0:00:20 > 0:00:23Good afternoon. Welcome to the programme. We will take you over to
0:00:23 > 0:00:30the Senedd in a moment for our coverage of First Minister's
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Questions. It is non-stop questions on am.pm this week as tomorrow from
0:00:33 > 0:00:3511.30 we will bring you live coverage of Welsh Questions and
0:00:36 > 0:00:41Prime Minister's Questions from the House of Commons. Let's not wish
0:00:41 > 0:00:48our lives away! Why don't you get in touch with us. You can do that
0:00:48 > 0:00:53while we are on air. The address is @walespolitics or you can send an
0:00:53 > 0:01:01e-mail to am.pm@bbc.co.uk. I have my am.pm mug of tea at the ready to
0:01:01 > 0:01:04watch First Minister's Questions. Let's go over to the Senedd.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08move to First Minister's Questions. Rebecca Evans. Will the First
0:01:08 > 0:01:14Minister make a statement on Marine Conservation Zones? Yes, we are
0:01:14 > 0:01:18aiming to have a small number of highly protected Marine
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Conservation Zones to support the marine ecosystem and of course
0:01:21 > 0:01:26enhance resilience. Thank you. I warmly welcome the important
0:01:26 > 0:01:32contribution that the zones will make to resilience of ecosystems in
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Welsh seas. Given their expected small size, there is still a big
0:01:35 > 0:01:38challenge ahead. Will the Government commit to introducing
0:01:38 > 0:01:42further zones after the initial designation and how else will the
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Government support Welsh seas? I can say we have consistently said
0:01:45 > 0:01:50we will keep under review the need for further Marine Conservation
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Zones and I can reaffirm that commitment. But it is also right to
0:01:53 > 0:01:57say that we are already making a significant contribution to
0:01:57 > 0:02:05protecting Welsh seas through our existing extensive range of Marine
0:02:05 > 0:02:10Protected Areas which cover 36% of our seas. First Minister, given
0:02:10 > 0:02:15there has been no real development on the marine planning act since
0:02:15 > 0:02:21autumn last year, can you advise me if there are any blockages with it
0:02:21 > 0:02:25being finalised? I didn't hear that question. First Minister, given
0:02:25 > 0:02:29there's been no real development on the Marine Planning Act since last
0:02:29 > 0:02:36year, can you advise me if there are any blockages with it being
0:02:36 > 0:02:42finalised? Right. Yes, there are no blockages but clearly we take the
0:02:42 > 0:02:50view when it comes to marine planning, particularly for energy
0:02:50 > 0:02:56consent, that our powers should be extended here in Wales. First
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Minister, with regard to management... Has the given
0:03:00 > 0:03:08considered delivering the management of those zones by the
0:03:08 > 0:03:13Marine and Coastal Access Act? we are looking at the best way of
0:03:13 > 0:03:16ensuring the management of MCZs and I suspect it will take an
0:03:16 > 0:03:26examination of a number of items of legislation to ensure that the
0:03:26 > 0:03:26
0:03:26 > 0:03:33management system that is in place is the most effective. Diolch yn
0:03:33 > 0:03:37fawr. Following the deferral announced in England by the
0:03:37 > 0:03:45minister, recently, I am pleased to hear the First Minister intends to
0:03:45 > 0:03:49proceed in Wales. Would he agree that the Marine Conservation Zones
0:03:49 > 0:03:55are important not in terms of fisheries conservation and that is
0:03:55 > 0:03:59very important in terms of European policy, but also in terms of our
0:03:59 > 0:04:04marine industries, including the importance of further investment in
0:04:04 > 0:04:07wind energy offshore? Well, it's exceptionally important that we
0:04:07 > 0:04:12have an integrated system as regards the development and
0:04:12 > 0:04:22conservation of the seas and that means that the system in Wales will
0:04:22 > 0:04:23
0:04:23 > 0:04:26be the same as the one in Scotland. Question 2. What plans does the
0:04:26 > 0:04:35First Minister have to encourage economic growth in South Wales?
0:04:35 > 0:04:38plans are set out in the Programme for Government. Thank you. With the
0:04:38 > 0:04:44prospect of electrification of the commuter rail services in-and-out
0:04:44 > 0:04:48of Cardiff getting closer, would he agree to negotiate with the
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Business Department in Westminster to a redefining of the labour
0:04:51 > 0:05:01market boundaries, removing the distinction between Cardiff and the
0:05:01 > 0:05:02
0:05:02 > 0:05:07Vale and the Valleys because so we have a city region on the lines of
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Greater Manchester? You will be aware there is a Task and Finish
0:05:11 > 0:05:21Group which will inform our future approach to this. That is due to
0:05:21 > 0:05:25report back in the early part of next year. The director of Wales
0:05:25 > 0:05:28expressed concern last year that no economic growth in Welsh
0:05:28 > 0:05:31departments have little understanding concerning the impact
0:05:31 > 0:05:35their activities have concerning competitiveness of the Welsh
0:05:35 > 0:05:41economy. Given that this competitiveness is central to
0:05:41 > 0:05:44economic growth, what step have you taken to ensure that your
0:05:44 > 0:05:47administration understands the cross-portfolio nature of this
0:05:47 > 0:05:51important issue? We understand the need for competitiveness which is
0:05:51 > 0:05:55why we are ensuring we are investing in people's skills,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59particularly through the Welsh Jobs Fund. What we will not do is
0:05:59 > 0:06:04support moves that will undermine the rights of workers such as the
0:06:04 > 0:06:10reduction of the National Minimum Wage or the removal of the right to
0:06:10 > 0:06:15gain compensation for unfair dismissal unlike your party. First
0:06:15 > 0:06:20Minister, you have been at pains to say that there is no extra money
0:06:20 > 0:06:25available for the economic stimulus that we in Plaid Cymru have been
0:06:25 > 0:06:30kauing for. Much-needed investment -- have been calling for. Much-
0:06:30 > 0:06:34needed investment could be provided if the money that Wales returns to
0:06:34 > 0:06:42the Treasury is part of the housing revenue account subsidy could
0:06:42 > 0:06:46remain here. The money is not insignificant. It is estimated to
0:06:46 > 0:06:49be between �75 million and �80 million each year. Do you share the
0:06:50 > 0:06:53view that we are being treated unfairly on this? If you do agree,
0:06:53 > 0:06:58what representations have you made to your counterparts in Westminster
0:06:58 > 0:07:04for this scheme to be scrapped in Wales as is happening in England?
