly in

rural areas, over the years without roads and sewerage being up to the

standards so there can be adopted by the local authority. Now the law

has changed, it puts more emphasis on water companies to adopt this

private sewerage. I welcome fact. - - I welcome that. What are you

going to do during the... To ensure builders don't get away it in

future with building to a standard that can be adopted? This is an

exceptionally important issue and there have been examples of this

for guarding houses built in the 60s and 70s, were the roads and

sewerage systems have not been adopted by anyone under

construction companies are no longer available for no longer in

existence. If we need to strengthen the legislation regarding this, it

we will of course consider that as part of the bill. Will the First

Minister make a statement on the Welsh Government's policy

priorities for more for us? Yes, they are set out in the programme

for government. I am grateful. Research by the Cardiff Business

School has found that between 2003 and 2010, Wells was the only part

of the UK to you -- lose a share of inward investment. -- Wales. Do you

agree that the abolition of the WDA will probably go down in history as

the worst policy decision mating whales in living memory? The

responsibility for the deterioration of the Welsh brand

and its impact on investment in North Wales lies solely with the

Welsh have a government. It's amazing that what we saw from the

Tories in the 80s, all the decisions that they took which

wrecks lives, it is the WDA they care about the most. We heard this

week that 22 Kramer that unions in Wales have seen an increase in

their membership. -- 22 credit unions. In North Wales in

particular, we seem lending increased by over 20 % in the last

year. Given the Money Advice Trust have said demand for debt advice

would increase by 22 % by 2014 and Wells, would you do all you coming

collaboration with Minister for communities to increase the profile

offered by local credit unions? -- Wales. They have received support

be be... You will be aware that the local pub is often fell last pub

for communities it communities in many of our rural Trinity's. What

is your government going to ensure the viability of those pubs,

particularly where that pub is the final community centre in that

community? I have seen this has already occurred in a number of

villages. I've got an invitation on my table to visit my local pub.

There are examples where the local committee has taken the pub over.

The way to deal with this is to ensure first of all that the

planning system is doing enough to assist taverns but that is only

part of the story because we know with many of the major brewery

companies, they are pressurising those people who are running those

pubs and because of that, they have to close down. The place to begin

it is by ensuring that the planning system assists the pubs as far as

possible. The will the first minister make a statement on the

development of relabel and services in Wales? We are placing that at

the heart of our care. There will be plundered a regional basis. It

should ensure that examples of good practice are shared across Wales.

As you will be aware, they have been shown to be effective in

reducing costs. This is to be called home care but it has changed.

Can you confirm how you expect to develop that more co-ordinated

service across boundaries, against a backdrop of having a major social

services bill? We know that integration of services across

health and social services must be taken forward as a faster pace if

services are going to be sustainable. The Bill will contain

strengthen powers to ensure the NHS and other authorities are working

in partnership. That will include the use of budgets. A last month I

had the pleasure of speaking at the launch of the British Red Cross

befriending service, emphasising integration between the health and

voluntary sector to enable her older people to remain independent

for long of stock production is a government taking to ensure that

where Ray -- the services are delivered, public sector bodies

commissioned them there? We know there is a lot of good work being

done by the third sector. We have recognised that but it would not be

right for care that is being provided by the public sector

simply to be passed on to the third sector in a way that causes the

third sector to have a burden placed upon them. We want to make

sure that the care is available where appropriate. Relabel it is

about helping people to do things for themselves. Were you commit to

making signposts into these services part of the health checks

for the over-fifties so we can make sure all low-level support can be

put in place. Developmental work is continuing in line with a timetable

outlined in the programme for government for the implementation

plan from 2013 onwards. This is an issue that will be considered.

very pleased that you acknowledged the services available to people to

enable them to return to their homes at present are inconsistent

throughout Wales. I'm very pleased that the strategy and the bill is

trying to address that. The you agree that privatisation of the

home care services twits what you are endeavouring to do at risk

because it will mean that local authorities will not have complete

control over those services in order to use them in the way that

you obviously wish them to be used. This is a service that should be

available and the public sector and should be delivered by the public

sector. I don't see a better service such as this should be

delivered by a private firm. What discussions have the first Mr had

regarding the Swansea so -- coastguard centre? I recently met

with the Save the or coastguard committee to discuss a way forward,

following the announcement to close the station. As you know, there has

been a strong campaign against the closure of the coastguard centre

and we are grateful to you for meeting with the campaign has

recently, where you said that you would ask the Prime Minister to

fund some independent risk assessment. May I ask, have you

received any response to that request? Have you had an

opportunity to speak to the first minister in Scotland and Northern

Ireland? If the letter has been sent to Whitehall, stating that we

would be willing to fund a risk assessment but we have not received

a response to date. Once we receive that response, that would be the

appropriate time to speak to Scotland and Northern Ireland, to

see how have they half progressed with this difficult issue. Thank

you, Deputy presiding officer. There is continuing cross-party

discontent with the UK shipping Minister's decision to close down

the centre at Swansea. Any movement towards a change of heart would be

welcome. In the meantime, could I also ask you to ask the shipping

minister when are we likely to see concerted action on his promise to

further improve the coastal rescue service management and leadership

of frontline volunteer coastguard? Delivery on those improvements

should go ahead in any event. this is a strange situation the

time being asked to question a Westminster Minister by a member of

that same party. By accept it is a cross-party campaign. I have

written to the Secretary of State and asked that a full and

independent assessment is carried out. When I receive a reply, I will

Can I also joined with the cross- party consensus in seeking out your

support on this particular issue? There is disquiet in the Swansea

area and across the South Wales coast about the closure of his

coastguard centre. Can I ask that when you come to look at this risk

assessment, and I very much welcomed the letter that you have

written, can you particularly focus on the loss of local knowledge?

