0:00:20 > 0:00:22Good afternoon and welcome to the programme. As usual we'll bring you
0:00:22 > 0:00:24coverage of First Minister's Questions this afternoon before
0:00:24 > 0:00:29asking what our Welsh Affairs Editor Vaughan Roderick thinks
0:00:29 > 0:00:35about it. But it's not just Vaughan's thoughts I want to hear,
0:00:35 > 0:00:41I would love to hear form you. You can share your thoughts with us via
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Twitter or you can send us an e- mail. Well, let's take a look now
0:00:44 > 0:00:54at questions to the First Minister Carwyn Jones from a little earlier
0:00:54 > 0:00:54
0:00:54 > 0:01:02this afternoon. Good afternoon. The first item this afternoon his First
0:01:02 > 0:01:09Minister's Questions. I would like to ask the First Minister when he
0:01:09 > 0:01:16last met with the First Minister of Scotland. I last met him on 13th
0:01:16 > 0:01:20January in Dublin. During that meeting, did the First Minister of
0:01:20 > 0:01:24Wales have an opportunity to insure him that he will not interfere in
0:01:24 > 0:01:29internal issues in Scotland, and has the First Minister of Wales had
0:01:29 > 0:01:33an opportunity to direct the Prime Minister of the UK have to behave?
0:01:33 > 0:01:40Can you tell us more about the convention he launched yesterday
0:01:40 > 0:01:45and may I say that I am very supportive of this a step. Thank
0:01:45 > 0:01:49you for that. I have made my opinion public that the future of
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Scotland is something for the people of Scotland. Regarding the
0:01:52 > 0:01:57convention, it is very important that we consider the position of
0:01:57 > 0:02:03the UK at present, regarding developments of the past few years
0:02:03 > 0:02:08so that we get more clarity about the various powers that this
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Assembly has, the Northern Ireland Assembly has, and UK government as
0:02:14 > 0:02:19well as Scotland. What the First Minister agree that when voters in
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Scotland come to put their crosses in the Scottish independence vote,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28that they consider that they are not just breaking away from England,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32but they are breaking away from Wales and Northern Ireland as well
0:02:32 > 0:02:36to fellow Celtic nations. And doesn't he think they should
0:02:36 > 0:02:39consider that when they come to vote? I very much hope the people
0:02:40 > 0:02:45of Scotland had to remain part of the UK. They are very important
0:02:46 > 0:02:53part of the UK and Scotland adds balance to the UK. He UK will be
0:02:53 > 0:02:58very much worse off without Scotland. I know occasionally we do
0:02:58 > 0:03:04disagree on a few things, but on the issue of the future of the UK,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09I know that you share my view that the United Kingdom has a steered
0:03:09 > 0:03:14Wales and all the constituent parts of the UK in good stead for 300
0:03:14 > 0:03:19years and hopefully will continue in the future. Following on from
0:03:19 > 0:03:25the question asked, would you once again staked your belief in the
0:03:25 > 0:03:28importance to Wales or Scotland in the United Kingdom remain together,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32and would also agree that it was very important the Prime Minister
0:03:32 > 0:03:37did give an indication that they should be an early referendum
0:03:37 > 0:03:41because in the meantime, businesses are suffering from the uncertainty
0:03:41 > 0:03:47that has been created by the Scottish Nationalist Party. I'm
0:03:47 > 0:03:51sure you would not like to see his security. What happens in Scotland
0:03:52 > 0:03:55as a matter for the people of Scotland. I'm not convinced it is a
0:03:55 > 0:04:01wise intervention on the part of the Prime Minister with regard to
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Scottish affairs, but that said, I would very much regret seeing
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Scotland leaving the UK. I very much believe in the unity of the UK
0:04:08 > 0:04:17and certainly it would be great last was in Wales of Scotland were
0:04:17 > 0:04:24to leave the UK. Can I remind people that it is one question and
0:04:24 > 0:04:29sure preambles. Paul Davies. What is the Welsh government doing to
0:04:29 > 0:04:31improve public transport accessibility across Wales? We are
0:04:31 > 0:04:38delivering accessibility improvements to public transport
0:04:38 > 0:04:42across Wales. This includes the new train services to Fishguard, the
0:04:42 > 0:04:47forthcoming reopening of a station and the current major improvements
0:04:47 > 0:04:51to Swansea High Street station. of the plans that has been very
0:04:51 > 0:04:56successful but meant than breath of Wales is the town riders King which
0:04:56 > 0:05:01has this -- which has increased accessibility for many people.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Understand of funding of the scheme is to come to an end. Many
0:05:05 > 0:05:10constituents have contacted me and a very concerned that the scheme --
0:05:10 > 0:05:15scheme is to come to a close because many feel that it is a
0:05:15 > 0:05:21lifeline to them under these circumstances. Is the government
0:05:21 > 0:05:26reconsidering his decision? And if not, what will replace this
0:05:26 > 0:05:33valuable service? Unfortunately, that funding is no longer available
0:05:33 > 0:05:38for that scheme from the government. But from what they understand,
0:05:38 > 0:05:44there are ongoing talks with the local authority regarding the
0:05:44 > 0:05:47future of the schemes. At Prime Minister's Questions last week, we
0:05:47 > 0:05:51have the Conservative government is axing the Labour initiative to
0:05:51 > 0:05:59contain the prices of transport. I wondered if you could say what can