0:07:04 > 0:07:09Well, it isn't fair and that of course is a view taken by your own
0:07:09 > 0:07:14Housing Minister in the One Wales Government. This Government's view
0:07:15 > 0:07:23remains the same as that of the previous Government. Peter Black.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Thank you, Presiding Officer. You know that now you have failed to
0:07:26 > 0:07:29put an enterprise zone in Swansea based around the university, as has
0:07:29 > 0:07:32been requested, there is very little in place which is going to
0:07:32 > 0:07:36be able to turn the work that is going on in the higher education
0:07:36 > 0:07:40sector into jobs and in future investment in that particular area.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45Can I ask you what plans you have to put right that particular
0:07:45 > 0:07:48problem? As we have said on many occasions before, we are actively
0:07:48 > 0:07:52considering new enterprise zones and where they might be placed
0:07:52 > 0:07:56bearing in mind that it is important we don't have too many
0:07:56 > 0:08:01otherwise their effect is diminished. We are still examining,
0:08:01 > 0:08:08the Minister is still examining where new enterprise zones might be
0:08:08 > 0:08:13placed if that is appropriate. PRESIDING OFFICER: Julie James.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16take your commitment to using all the levers in the Welsh, all the
0:08:16 > 0:08:19levers that you have to encourage economic growth very seriously.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Would you agree that when those levers are held by Westminster,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25that they should also seek to encourage economic growth here in
0:08:25 > 0:08:30Wales by investing in rail electrification all the way to
0:08:30 > 0:08:38Swansea? It is crucial we see the UK Government playing its part. It
0:08:38 > 0:08:41can't be right that somehow all the the responsibility of the eurozone.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46The German economy is doing far better than the UK economy. It is
0:08:46 > 0:08:49at the heart of the eurozone. The UK Government needs to rethink its
0:08:49 > 0:08:53macroeconomic policy to create real growth and jobs in the UK.
0:08:53 > 0:09:01PRESIDING OFFICER: We move to questions from the Party Leaders.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06We start with Ieuan Wyn Jones. his final budget, Alistair Darling
0:09:06 > 0:09:11predicted that growth for 2011 would be 3.5%, and next year it
0:09:11 > 0:09:15would be 3%. Mervyn King said last week that we would be lucky to get
0:09:15 > 0:09:21growth of 1% this year and 1% next year. It is pretty clear the
0:09:21 > 0:09:24economy is in something of a crisis. We in Wales now have an
0:09:24 > 0:09:28unemployment at a record high, as high as it was in the teeth of the
0:09:28 > 0:09:35recession. We have also had more young people out of work with one
0:09:35 > 0:09:39in four 16 to 24-year-olds out of work. First Minister, have you made
0:09:39 > 0:09:42representations to the Chancellor as to what he should do in his
0:09:42 > 0:09:47Autumn Statement next week? If so, would you tell assembly what you
0:09:47 > 0:09:50have done? Well, we have regular meetings with Government ministers,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53but we also take responsibility ourselves. One of the arguments
0:09:53 > 0:09:57that's been put is somehow the Government, the Welsh Government is
0:09:57 > 0:10:03sitting back and doing nothing. Last week we saw an announcement of
0:10:03 > 0:10:06�55 million that will help businesses. We will key an
0:10:06 > 0:10:10announcement this week. We will see a further announcement of the �39
0:10:10 > 0:10:14million that has come to us as a result of the council tax freeze
0:10:14 > 0:10:18and it will build on the budget we have which is a budget for jobs and
0:10:18 > 0:10:21growth. My complaint isn't that you haven't been critical of the
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Westminster Government, it is that you haven't put a credible plan in
0:10:24 > 0:10:27its place. That is the reason I have been requesting you. I fully
0:10:27 > 0:10:32understand why you want to criticise Westminster. It is also
0:10:32 > 0:10:35incumbent on you to tell us if the Westminster Government was to do
0:10:35 > 0:10:40something in its Autumn Statement how that should help Wales. Let me
0:10:40 > 0:10:46tell you what John Swinney did. The Scottish Finance Minister at the
0:10:46 > 0:10:50weekend called on the Chancellor to borrow an extra �20 become for
0:10:50 > 0:10:55capital investment. -- �20 billion for capital investment. The UK
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Chancellor is looking for a �50 billion fund making sure you have
0:10:59 > 0:11:04public and private finance very similar to the Build For Wales
0:11:04 > 0:11:07scheme that Plaid Cymru put forward at the Assembly election. This is
0:11:07 > 0:11:11the kind of innovative, bold and radical plan that we should be
0:11:11 > 0:11:16asking the UK Government to do in relation to Wales. Why haven't you
0:11:16 > 0:11:18First Minister been doing like the Scottish Government pressing the
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Westminster Government for real action to boost jobs in Wales?