This is a big concern for many of those using the seas around this

area. The impact that that will have in particular on the potential

safety of those mariners on the seas. Those points have been made.

They were made again recently in a meaty -- meeting with the committee.

The first thing to do is ensure that that independent risk

assessment is carried out. Christian Aid. -- question eight.

What steps is the government taking to tackle the increasing problem of

homelessness among young people in Wales? We have a ten-year

homelessness plan. There is a strong emphasis on prevention. That

includes front line homelessness projects, and a review of

homelessness legislation. Thank you. I am aware of your review of the

legislation and I understand that that is due in 20th July 12. I

understand that the proposed date for a new draft Bill is some time

in 2013. Homelessness has increased by 15 % of the last two years. In

view of these increasing numbers of young people in Wales suffering the

degradation of homelessness, will you please ensure that action is

taken before that proposed date of some time in 2013 to introduce a

draft Bill that will address this major social problem. I speak as a

past housing professional. legislation is one of the tools to

be used. We are also investing money in innovative work to address

the reasons for homelessness. We will invest in services to help

young people sustain their tennis's. Family mediation services we also

know will help to prevent homelessness and we have for the

national programme for action that has been put in place to bring

empty properties back into use. There is an active programme in

place to deal with homelessness and of course legislation will be

introduced. That legislation will focus on where areas can be

strengthened in the future. Eric Pickles indicated that there will

be a consequence of the government's welfare reform

proposals and that over 20,000 people could be made homeless. Has

there been any similar assessment of people in Wales? We know that

the impact will be significant and we are jointly funded an impact

assessment which will deliver a report in the next 12 months.

way to tackle homelessness in Wales is to reduce the number of

properties that are empty and to make them fit for habitation. Some

have been empty for a considerable period of time. Would you join me

in congratulating new port city council on the success of their

empty homes strategy which has seen the number of private sector

dwellings empty for more than six months for by 134 since 2010.

welcomed the work that Newport Council have done. Poor health can

be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. What assessment

has the Welsh government made of how effective the action plans are

in reducing this problem? Progress today has been variable. We expect

this to be taken forward with our support. We are funding the work

with local health boards to continue this work. Will you make a

statement on recent measles outbreaks in Wales? 41 cases of

measles had been diagnosed in March. That compares to 19 cases in the

whole of Wales in 2011. The majority of Wales have had no

vaccination. I first raised the issue of an increasing number of

measles cases in Wales last year and as you said there rum more and

more happening most recently. I have heard today are much harder my

own constituency in Flint suffering from measles. -- of her child. The

latest figures show that 89.6 % of children living in Wales have

received two doses of the vaccine. This is still below the recommended

level. How will the Welsh government's efforts to encourage

take up be implemented and what success have you had? Uptake rates

have increased. At five years of age of the uptake of the first days

of the vaccine is slightly above the target level. -- the first dose.

The uptake rate of the second dose is also going in the right

direction. We will focus on providing parents with information

and reassurance. Many will be concerned that at least one health

worker has been infected with measles recently. There will be

great concern about that because you would expect workers in the

health sector to have had all of the vaccinations. What steps is the

government taking to a sure that all health workers dealing with

measles has been properly vaccinated against this disease?

That is a fair point to make. exceptionally important that those

working with children would have been vaccinated. They should be

sure that they are vaccinated against these diseases. I will

discuss this with the Minister for Health. First Minister, it is

welcome news that the rate of immunisation is improving and has

been improving for the past few years. But it is very concerning

that not a single Welsh local authority is hitting the 95 % of

recommendation. Public health Wales have been advocating the importance

of checking the immunisation status of pupils on entry to primary and

secondary school in order to improve the coverage. What is your

government doing about that particular recommendation?

second vaccine is at 80 % at the moment. An updated focus -- booklet

on immunisation has been published and they have been distributed to

pharmacists and doctors surgeries. What discussions has the Wells

government had with the UK government on the need to boost

capital investment in Wales? have been making the case

consistently for increased capital investment in Wales and for

borrowing powers to boost investment. The Minister of Finance

and the leader of the House met the Secretary earlier to press for

action in the Budget. As we look forward to the Chancellor's Budget

tomorrow, in terms of capital investment do you agree that the

investment infrastructure is critical in supporting economic

growth? Can I ask what it is that you want to hear the Chancellor

announced tomorrow in terms of fairer funding for Wales and access

to borrowing to a sure that Wales can continue to invest in capital

projects for the future? -- agreed to insure. It would be excellent to

hear that the Welsh government would have borrowing powers along

the same lines as the Scottish and Irish government.

We have been asked why our coverage of First Minister's Questions is

not live. It is down to a scheduling issue. If you want to

watch it live, you can see on online coverage. I can promise no

swearing or fighting for the next few minutes between ourselves and

our Welsh Affairs Editor. Leanne Wood's first Minister's Questions,

her camp had promised a more aggressive approach to Labour.

suspect that what that was about was about safety first. She

probably just wanted to get through the first of these things. They are

quite nerve-racking at first. The easiest way to get through it was

asking the First Minister about something that he did agree she

knew he would agree with. Leanne Wood chose to discuss regional pay.

That meant that Kirsty Williams went in very hard, very aggressive

on of the GDP figures. She really hit the First Minister hard. I do

think that those questions about GDP and the questions about

regional pay, and less the Chancellor draws back in the Budget

tomorrow, and there is a suggestion that he might not be as aggressive,

those issues other two issues that could come into play a major role

in Welsh politics in the next few years. Thank you. Kirsty Williams

was not very happy with the First Minister's answers on GDP figures.