0:05:59 > 0:06:05be done to ensure that the price of train fares is as important as the
0:06:05 > 0:06:10accessibility. It is crucial that people feel they are able to travel
0:06:10 > 0:06:17on public transport paying a reasonable fare. The great danger
0:06:17 > 0:06:21is that if where fares are allowed to rise in an unregulated way, that
0:06:21 > 0:06:23they will rise to an extent that people feel they cannot access the
0:06:23 > 0:06:31railways. It is absolutely crucial that there is proper regulation
0:06:31 > 0:06:40implies across the hall of the UK. Your government here in Wales has
0:06:40 > 0:06:48just kept the ground to bus companies by a quarter -- cut the
0:06:48 > 0:06:55grant. This is higher than in England. This cut has been made
0:06:55 > 0:06:59with just 10 weeks notice, although the contracts were in place with
0:06:59 > 0:07:02the county council, why is this cut so significantly higher in Wales
0:07:02 > 0:07:10and why was there so little warning given to bus companies who will
0:07:10 > 0:07:15suffer as a result and will have to cut services? It continues to be
0:07:15 > 0:07:21higher than it is in England, looking at the per litre of fuel,
0:07:21 > 0:07:27we should look at the budget we have had from London, we had to
0:07:27 > 0:07:33consider the best way to cut some services. Unfortunately, this is an
0:07:33 > 0:07:40area where we had to reduce the subsidy available, but again,
0:07:40 > 0:07:47emphasise that the funding is higher than if you look at the Poly
0:07:47 > 0:07:51to fuel in England. They are a number of areas in North Wales
0:07:52 > 0:07:56where public transport is not available and where the public,
0:07:56 > 0:08:01particularly the elderly, are dependent on commuter transport.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06When will you government be in a position to give some assurance on
0:08:06 > 0:08:11funding for next year in this area? As I said, we are in a situation
0:08:11 > 0:08:16where it is not possible to ensure that the same amount of money is
0:08:16 > 0:08:22available that we would like in the future. But of course we want to
0:08:22 > 0:08:29look at all kinds of ways of ensuring all kinds of transport in
0:08:29 > 0:08:33all parts of Wales. Disabled people are more likely than non-disabled
0:08:33 > 0:08:37people to be the victim of crime. Public transport can be a
0:08:37 > 0:08:42particular hot spot for that. So much so, that many disabled people
0:08:42 > 0:08:47feel unable to access public transport that exists. Volley
0:08:47 > 0:08:53provide us with them -- an update on what you are planning to do so
0:08:53 > 0:08:57that disabled people can feel safe in public places? The issue of hate
0:08:57 > 0:09:00crime against disabled people have been raised before. It is one we
0:09:00 > 0:09:04take very seriously and we deplore it. The fact that people should
0:09:04 > 0:09:11seek to target those who were in a position of particular fund ability,
0:09:11 > 0:09:21I know we have been working with the authorities in the past to make
0:09:21 > 0:09:25
0:09:25 > 0:09:29sure hate crime is dealt with. -- vulnerability. First Minister, in
0:09:29 > 0:09:32your programme for government, you will about encouraging greater
0:09:32 > 0:09:36levels of private sector investment and employment. Could you explain
0:09:36 > 0:09:40what you would measure as a success as the end of a programme for
0:09:40 > 0:09:47government as to that increase in private sector investment? More
0:09:47 > 0:09:51businesses, more jobs and increase in gross domestic household income.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Does our aspirations we would all agree with. One of the deficits in
0:09:55 > 0:10:00the Welsh economy is the inability to attract high end value drops to
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Wales, headquartered jobs, whether they be UK headquarters can be
0:10:04 > 0:10:07European operations all well the operations. Recent evidence taken
0:10:07 > 0:10:10in an article by the chief executive of Admiral highlighted
0:10:10 > 0:10:13that if they were considering locating in the current climate,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17they must probably would not lead to Wales to locate their
0:10:17 > 0:10:22headquarters. What actions of the government doing to undertake full
0:10:22 > 0:10:26engagement with the private sector so those high end jobs and high-end
0:10:26 > 0:10:30companies do actually locate herein Wales? A central business district
0:10:30 > 0:10:35of Cardiff has been daggers -- designated as an and present and
0:10:35 > 0:10:42that will be crucial in attracting financial services such as Admiral
0:10:42 > 0:10:46in the future to a capital city. We will also continue with the contact
0:10:46 > 0:10:50that we make in other countries, I have been to China, I will go to
0:10:50 > 0:10:52the US and India over the next few months to ensure that investment
0:10:52 > 0:10:56opportunities for Wales are maximised from this countries as
0:10:56 > 0:11:01well. Nobody could disagree with those sentiments that you have put
0:11:01 > 0:11:05over this afternoon, a duck the issue is, Lego -- regrettably, the
0:11:05 > 0:11:14record is not good in the first 10 years of the Assembly government in
0:11:14 > 0:11:16attracting this type of companies. I fully endorse the efforts behind
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Cardiff Business District, but we need to hear from you what
0:11:19 > 0:11:29different measures your government will be doing to engage with those
0:11:29 > 0:11:31
0:11:31 > 0:11:34high-value customers are. already have the anger companies
0:11:35 > 0:11:40that have been designated. They are the largest employers and Wales. We
0:11:40 > 0:11:49look very closely -- we work very closely with them to attract
0:11:49 > 0:11:55further investment into Wales and the future. May I also welcome the
0:11:55 > 0:11:59debate but you have opened on the constitution. The problem with
0:11:59 > 0:12:04opening such a debate is you have to then say where you stand on that.