0:11:23 > 0:11:27have. We have been talking to the UK Government about the �50 billion
0:11:27 > 0:11:32pot and Welsh projects that might benefit from it. We do the talking
0:11:32 > 0:11:38in private rather than broadcasting in public. Isn't that interesting?
0:11:38 > 0:11:42The letter that you have published, and you have told us about, is your
0:11:42 > 0:11:48latest letter to David Cameron. Is it about the dire state of the
0:11:48 > 0:11:52economy? Is it about the latest unemployment figures? Is it about
0:11:52 > 0:11:56the potentially lost generation of young people? No, it is about the
0:11:56 > 0:12:00way we elect members to this Assembly. I put it to you, First
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Minister, the only jobs you are worried about are the Labour
0:12:04 > 0:12:09backbenchers over there that will be losing as a result of the
0:12:09 > 0:12:14election. First Minister, what does this say about the priorities of
0:12:14 > 0:12:19the Labour Party in Wales? leader of Plaid Cymru gives the
0:12:19 > 0:12:21impression it is the only letter I have sent to David Cameron. I'm
0:12:21 > 0:12:24surprised Plaid Cymru's contempt for the views of the people of
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Wales. They support the Conservatives in trying to change
0:12:27 > 0:12:33the electoral system here via Westminster. That is what comes of
0:12:33 > 0:12:38having MPs that are too London- centric. PRESIDING OFFICER: We now
0:12:38 > 0:12:42move to questions from the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Thank you. First Minister, the latest Government statistics show
0:12:47 > 0:12:51that there are 45 consultant posts in the Welsh NHS that have been
0:12:51 > 0:12:55vacant for three months or more. Six months earlier only 11
0:12:55 > 0:12:59consultant posts were vacant for that same period of time. A lack of
0:12:59 > 0:13:02consultants of course means cancelled operations and patients
0:13:02 > 0:13:06denied the clinical expertise they need. Why is this situation
0:13:06 > 0:13:11deteriorating under your leadership? The reality is, it's
0:13:11 > 0:13:16becoming difficult to attract, it's always been difficult to attract
0:13:16 > 0:13:21consultants further west this Wales. It is particularly true now. What
0:13:21 > 0:13:25are we doing? We are launching a campaign to attract doctors into
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Wales, it is important that Wales isn't seen as a closed shop for
0:13:28 > 0:13:32graduates from a particular university. That campaign will seek
0:13:32 > 0:13:36to attract doctors into Wales for medical reasons and for quality of
0:13:36 > 0:13:40life reasons. It is right to say that in that way, I believe we will
0:13:40 > 0:13:43fill most of those posts. Presiding Officer, the famous recruitment
0:13:43 > 0:13:50plan that the First Minister has been discussing and talking about
0:13:50 > 0:13:55in this Chamber for many months. There are no details for that. It
0:13:55 > 0:13:59is not only consultants, let's look at vacant doctor posts. The BMA say
0:13:59 > 0:14:04there are 400 vacant doctor posts in Wales and the BMA's Richard
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Lewis says the waiting lists will rise because of the considerable
0:14:07 > 0:14:12number of vacancies of doctors at all levels. The number of people
0:14:12 > 0:14:16waiting more than nine months for treatment, which is the maximum
0:14:16 > 0:14:19referral treatment time target has risen for the fifth month in a row.
0:14:19 > 0:14:25I raised this issue with you 18 months ago. You are promising
0:14:25 > 0:14:30action again now. In 12 months' time how many of those vacant
0:14:30 > 0:14:32doctor role also be filled by your plan? I mentioned this two weeks'
0:14:32 > 0:14:36ago. Let me tell the leader of the Liberal Democrats something that
0:14:36 > 0:14:39will help us relaxing the ridiculous immigration laws that
0:14:39 > 0:14:42have prevented so many doctors coming to the UK. One of the
0:14:42 > 0:14:46problems we have, it is the same about students and many
0:14:46 > 0:14:49professional people, in an attempt to cut down on what is seen as
0:14:49 > 0:14:53illegal immigration we find there are qualified professionals who
0:14:53 > 0:14:57have staffed the NHS for the past 40 years who are unable to come to
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Wales to fill those posts. Yes, we will do our bit. It is also true
0:15:00 > 0:15:04that the UK Government must ensure that qualified professionals are
0:15:04 > 0:15:14able to come to work in the UK without bowing to a misplaced sense
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Of course, there might be a bit more conviction in the first
0:15:17 > 0:15:23minister's argument if those proposals were not first grown up
0:15:23 > 0:15:26by Labour's own Liam Byrne when he was in government. The reality is,
0:15:26 > 0:15:3118 months ago there were fewer vacancies and you promised action
0:15:31 > 0:15:37then. You describe the problem as being historic. It is not historic,
0:15:37 > 0:15:43it is here and now. Consultant and doctor, and nurse vacancies. Let me
0:15:43 > 0:15:48give you one example of what that means. Last month, one health board
0:15:48 > 0:15:52had to temporarily closed the minor injuries unit in one town because
0:15:52 > 0:15:57of lack of staff. Patients are putting up at longer waiting times,
0:15:57 > 0:16:01reduced patient care and the NHS is shelling out money for expensive