0:12:04 > 0:12:10Can you tell us what constitutional changes he would favour for Wales?
0:12:10 > 0:12:19Firstly, regarding Part 1 of the commission to consider issues such
0:12:19 > 0:12:26as taxation, landfill, taxation for airports, look at issues such as
0:12:26 > 0:12:33stamp duty, in order to reassure that we have a way of developing
0:12:33 > 0:12:41taxes and Wales bearing in mind that they fall within their
0:12:41 > 0:12:44responsibilities that we have presently. What you're saying is
0:12:44 > 0:12:50that you're happy with the constitutional settlement as it
0:12:50 > 0:12:58currently exists but that you would favour some tinkering with some
0:12:58 > 0:13:02minor issues of taxation, that could raise hundreds of thousands
0:13:02 > 0:13:07rather than income tax or corporation tax. Isn't it true to
0:13:07 > 0:13:12say that the reason that the current debate is ongoing is there
0:13:12 > 0:13:15is full clarity in what Scotland is requesting? Alex Salmond is asking
0:13:15 > 0:13:22for independence for Scotland. The problem is there is no clarity in
0:13:22 > 0:13:26terms of what you are requesting were seeking. The reality is, in
0:13:26 > 0:13:31Reading, and I have read very carefully what you have said if you
0:13:31 > 0:13:34press conference, you're they did the question on where exactly you
0:13:34 > 0:13:39see the constitutional future of Wales. Indeed, what is your
0:13:39 > 0:13:44ambition for Wales? Although you have refused to answer that
0:13:44 > 0:13:51question, can you tell the Assembly were you truly stand? Are I am not
0:13:51 > 0:13:59in favour of independence. Regarding my opinion, the silt
0:13:59 > 0:14:08Commission, we have that and we are in favour of borrowing powers and
0:14:08 > 0:14:11we are in favour of looking at issues such as energy. Regarding
0:14:11 > 0:14:16allowing energy products in Wales. That is what the whole Assembly is
0:14:16 > 0:14:21in favour of. By one that Assembly to have powers that are relevant,
0:14:21 > 0:14:31but I don't want to go over the cliff regarding favour of
0:14:31 > 0:14:31
0:14:31 > 0:14:37What I have to genu First Minister, is the only time you have fire in
0:14:37 > 0:14:42your belly is when you say you are talking about independence, in
0:14:42 > 0:14:52every other issue you sound week, if I may say so, so there is a lack
0:14:52 > 0:14:53
0:14:53 > 0:14:57of leadership. If we are to have the constitutional debate, in terms
0:14:57 > 0:15:04of these constitutional changes, but that will mean is that all of
0:15:04 > 0:15:09the parties have to set out there stall more clearly. You, and if I
0:15:09 > 0:15:16may say so, you have mentioned relatively minor issues in terms of
0:15:16 > 0:15:20constitutional change, but there is significant difference between what
0:15:20 > 0:15:26you're suggesting and independence, and in Scotland as a possibility
0:15:26 > 0:15:31that there may be a question of a different type of responsibility.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34There can you tell us exactly where you stand on the continuum, if we
0:15:34 > 0:15:39are going to have a considered discussion on this issue, we need
0:15:39 > 0:15:46to know where the First Minister stands. And it is perfectly clear
0:15:46 > 0:15:53what my opinion is. Everything is said on the changing of the ballot
0:15:53 > 0:15:57system. That has to happen before are anything else, or else we are
0:15:57 > 0:16:01locked into a basis of raising taxes from a weak position. I am
0:16:01 > 0:16:07perfectly happy to have this debate to with their leader of the party
0:16:07 > 0:16:14because he will be going out in May and saying that his party is in
0:16:14 > 0:16:18favour of independence. I would be happy to debate with them. First
0:16:18 > 0:16:23Minister, the most recent set of educational results showed that a
0:16:23 > 0:16:30Welsh students are falling behind in mathematics and science. Are the
0:16:30 > 0:16:33workshops approved and funded by the education ministers to teach to
0:16:33 > 0:16:39the test the answer to the shortcomings in the education
0:16:39 > 0:16:43system? It is part of the picture, but we want to see an improvement.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47I understand why you want to save your government from another
0:16:47 > 0:16:51embarrassing set of poor education results, but it is not just about
0:16:51 > 0:16:57this, in your Cabinet report, the education minister said this is
0:16:57 > 0:17:04only one part of the jigsaw, but it is reflective of other evidence.