0:16:01 > 0:16:05locums and temporary cover at huge expense. Do you not agree with me
0:16:06 > 0:16:12that this historic problem you talk about, or shortages across the NHS
0:16:12 > 0:16:14workforce, is now reaching crisis point? The Lib Dems have been in
0:16:14 > 0:16:18government for a year-and-a-half and still it is the fault of the
0:16:18 > 0:16:22previous government. You must take responsibility. It is no good
0:16:22 > 0:16:28saying, a previous Labour minister said this, that all the other. The
0:16:28 > 0:16:31reality is that as a Conservative Lib Dem UK government, it was that
0:16:31 > 0:16:37government that imposed the changes on immigration controls and as a
0:16:37 > 0:16:41result, we find ourselves where those people who historically used
0:16:41 > 0:16:49to stuff the NHS are not coming to the UK it all because of an need to
0:16:49 > 0:16:54the panda -- to pander to the Daily Mail. First Minister, it is nearly
0:16:54 > 0:17:00two years since he became First Minister, and in that time, not 18
0:17:00 > 0:17:04and E -- acts in an emergency department has hit the target of
0:17:04 > 0:17:09people waiting for hours and less. What are you doing to recognise
0:17:09 > 0:17:17this? That is not a fact. It is a fact. If you look at other waiting
0:17:17 > 0:17:23times, orthopaedic waiting times, when you first became First
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Minister there were 11 patients waiting, that figure today stands
0:17:27 > 0:17:31at 5344 patients. Do you agree with your health minister when she said
0:17:31 > 0:17:35in the summer that the these are waiting lists were all -- would all
0:17:36 > 0:17:40but be eliminated by next March? Yes, and I will give you two
0:17:40 > 0:17:44reasons. First, the reality is we put money into orthopedic waiting
0:17:44 > 0:17:49times in May, it takes some time for money to have an effect on the
0:17:49 > 0:17:53waiting lists. That is happening. He fails to mention most waiting
0:17:53 > 0:17:57lists are on the way down. They went up for time because there was
0:17:57 > 0:18:01an enormous Spike in demand, but we put that money in to cover that. He
0:18:01 > 0:18:06fails to mention also that in England, waiting times are
0:18:06 > 0:18:10rocketing. Time and time again, it you refer back to England in this
0:18:10 > 0:18:14chamber, at 74 times since September when responding to First
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Minister's Questions. It would be nice for you to actually take
0:18:18 > 0:18:21responsibility for what is in your portfolio in your area of
0:18:21 > 0:18:28responsibility. You have actually said that outside of this chamber,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32when you said on Capri -- sharp end, what happens in Westminster is of
0:18:32 > 0:18:35no concern to us as a government. When are you going to start acting
0:18:35 > 0:18:40on that and delivering or the patience and medics in the NHS in
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Wales? You ask members of NHS whether they would prefer to work
0:18:44 > 0:18:50in England or Wales, they say they will prefer to work in Wales. I
0:18:50 > 0:18:53take no lessons for -- from the leader of the opposition when I see
0:18:53 > 0:18:59the Prime Minister week after week mentioning what is happening in
0:18:59 > 0:19:06Wales. If it is so important, tell him not to mention it, he is your
0:19:06 > 0:19:12master after all. What discussions has the Welsh government had
0:19:12 > 0:19:16regarding emerge it is a this is in Wales? The relevant ministers of
0:19:16 > 0:19:20course I hold discussions with officials. They are in regular
0:19:20 > 0:19:23contact with the appropriate services. I am grateful to the
0:19:24 > 0:19:33press minister for that response. I have received comments regarding
0:19:34 > 0:19:35
0:19:35 > 0:19:40the use of the eco responder its units provided in emergency
0:19:40 > 0:19:46services. The purpose of these units is to divide swifter response
0:19:46 > 0:19:48services. But I am given to understand these units are not used
0:19:48 > 0:19:55at the airport capacity, and some calls are not transferred to them
0:19:55 > 0:19:59at all. -- at their full capacity. In some cases, this can lead to
0:19:59 > 0:20:04ambulances being called from further away than the Cote
0:20:04 > 0:20:08responders. In these circumstances, could the first minister look at
0:20:08 > 0:20:12the situation to make sure these units are used where appropriate,
0:20:12 > 0:20:18because, of course, they do do excellent work in our communities?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Of course, I cannot say that this government will work with the -- I
0:20:21 > 0:20:26can say that this government will work with the ambulance service to
0:20:26 > 0:20:31make sure the ambulance service is used in every part of Wales. I am
0:20:31 > 0:20:36sure like all of us you agree police are vital part of the
0:20:36 > 0:20:40University -- the emergency services in Wales, so training
0:20:40 > 0:20:47announced last week is excellent news, it will give support to
0:20:47 > 0:20:51communities in Wales with community support officers. Anti-social
0:20:52 > 0:20:59behaviour is disrupting people in my constituency, and the delivery
0:20:59 > 0:21:03of PCSOs helped the burden caused by the cuts from the UK government.
0:21:03 > 0:21:10Do you know when the first tranche of training will be in operation?
0:21:10 > 0:21:15Yes, night of November, -- full deployment will deploy on all
0:21:15 > 0:21:18forces from April next year. The training begins in November.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23view of the continuing failure of the Welsh ambulance service to meet
0:21:23 > 0:21:26its emergency targets, what would be a government's response to the
0:21:26 > 0:21:30proposal to transfer the ambulance services to be control of the
0:21:30 > 0:21:35health service? I have seen nothing to suggest that would improve
0:21:35 > 0:21:38matters, imposing artificial birders -- boundaries on the
0:21:38 > 0:21:44ambulance service needs to be looked at very carefully to make
0:21:44 > 0:21:49sure it does not deteriorate. latest response times of the large
0:21:49 > 0:21:57ambulance service shows that the service -- they were hitting the
0:21:57 > 0:22:04eight-minute target in the North Wales reason. It has also met its
0:22:05 > 0:22:08targets in 65% of the time. What efforts are being made to improve
0:22:08 > 0:22:13performance in North Wales this Christmas and make sure I knew him
0:22:13 > 0:22:16-- more ambulances respond within eight minutes? This shows it has
0:22:16 > 0:22:26been done, and it illustrates the false premise of the question that
0:22:26 > 0:22:27
0:22:27 > 0:22:34was put by the leader of the opposition. Could the minister
0:22:34 > 0:22:39provide... Our plans and priorities for Torfaen can be summarised by
0:22:39 > 0:22:44the government. There has been a great deal of concern amongst my
0:22:44 > 0:22:48constituents about the proposed closure of the minor injuries unit
0:22:48 > 0:22:52at the County Hospital. I vividly chaired a packed meeting where
0:22:52 > 0:22:58local residents expressed concerns about the decision, in particular,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02or whether GPs will fill gaps in primary care services currently
0:23:02 > 0:23:06provided on the unit. Local representatives have called for a
0:23:06 > 0:23:10halt and the closure progress, and I was pleased the ministers were
0:23:10 > 0:23:13raising this issue with the local health board. Will you agree to
0:23:14 > 0:23:17discuss this manner -- matter with the health minister to endure these
0:23:17 > 0:23:21concerns are fully addressed? understand you have expressed your
0:23:21 > 0:23:24concerns to the health board and the health minister. The health
0:23:24 > 0:23:32minister has agreed to discuss your concerned with the chair and chief
0:23:32 > 0:23:38executive of the board. You have already answered my question which
0:23:38 > 0:23:41might honourable lady... What discussions has the world
0:23:41 > 0:23:47government had with the UK government about the Welfare Reform
0:23:47 > 0:23:52Bill? These are none the bolt issues, but we have been monitoring
0:23:52 > 0:24:01the situation closely. -- these are not devolved issues. Ministers are
0:24:01 > 0:24:08working through eight number of DW peak Forums to see what the effect
0:24:08 > 0:24:12on Wales would be. Have plans to devolve the discretionary part of
0:24:12 > 0:24:16the fund to weld been fleshed out? While the coalition is abandoning
0:24:16 > 0:24:19its responsibility for the scheme, we have an opportunity in Wales to
0:24:19 > 0:24:25reform what has always been a safety net for the vulnerable
0:24:25 > 0:24:30people, tying it in with our wider policy agenda. I can say that a
0:24:30 > 0:24:33consultation on the options for a replacement arrangement in Wales,
0:24:33 > 0:24:40following the evolution of the Social Fund, is being developed by
0:24:40 > 0:24:44officials -- following the devolution of the Social Fund.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50First Minister, fact, Wales is now the poorest part of the United
0:24:50 > 0:24:57Kingdom. Yet in this chamber, every week, as my leader has pointed out,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02you unfounded the blame the UK government. This is a cover of your
0:25:02 > 0:25:06own government's inactivity of failure. You continuously failed to
0:25:06 > 0:25:11accept any responsibility for this, and it was your Labour government
0:25:11 > 0:25:16that moved billions of pounds around the tax benefits system. In
0:25:16 > 0:25:22an attempt to address poverty, yet forced thousands of... Are you
0:25:22 > 0:25:28coming to the question? The UK government in West Minister is
0:25:28 > 0:25:34actually brave enough now to tackle this minister -- this issue head on.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40Where is the question? It is difficult, when... No, it is.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Difficult, ask the question. Do not support this is irresponsible. Is
0:25:43 > 0:25:47it's your duty to support the initiative of the UK government for
0:25:47 > 0:25:55the sake of our Welsh families here that you have forced into poverty
0:25:55 > 0:26:00was back? I think the term a parallel universe has some
0:26:00 > 0:26:03resonance here. What we have seen since we saw the election of the
0:26:03 > 0:26:08government last year his record levels of youth unemployment across
0:26:08 > 0:26:16the UK. Unemployment going up across the UK, attacks on
0:26:16 > 0:26:21employment right across the UK, we have seen a tax on benefits on --
0:26:21 > 0:26:25across the UK. Apparently according to one minister, it is to do with
0:26:25 > 0:26:29welfare benefits. I tell you what it is a moral, all the party
0:26:29 > 0:26:35opposite do his attack people on benefit. They attack people on low
0:26:35 > 0:26:39pay. They leave the fat cats, the executives, untouched. Why? Because
0:26:39 > 0:26:48they fund them. We are BP -- Party of people who are struggling,
0:26:48 > 0:26:53people on low pay, p -- they look after the rich. TRANSLATION: Thank
0:26:53 > 0:26:56you very much. I am not quite certain in what way the Labour
0:26:56 > 0:27:02government attacked the fat cats when they were in government, but
0:27:02 > 0:27:06that is another matter. I am sure the Welfare Reform Bill will impact
0:27:06 > 0:27:09badly on the lives of many people in Wales, so the question is, in
0:27:09 > 0:27:16what way is your government and your ministers, have been what I
0:27:16 > 0:27:20have they tried to influence the contents of that bill in order to
0:27:20 > 0:27:28safeguard is one of a people? TRANSLATION: It we are working with
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Biddy debut peak -- the DW p so we can see how these changes impact on
0:27:32 > 0:27:39people. We want to make sure we use every tool available to us to help
0:27:40 > 0:27:46them. At the same time that the welfare reform proposals are taking
0:27:46 > 0:27:51�2 billion out of the pocket of the poorest families in Wales? The same