0:17:04 > 0:17:10Examination results are rising but are not in pace with England. This
0:17:10 > 0:17:14is consistent on the GCSE and A- levels. Kenny detail of supporters
0:17:14 > 0:17:19were now offering to the schools that recently placed in banned five
0:17:19 > 0:17:22of the system? This is a matter for the local authority to identify
0:17:22 > 0:17:26what support is needed, but the Education Minister is absolutely
0:17:26 > 0:17:31right in saying that parents and teachers have an idea of what needs
0:17:31 > 0:17:34to be done in the schools and the banding provides that evidence.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38is extraordinary that you have absolved the Government of any
0:17:38 > 0:17:42responsibility in ensuring that the schools get the support they need.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46I have no problem with giving parents the information on how the
0:17:46 > 0:17:50school is doing, but I want to see that matched with action to improve
0:17:50 > 0:17:55the school. One headmaster of a band five school has said to me
0:17:55 > 0:17:59that if this is the target support, then where is it? What is it? We
0:17:59 > 0:18:07have had no follow-up from Annie one since the publication of these
0:18:07 > 0:18:11figures. You were happy to coach and pay for schools to pass the
0:18:11 > 0:18:16assessments to save government blushers. When will you target
0:18:16 > 0:18:20assistance at the schools and law bans to improve the school's?
0:18:20 > 0:18:25have resources that go beyond the UK government. We are transparent
0:18:25 > 0:18:29about this. We're happy to publish performance levels and also to
0:18:29 > 0:18:34publish funding levels on an annual basis, something the UK government
0:18:34 > 0:18:38has refused to do it in terms of England. It means we can no longer
0:18:38 > 0:18:42compare funding per head in England and Wales because the UK government
0:18:42 > 0:18:49of which our party is a part, have refused to publish comparison
0:18:49 > 0:18:55figures. I very much regret that. We move back to questions on the
0:18:55 > 0:19:01paper, Simon Thomas. Will the First Minister make a statement on buffer
0:19:01 > 0:19:08zones for open cost developments? would refer you to minerals,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11technical advice note to. Thank you for that response and with
0:19:11 > 0:19:17reference to the technical advice, he will know that that refers to
0:19:17 > 0:19:21500 metres in terms of a buffer zone for open development. Why has
0:19:21 > 0:19:26planning permission been given to extend the same talent opencast
0:19:26 > 0:19:30site which will bring it within that 500 metre buffer zone close to
0:19:30 > 0:19:35people's homes and to playgrounds, one of the playgrounds of one of
0:19:35 > 0:19:38the brand new schools in the 21st century schools programme. What
0:19:38 > 0:19:43will you do and what are you tell constituents that are concerned
0:19:43 > 0:19:46that the rules could not be followed in this case? This is
0:19:46 > 0:19:53something for the local planning authority. I cannot make any
0:19:53 > 0:19:58comment on any individual cases. But the policy is still there, this
0:19:58 > 0:20:02buffer zone policy still exists in this technical advice note. First
0:20:02 > 0:20:09Minister, it is important that the buffer zone is a duty by local
0:20:09 > 0:20:14authorities and enforced as much as possible, but we Dewar Greek it is
0:20:14 > 0:20:18important to insurer bad businesses that operate restore the land so it
0:20:18 > 0:20:25goes back to the way that it was. - - but we need to agree it is
0:20:25 > 0:20:28important to ensure that businesses. It is the responsibilities of those
0:20:28 > 0:20:33that work on open cast mines to restore the land once the
0:20:33 > 0:20:37operations have come to an end. That is an obligation that
0:20:37 > 0:20:41everybody in the wider world would support. In terms of how we will
0:20:41 > 0:20:46enforce this, this has to do with the ad said of the agreement on
0:20:46 > 0:20:50part of the local planning a authority. -- the outset. They
0:20:50 > 0:20:56would retain the responsibility for restoring the conditions when they
0:20:56 > 0:21:00had been imposed at the first part of the planning application. With
0:21:00 > 0:21:06the increasing focus on energy generating fuel, pretty clearly
0:21:06 > 0:21:13open cast as we are fortunate of having some resources and Wales, is
0:21:13 > 0:21:18it time to look at enforcement policy on the fact that in England
0:21:18 > 0:21:23section 106 is there. There is no buffer zone in England, buffer
0:21:23 > 0:21:27zones can go anywhere. That is not the right approach. You raise this