0:27:51 > 0:27:56government is cutting its legal aid proposals that would help those
0:27:56 > 0:27:59families deal with the debt into which they will be plunged. Will
0:27:59 > 0:28:02you join organisations in Wales in condemning these proposals and the
0:28:02 > 0:28:06effect they will have on some of the most disadvantaged communities
0:28:07 > 0:28:13and amongst the most needy families in our land? I work within that
0:28:13 > 0:28:22system for 10 years, and I can say that the legal aid is not available
0:28:22 > 0:28:26for people who cannot afford it. It is a false saving, because people
0:28:27 > 0:28:31will represent themselves and it will cost more in advocacy. It is
0:28:31 > 0:28:37typical of the party opposite that all they want to do is insured the
0:28:37 > 0:28:40rich get access to justice and the poor can go to hell. Will the first
0:28:40 > 0:28:47minister make a statement on the local authority job evaluation
0:28:47 > 0:28:52process? Yes, they are matters for local authorities but they insure
0:28:52 > 0:28:57that local authorities are able to demonstrate a commitment to equal
0:28:57 > 0:29:00pay. First Minister, it is frankly quite shocking that in your own
0:29:00 > 0:29:06constituency, the label run -- Labour-run local authority is
0:29:06 > 0:29:10proposing pay cut of up to 50% without pay protection. They are
0:29:10 > 0:29:14refusing to honour back pay which could end up costing citizens' lot
0:29:14 > 0:29:19-- millions in lawyer's fees, and this while the council leader
0:29:19 > 0:29:24dismisses the concerns as inevitable and fails to take
0:29:24 > 0:29:31responsibility by calling it an officer led process. That remind me
0:29:31 > 0:29:35of "the thick of it". Will you stand with the staff of the council
0:29:35 > 0:29:38and call urgently with the Bridgend council leader to start the process
0:29:38 > 0:29:44from scratch, engage with the unions so that staff can be given
0:29:44 > 0:29:47the respect they have not been given to date? I have met with the
0:29:47 > 0:29:50council cabinet on many occasions and they are keen for a fair
0:29:50 > 0:29:55settlement. I have also led to the unions and many members of the
0:29:55 > 0:29:59public on this Aegean -- on this issue, and discussed it with them.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03In terms of discussing it with the unions, a meeting with the cabinet,
0:30:03 > 0:30:07I believe that is the most effective way of dealing with this
0:30:07 > 0:30:12issue rather than making pronouncements in the press. First
0:30:12 > 0:30:16Minister, in your meetings with Bridgend County Borough Council,
0:30:16 > 0:30:23did you at any point ask them why they were so late in starting this
0:30:23 > 0:30:30job evaluation process? Bay was one of the last in Wales to do it. Are
0:30:30 > 0:30:33you satisfied that the changes that a likely to happen to 25% of the
0:30:33 > 0:30:39workers in that council are down to genuine job evaluation, or is there
0:30:39 > 0:30:42an element of economic expedience seat in this? The job evaluation
0:30:42 > 0:30:45scheme will cost more money than the present salary bill, it is no
0:30:45 > 0:30:49saving for the council. It is important the settlement is fair.
0:30:49 > 0:30:56That is what people want to see. You criticise the lack of action in
0:30:56 > 0:31:06the past. York council -- your party ran the council between 2004
0:31:06 > 0:31:09
0:31:09 > 0:31:13and 2008. And they did nothing for Diolch, Llywdd. A letter from the
0:31:13 > 0:31:18Chief Executive of the council says there is a right for anyone over 55
0:31:18 > 0:31:22to receive an early pension which isn't reduced and these retirements
0:31:22 > 0:31:29will create vie can Sis for staff to apply for promotion. However,
0:31:29 > 0:31:33after one application from one head teacher -- vacancies for staff to
0:31:33 > 0:31:38apply for promotion. In a church school they were told the process
0:31:38 > 0:31:40wouldn't have an impact on them as this has an impact on every member
0:31:40 > 0:31:45of administrative staff in Carmarthenshire schools, will the
0:31:45 > 0:31:53First Minister agree this is unfair as they all make contribution to
0:31:53 > 0:32:03the local authority pension fund? It's true, of course, that teachers
0:32:03 > 0:32:07
0:32:08 > 0:32:15are part of employment and superannuation system covering
0:32:15 > 0:32:19England and Wales. It would be best for me to write to you with a
0:32:19 > 0:32:24comprehensive reply. Thank you. First Minister, in my view, job
0:32:24 > 0:32:27evaluation has a long delayed process of about implementing
0:32:27 > 0:32:35single status which should have been dealt with several years ago.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41It is about dealing with systemic discrimination in the pay system.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Do you share my view that the best way to resolve these hugely
0:32:44 > 0:32:49practically difficult issues setting aside the fact that equal
0:32:49 > 0:32:53pay law is in my view disfingional and "not fit for purpose", the best
0:32:53 > 0:32:58way to resolve these is negotiation with recognised trade unions with
0:32:58 > 0:33:08the aim of eliminating that pay discrimination? The issues you
0:33:08 > 0:33:13
0:33:13 > 0:33:19raise will be for respective employee relation forums. PRESIDING
0:33:19 > 0:33:27OFFICER: Llyr Huws Gruffydd. Will the First Minister make a statement
0:33:27 > 0:33:35on the agriculture industry? I am firmly committing. Thank you for
0:33:35 > 0:33:45that response. With the demise of the farming group last week, there
0:33:45 > 0:33:47
0:33:47 > 0:33:51is concern however about the impact that went into the handling of the
0:33:51 > 0:33:56urgent consideration to what support the Welsh Government can
0:33:56 > 0:34:06provide to ensure that this important service provided by Plaid
0:34:06 > 0:34:11
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Cymru to Welsh farmers can continue? I will. Diolch, Llywdd.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19The European regulations on electronic identification of sheep
0:34:19 > 0:34:24are widely recognised as an appalling example of unnecessary
0:34:24 > 0:34:27regulation which adds many pounds to the cost of sheep farmers whilst
0:34:27 > 0:34:31bringing little economic benefit to the industry or indeed improvements
0:34:31 > 0:34:36in disease control. In the light of this, will you join me in welcoming
0:34:36 > 0:34:40the UK Government's recent efforts to obtain a derogation from
0:34:40 > 0:34:45individual sheep recording until 2016 and do you agree that this
0:34:45 > 0:34:47approach will be welcomed by farmers who are experiencing
0:34:47 > 0:34:51enormous difficulties with the inaccuracy of this technology?