0:21:27 > 0:21:32question of section one of six which is worth considering a, had
0:21:32 > 0:21:37their ways of standing out? There is a limitation because the
0:21:37 > 0:21:42community infrastructure level composers in a way that we do not
0:21:42 > 0:21:47welcome. -- imposes. It would be better if the infrastructure levy
0:21:47 > 0:21:54was at a default or if it was phrased in a less prescriptive way
0:21:54 > 0:21:58than it is at the moment. previous Environment Minister
0:21:58 > 0:22:01promised to review a buffer zones when the new law was tested. After
0:22:01 > 0:22:05that happened, the current environment minister said he did
0:22:05 > 0:22:10not believe that this was necessary because the local development plan
0:22:10 > 0:22:20and the guidance provided the balance. However, many of us went
0:22:20 > 0:22:20
0:22:20 > 0:22:23to a meeting with lawyers who want to look at areas and they wanted to
0:22:23 > 0:22:30deconstruct the statutory instrument, as they put it, so that
0:22:30 > 0:22:34clients can to press ahead in those areas without going straight into
0:22:34 > 0:22:39restoration. What are your views on this instance continuing looking
0:22:39 > 0:22:44better answers to your colleagues on this? And the attempts to
0:22:44 > 0:22:49deconstruct the planning guidance as you put it would resist strongly.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53We take a very dim view of attempts that are made to get around
0:22:53 > 0:22:57planning permission and planning guidance in order to facilitate
0:22:57 > 0:23:05opencast mining. The guidance is there, it is clear and the buffer
0:23:05 > 0:23:13zone is clear. What is the First Minister doing to support small
0:23:13 > 0:23:18businesses in South Wales Central? We have clear steps to support
0:23:18 > 0:23:23business and government. One of the visible steps was to establish the
0:23:23 > 0:23:27sector panels ostensibly to give business a voice in government.
0:23:27 > 0:23:34Despite the fact that businesses are described as micro businesses,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38only 20 % of the people on the sector panels are from SMEs not at
0:23:38 > 0:23:42all micro businesses. On behalf of the 40,000 micro businesses in
0:23:42 > 0:23:47South Wales Central, what will you do to redress this balance and give
0:23:47 > 0:23:50the small businesses the voice they deserve in this Government?
0:23:50 > 0:23:54micro business task and Finnish group launched its findings last
0:23:54 > 0:24:01Wednesday and they are considering the details of their
0:24:01 > 0:24:06recommendations. They will be taken forward in due course. I know that
0:24:06 > 0:24:10many small businesses in my constituency will welcome the
0:24:10 > 0:24:16recommendations of the recent task on micro business groups set up by
0:24:16 > 0:24:21the minister. When I spoke to SMEs, I have often been told that they
0:24:21 > 0:24:24feel that the feedback mechanisms in place are not as good as they
0:24:25 > 0:24:28should be elected businesses know what they can do differently the
0:24:28 > 0:24:33next time, if unsuccessful in bidding for a public sector
0:24:33 > 0:24:37contracts. Can you give some assurances that strong feedback
0:24:37 > 0:24:42mechanisms may be central to the Government's response to the
0:24:42 > 0:24:47report's recommendations regarding support and advise? Absolutely.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Feedback on services we provide is important and the response to the
0:24:49 > 0:24:58micro Service report will have suitable feedback mechanisms in
0:24:58 > 0:25:02place. I welcome that the report is with the business minister from the
0:25:02 > 0:25:08task group that he set up, but time and time again, small business has
0:25:08 > 0:25:12come and speak to me about the delay in getting information, and
0:25:12 > 0:25:16that flow of information from the 12 governments but allows them to
0:25:17 > 0:25:20procure or participate in the procurement of a contract. When
0:25:20 > 0:25:26would the minister be in a position to bring the information for word
0:25:26 > 0:25:29over the proposals they are looking to streamline the process? This is
0:25:29 > 0:25:34why the micro business task group has set up. There is an
0:25:34 > 0:25:39implementation plan which would be drawn up and publish shortly. We
0:25:39 > 0:25:45will continue to meet on a quarterly basis to monitor the
0:25:45 > 0:25:52implementation of the recommendations as well. There is a
0:25:52 > 0:25:57possibility some say a probability that the Welsh economy is in
0:25:57 > 0:26:01recession right now, but because it out of date statistics we receive,
0:26:01 > 0:26:06there is no way of us really knowing. The UK economy as a whole
0:26:06 > 0:26:10is teetering just above negative growth at the moment, there is a
0:26:10 > 0:26:16strong suspicion that the south- east of England is skewing the
0:26:16 > 0:26:20overall figures. Firstly, will you insist upon the collection and
0:26:20 > 0:26:25publication of up to date quarterly statistics, like those produced in
0:26:25 > 0:26:31Scotland, so that we can have the full picture here of the Welsh
0:26:31 > 0:26:35economy and so that policies can be tailored to, for example, measures
0:26:35 > 0:26:40that could help small businesses in my region, small businesses are
0:26:41 > 0:26:46struggling in every part of Wales, to help take on new people, or at
0:26:46 > 0:26:50the very least, safeguard already existing jobs? She raises an
0:26:50 > 0:26:54important point, and we're looking at how we can secure more up-to-
0:26:54 > 0:27:01date GDP figures for Wales and the future, along the lines of those
0:27:01 > 0:27:07available in Scotland. What assessment has the First Minister
0:27:08 > 0:27:14made of the potential impact of the 2012 Olympic Games on Wales? We are
0:27:14 > 0:27:19finalising an economic impact assessment of London 2012, tears 1,
0:27:19 > 0:27:262 and 3 contracts are with businesses in Wales and there is an
0:27:26 > 0:27:30evaluation of the UK-wide legacy of the Games. As you may be aware, the
0:27:30 > 0:27:34European Tour operators Association has this month argued that the
0:27:34 > 0:27:42tourism benefits of holding Olympic events are overstated sometimes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46Also, the recent comments by tourism experts, Mr John Waite,
0:27:46 > 0:27:51that Wales has yet to capitalise fully on major events based tourism,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55what commitments are you prepared to make to ensure that we further
0:27:55 > 0:27:59developed the sector, which is particularly critical for the rural
0:27:59 > 0:28:03Welsh economy? There is a government action plan on securing
0:28:03 > 0:28:07the legacy for Wales. I believe that we had a good record of
0:28:07 > 0:28:11securing tourism for major events. The Ryder Cup as a prime example
0:28:11 > 0:28:15and the success of the Ryder Cup was added to encourage people to
0:28:15 > 0:28:25travel around Wales. The wreck of clubs that benefited strongly from
0:28:25 > 0:28:30the tourism. -- there were golf clubs. First Minister, the action
0:28:30 > 0:28:35plan securing the legacy for Wales stated that they will focus on
0:28:35 > 0:28:41maximising the economic legacy for Wales by promoting trade and
0:28:41 > 0:28:45investment, boosting tourism and enhancing Wales as global
0:28:45 > 0:28:49reputation leading to, during and following the Games. Many
0:28:49 > 0:28:53businesses in South Wales East, for example one of my constituents, was
0:28:53 > 0:28:56concerned that they will not benefit from the Olympics and the
0:28:56 > 0:29:01Paralympics, just like they did not see a boost in profits from the
0:29:01 > 0:29:06Ryder Cup being on their doorstep. What assurances on the Welsh
0:29:06 > 0:29:11government give to instil confidence in local businesses and
0:29:11 > 0:29:16can you confirm that they will now reap the rewards for the Olympics
0:29:16 > 0:29:22and the Paralympics. We're looking through the action plan that she
0:29:22 > 0:29:26referred to ensure that there is a secure legacy for Wales. There are
0:29:26 > 0:29:31sometimes put it is difficult to plan for an event that is cancels,
0:29:31 > 0:29:36like the Welsh Tory conference in Wales! There are many hoteliers
0:29:36 > 0:29:39that were left out of pocket because of the cancellation of the
0:29:39 > 0:29:44Welsh Conservative conference! I want to be charitable to the party
0:29:44 > 0:29:48opposite unsafe that of course we want to encourage major events in
0:29:48 > 0:29:58Wales, but we cannot categorise the Welsh Tory conference as a major
0:29:58 > 0:29:59
0:29:59 > 0:30:03The Minister of Wales has lost out significantly in terms of the
0:30:03 > 0:30:08lottery my that we haven't received because of the Olympic Games
0:30:08 > 0:30:16happening in Britain. Can you be certain that the economic benefits
0:30:16 > 0:30:21are going to be approved to Wales as a result of the game's? Many of
0:30:21 > 0:30:28the games they could have taken place, such as mountain bikes,
0:30:28 > 0:30:33aren't going to be happening here. That is what the action plan wants
0:30:33 > 0:30:36to achieve. We have a substantial legacy following the games. We have
0:30:36 > 0:30:42to bear in mind as well that many teams will be coming to Wales to