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I do. We have supported successive UK governments in their efforts to
0:34:55 > 0:34:58get a derogation, bearing in mind the nature of sheep farming,
0:34:58 > 0:35:04particularly in Wales, but also in other parts of the UK. We will
0:35:04 > 0:35:11continue to do so. It is right to point out that the practicalities
0:35:11 > 0:35:15of sheep EID outweigh the benefits in term s of the state of present
0:35:15 > 0:35:18technology. Diolch, Llywdd. It is a matter of public record the party
0:35:18 > 0:35:22opposite supported EID in sheep and therefore I think in the previous
0:35:22 > 0:35:28assembly, therefore I found that question a little surprising. I
0:35:28 > 0:35:32wanted to move to the issue of EID in cattle and I want to seek your
0:35:32 > 0:35:37reassurance to farmers and hauliers throughout Wales that should that
0:35:37 > 0:35:42proposal come forward, that there will be a determined effort to
0:35:42 > 0:35:47reduce the bureaucratic burden on farmers throughout Wales rather
0:35:47 > 0:35:49than an additional burden arising out of that reform? Thank you. I
0:35:49 > 0:35:53heard your question above the dispute that was taking place
0:35:53 > 0:35:59between your party and the Conservatives! I very much welcome
0:35:59 > 0:36:04that! But in terms of cattle, BCMS has been in place for a number of
0:36:04 > 0:36:10years following the controls that were impolzed at after BSE. It is -
0:36:10 > 0:36:15- impolzed after BSE. It is a row - - imposed after BSE. It is a robust
0:36:15 > 0:36:21system. It provided us with a robust tracing system for cattle
0:36:21 > 0:36:23that at that time didn't exist for sheep. First Minister, one of the
0:36:23 > 0:36:28issues within the sector that currently concerns me and many
0:36:28 > 0:36:32others is the changes to European Union regulations concerning the
0:36:32 > 0:36:40welfare of laying hens and the potential for producers in other EU
0:36:40 > 0:36:44countries to flout the cage ban. Can I ask you, please, First
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Minister, what your Government is doing in collaboration with the
0:36:48 > 0:36:53Westminster and Brussels to ensure that the cage ban when it does come
0:36:53 > 0:36:58into force on 1st January Wales and the UK will not be inundated with
0:36:58 > 0:37:02eggs from producers on the Continent? We share your concerns.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06There will be a statement by the Minister tomorrow on this issue.
0:37:06 > 0:37:15PRESIDING OFFICER: Question 8, Ann Jones. What is the Welsh Government
0:37:15 > 0:37:21doing to support town centres in the Vale of Clwyd? One of those
0:37:21 > 0:37:23priorities is of course the regeneration of Rhyl. Thank you. On
0:37:23 > 0:37:28the fact that the North Wales coastal regeneration area, can I
0:37:28 > 0:37:31say that the work that's been going on to bring down the derelict
0:37:31 > 0:37:35buildings, to bring down buildings that remain empty for some time and
0:37:35 > 0:37:39have been inhabited by many who perhaps have brought a negative
0:37:39 > 0:37:43image to Rhyl, that work is now going on. First Minister, we need
0:37:43 > 0:37:47to make sure that the town centre of Rhyl is a vibrant shopping
0:37:47 > 0:37:52centre, we have managed to keep Marks & Spencer open for another 12
0:37:52 > 0:37:55months on this issue due to a good strong local campaign. But I needs
0:37:55 > 0:37:58a shuernss from the Government, First Minister, that the work --
0:37:58 > 0:38:02assurances that the Government, First Minister, that the work will
0:38:02 > 0:38:06continue particularly as the work has already started. So we do see
0:38:06 > 0:38:10the benefits from the public money that's been invested? I applaud the
0:38:10 > 0:38:17campaign that has been run in Rhyl regarding Marks & Spencer. You will
0:38:17 > 0:38:20be aware of the schemes that have been taken forward in Rhyl of late,
0:38:20 > 0:38:26the cinema, the progress that's been made on the harbour. It is
0:38:26 > 0:38:34crucial that for towns to be vibrant that they have vibrant and
0:38:34 > 0:38:38active town centres. Thank you very much. Based on 143 performance
0:38:38 > 0:38:43indicators Denbighshire is the highest performing council in Wales.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46In January, in debate on High Street and town centre services I
0:38:46 > 0:38:51highlighted proposals by the Rhyl Business Group for a town centre
0:38:51 > 0:38:55manager to improve "the vitality and viability of the town centre".