0:30:42 > 0:30:52train before the Games themselves, and that is also an opportunity to
0:30:52 > 0:30:53
0:30:53 > 0:30:56sell Wales to those teams. Does the First Minister make any
0:30:56 > 0:31:02representations to the UK government about the fact that the
0:31:02 > 0:31:12changes to the welfare system will have one Welsh people? We have
0:31:12 > 0:31:20expressed our concerns about the Ralph -- well for reform. --
0:31:20 > 0:31:25welfare reform. A further statement will be issued next month.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29plans to slash the welfare budget by having a drastic effect on many
0:31:29 > 0:31:34people throughout Wales and will continue to do so while these
0:31:34 > 0:31:38ideological policies are being pursued. I'm sure many Welsh
0:31:38 > 0:31:43families who are being hit by a substantial drop in income would
0:31:43 > 0:31:47like to know where you stand on the question. Do you disagree with your
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Labour Party colleague and shadow chancellor Ed Balls, who
0:31:50 > 0:31:55effectively endorsed the coalition's right wing agenda when
0:31:55 > 0:32:00he said that the next Labour government was going to have to
0:32:00 > 0:32:07keep all these cuts. Do you agree with Ed Balls? That is not -- that
0:32:07 > 0:32:16is not what Ed Balls said. He said it is a difficult time to commit to
0:32:16 > 0:32:26it. We don't know what a mess the UK will be in by 2015, so I think
0:32:26 > 0:32:26
0:32:26 > 0:32:29it is wise of him. We as a party Stanford equality -- stand for.
0:32:29 > 0:32:37is incredibly disappointing that the Tory lead UK government has
0:32:37 > 0:32:42pledged to press ahead with their plans to restrict DSA for Kim --
0:32:42 > 0:32:47chemotherapy patients. As Macmillan the Cancer Support put it recently,
0:32:47 > 0:32:51the idea that supporting cancer patients at the time of greatest
0:32:51 > 0:32:55needs encourages dependency is utterly without foundation. Would
0:32:55 > 0:32:58you agree with -- agree with me that this is a completely
0:32:58 > 0:33:02reprehensible move on the part of the Conservatives at Westminster,
0:33:02 > 0:33:12and that the Tories at this end of the M4 should make it clear whether
0:33:12 > 0:33:13
0:33:13 > 0:33:21they support these plans which leave thousands of cancer patients
0:33:21 > 0:33:26losing out. You're absolutely right. Once again, it is a sad example of
0:33:26 > 0:33:35the UK government saying that we'll all get together, but targeting the
0:33:35 > 0:33:39most vulnerable in society. First Minister, the disability living
0:33:39 > 0:33:44allowance is a prime example where it has remained largely unchanged
0:33:44 > 0:33:50for the past 20 years. It is actually costing the working tax-
0:33:50 > 0:33:55paying family about �3,000 per year. The number of people receiving DLA
0:33:55 > 0:34:05has also risen by 30 % and we have now got almost a quarter of a
0:34:05 > 0:34:15million people in Wales receiving this. Liam Byrne MP said last year
0:34:15 > 0:34:19
0:34:19 > 0:34:24that they support a cap on benefit if it comes from public money. What
0:34:24 > 0:34:27do you think? It is a great shame when offered the opportunity to do
0:34:28 > 0:34:35it -- to express support to cancer sufferers can the Conservative
0:34:35 > 0:34:39Party in Wales have failed to do so. The opportunity was there in this
0:34:39 > 0:34:43chamber to disagree with the UK's government proposals for cancer
0:34:43 > 0:34:50sufferers and in support for cancer sufferers. It is a sad day that
0:34:50 > 0:34:58that opportunity was not taken in this chamber. I share the First
0:34:58 > 0:35:02Minister's concerns, and indeed Ed Balls', in the way to reform of
0:35:02 > 0:35:09disability benefits has been operated. Last week, in my surgery,
0:35:09 > 0:35:15I saw a young man had been booted off benefits and had been refused
0:35:15 > 0:35:20support allowance because somebody said so. But this young man was
0:35:20 > 0:35:24both physically and mentally completely unfit for work. He walks
0:35:24 > 0:35:30with the stick and most the time he was forced to be standing well we
0:35:30 > 0:35:34had a discussion because of his inability to sit down. On top of
0:35:34 > 0:35:37that, he is agoraphobic and could only come to the surgery with the
0:35:38 > 0:35:46support of a family member. The idea that this young man is ready
0:35:46 > 0:35:50for work and that signing on at the job centre will give him a job, is
0:35:50 > 0:35:58a complete travesty of the hold benefits system. He needs both
0:35:58 > 0:36:05physical and mental also -- support. And what indication does the Welsh
0:36:05 > 0:36:15government have of the numbers of people in similar situations?