0:38:55 > 0:38:58What action do you feel that the Welsh Government should be taking
0:38:58 > 0:39:01to engage with local business or what action are you taking to
0:39:01 > 0:39:08engage with groups such as the Rhyl Business Group to support
0:39:08 > 0:39:12think our record speaks for itself in Rhyl. We see of course what's
0:39:12 > 0:39:17happened with cinema, with the harbour, with the Rhyl Sixth, with
0:39:17 > 0:39:21the work that's been done to improve the town centre. I think
0:39:21 > 0:39:29some �34 million has been invested by the Welsh Government in Rhyl and
0:39:29 > 0:39:32that is a significant indication of the commitment that we have given.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37Diolch, Llywdd. Thank you. Presiding business rate relief has
0:39:37 > 0:39:40been a crucial factor for a number of businesses in the Vale of Clwyd
0:39:40 > 0:39:43so they can survive the current difficult economic climate. Does
0:39:43 > 0:39:48the First Minister agree that extending the relief beyond next
0:39:48 > 0:39:56September would avoid job losses and businesses closing? Well, of
0:39:56 > 0:40:02course, there are surveys undertaken under the Minister for
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Business and then in due course we will report on the outcome.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10PRESIDING OFFICER: Question 9. the First Minister make a statement
0:40:10 > 0:40:20on how the Welsh Government are responding to increases to the
0:40:20 > 0:40:22
0:40:22 > 0:40:25cost-of-living? First Minister, with the approach of winter, many
0:40:25 > 0:40:30pensioners will face a tough choice due to the rising fuel cost and the
0:40:30 > 0:40:36Tory-Lib Dem Winter Fuel Allowance cuts. First Minister, next time you
0:40:36 > 0:40:40have a chance to speak to the representatives of the Conservative
0:40:40 > 0:40:49high pressure liberal Government, will you tell them they are
0:40:49 > 0:40:52fuelling no-one. And... I had a listen to some of the comments. May
0:40:52 > 0:40:56I deal with the first issue? It is awful that people aren't getting
0:40:56 > 0:41:00the help they should have, as we see fuel costs rising beyond
0:41:00 > 0:41:05people's ability to afford fuel. I did listen to the Liberal Democrats
0:41:05 > 0:41:08who were saying, who were asking the question why it was we were
0:41:08 > 0:41:12fixated on electoral reform. Who had a referendum in May on
0:41:12 > 0:41:13electoral reform? Which party is more concerned with electoral
0:41:13 > 0:41:16reform than dealing with fuel poverty?
0:41:16 > 0:41:26STUDIO: That is where we leave First Minister's Questions this
0:41:26 > 0:41:27
0:41:27 > 0:41:33week. You can see more on BBC Wales Democracy Live.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Our Welsh Affairs Editor is here. Afternoon. Hi. Let's look at
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Leader's Questions, particularly Ieuan Wyn Jones's questions to
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Carwyn Jones, who seemed to be questioning the Government's
0:41:41 > 0:41:45priorities relating to a letter Carwyn Jones has sent to the Prime
0:41:45 > 0:41:50Minister? This is quite an odd story. No-one can understand where
0:41:50 > 0:41:53it's come from. This is Labour kicking up a fuss about the
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Assembly electoral system because they suspect that the Government in
0:41:56 > 0:42:03Westminster may be going to change it in a way that is not
0:42:03 > 0:42:06particularly favourable to Labour. It does seem to be getting an
0:42:06 > 0:42:10inordinate amount of publicity. This is one of these changes that
0:42:10 > 0:42:14might happen if something else might possibly have happened. It
0:42:14 > 0:42:18looks from the outside - that is what Ieuan Wyn Jones is playing on
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- that Labour have lost their sense of proportion when it comes to this
0:42:21 > 0:42:26issue. All the other opposition parties said that in the briefing
0:42:26 > 0:42:31as well this morning. It seems odd that Labour isn't doing anything to
0:42:31 > 0:42:34shut the issue down. There is a suggestion from the Conservatives
0:42:34 > 0:42:38that the Government has got its priorities wrong when it should be
0:42:38 > 0:42:41looking at improving the conditions of the economy. It is looking at
0:42:41 > 0:42:45constitutional change instead? what the Government would say of
0:42:45 > 0:42:49course is that they are doing this stuff on the economy, but it is
0:42:49 > 0:42:53being done behind-the-scenes. It does sort of raise the question of
0:42:53 > 0:42:58well, why release this letter, why not do that behind the scenes? What
0:42:58 > 0:43:04the opposition parties say is that this is a way of Carwyn Jones
0:43:04 > 0:43:08standing up to Westminster, when not tackling them about the
0:43:08 > 0:43:12important issues. I think it's a hand that possibly Labour have
0:43:12 > 0:43:18either overplayed a bit or misplayed and really it is not an
0:43:18 > 0:43:20issue that is of any great interest to people outside the Cardiff Bay
0:43:20 > 0:43:25bubble. Briefly, do you know anything more about any agreements
0:43:25 > 0:43:28on the Budget? Talks are continuing. One politician said this morning,
0:43:28 > 0:43:34"I would expect a sense of urgency from the Government today. If I