0:36:15 > 0:36:16
0:36:16 > 0:36:2420th August 10 there were -- 2010 there were many people receiving
0:36:24 > 0:36:27DLA. How can it be a fair reform of the system if, beforehand, a
0:36:27 > 0:36:35minister declared that 20 % of people will lose their announced
0:36:35 > 0:36:42what ever happens? That cannot be right. There needs to be it a
0:36:42 > 0:36:52fundamental rethink. What action will the Welsh government be taking
0:36:52 > 0:36:58to reduce poverty? The programme includes a commitment to tackling
0:36:58 > 0:37:08poverty Action Plan. In recent survey highlighted that there is a
0:37:08 > 0:37:08
0:37:08 > 0:37:16high level of child poverty in my constituency. To a poverty levels
0:37:16 > 0:37:23will be increased -- Child poverty levels will be increased as people
0:37:23 > 0:37:25go back into work. It has a huge impact on people and could be
0:37:25 > 0:37:31restricted to if people are helped back to work. What action as the
0:37:31 > 0:37:38Welsh government taking to support families to get back into work?
0:37:38 > 0:37:41issue of child care will be taken as part of the poverty Action Plan.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44We'll take it forward in order to deal with the many problems that
0:37:44 > 0:37:51farmers will face over the next few years as a consequence of policies
0:37:51 > 0:37:55being pursued at Westminster. of the key objectives in your child
0:37:55 > 0:37:59poverty strategy is to improve the skills of parents or carers and you
0:37:59 > 0:38:05have people living in low-income households, so they can fit --
0:38:05 > 0:38:09secure well-paid employment. Will the government's development --
0:38:09 > 0:38:15what workers your government been doing to promote the relevant
0:38:15 > 0:38:19skills required in those areas and what potential investment schemes
0:38:19 > 0:38:25will be available to companies locating to those areas for the
0:38:25 > 0:38:34development of work-based training? We still await final confirmation
0:38:34 > 0:38:37regarding capital allowances, but we are investing heavily in skills.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Particularly over the last two or three weeks. We also have a
0:38:41 > 0:38:44fundamental commitment to double the number of families who are
0:38:44 > 0:38:48eligible for the Flying Start scheme. That is an excellent way of
0:38:48 > 0:38:51ensuring that people are able to access work, that they're able to
0:38:51 > 0:38:56access the skills they need and that they have the support and
0:38:56 > 0:39:01place in order to go to work. That is where the scheme will remain a -
0:39:01 > 0:39:09- an important part of this government's work. You can see more
0:39:09 > 0:39:15proceedings from the National Assembly on BBC Wales democracy
0:39:15 > 0:39:19live website. Our Welsh affairs officer is back on the sofa with us.
0:39:19 > 0:39:25No surprise that the First Minister's Questions kicked off
0:39:25 > 0:39:29with a question about Scotland. Scotland is dominating the
0:39:29 > 0:39:32political agenda across the UK at the moment. There will be a speech
0:39:32 > 0:39:35by Alex Salmond today in London followed by an announcement by him
0:39:35 > 0:39:40tomorrow but the consultation process on how that independence
0:39:40 > 0:39:48referendum will be held. Just a holding of the referendum but this
0:39:48 > 0:39:55has implications for Wales. No surprise that this is very much on
0:39:55 > 0:39:58the minds of politicians here. First Minister made the state of
0:39:58 > 0:40:02the UK the theme of his new monthly press conferences yesterday. This
0:40:02 > 0:40:06morning, another press conference from him to talk about what the
0:40:06 > 0:40:11Labour Party was doing to deliver for Wales. Two big announcements in
0:40:11 > 0:40:16two days, what does that mean? it a big announcement or not? The
0:40:16 > 0:40:21opposition parties would say not. The delivery document was a bit of
0:40:21 > 0:40:27spin, a bit of PR, because their continual attacks on Carwyn Jones
0:40:27 > 0:40:31for not doing anything are beginning to get under his skin. Of
0:40:31 > 0:40:34course, those two things are not mutually exclusive. It could be
0:40:34 > 0:40:39that Carwyn Jones is annoyed that his being accused of doing nothing
0:40:39 > 0:40:44because he feels he is doing quite a lot. But Labour felt the need to
0:40:44 > 0:40:49put up this document and say, look, these attacks coming from the
0:40:49 > 0:40:54opposition are simply not true in our view. The response from the
0:40:54 > 0:40:57opposition parties has been quite damning. I didn't interview with
0:40:58 > 0:41:03the leader of the concert as this morning. He said the government
0:41:03 > 0:41:06would not know the meaning of the word delivery. I think the
0:41:06 > 0:41:12opposition parties will be rubbing their hands slightly because the
0:41:12 > 0:41:17shows that they have, if you like, irritated at the very least, the
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Labour Party. We are running into local elections coming up in May.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26The UK wide polls suggest that Labour may be falling back a bit,
0:41:26 > 0:41:30it may not be quite as popular as they are. These are important