24/04/2012 am.pm

Hour Assembly members are back from their Easter break. We can expect

plenty of point scoring on the local election campaign today. You

will not have to wait long to see the action. Before we go over to

Senedd, you can contact us via Twitter or e-mail. Let's take a

look at today's questions to the first minister.

Item one. Questions to the first minister.

Will the first minister make a statement for the prospects of the

Welsh economy for the next 12 months? The economic prospects for

Wales are uncertain. Thank you for the reply. Only 12% of FFP members

believe the business climate in Wales will improve over the next 12

months while almost three times as many believe it will deteriorate.

60% of the membership identify taxation and rates as a barrier or

obstacle to business success in Wales. Does he agree that

abolishing business rates for small businesses will allow firms to

expand, take on new staff and provide a welcome boost to the

Welsh economy? We have in place a system of business rate relief

already. Taxation is not evolved, that is a matter for the UK

government. Small businesses in Wales who believe they are up over

tax will have to take that up with the UK government. Do you agree

that electrification of the main line all the way to Swansea would

be one of the best things to be done to improve the economy of

South West Wales? And can you reveal any discussions from the

Welsh government with the UK government regarding the rail line

between Swansea and Cardiff? There have been extensive and numerous

discussions between ourselves and the UK government and we look

forward to them announcing the filled a light of vocation of the

main line to Swansea. -- the Fool electrification of the main line to

Swansea. Thank you very much. Unemployment figures in Wales are

still increasing. In the Neath area, for example, there are 10

unemployed people seeking every position available and that

situation is common to many other areas in Wales. At the same time,

affordable housing relief for rent or otherwise, there is also great

demand there. You should invest more in this area to prove it by a

new housing -- to provide new housing. We have done that through

the additional funding we have received. Bearing in mind the cuts

that have taken place in the Assembly and in government, there

is a limit to how much money we can put into such schemes and how much

money we would wish to put into such schemes. The Government's

record on promoting the economy is a strong one. Cardiff University in

my own region is by far the most successful research university in

Wales in terms of generating money from innovation activities, which

create high-quality jobs not only directly but also when local

technology led companies. I'm sure you would like to celebrate the

success of Cardiff University, but what can the last government do to

help other universities learn from this shining example of best

practice? We have been looking at all the universities and Wales to

make sure that they can commercialise. They were not

historically as good. Universities can be important drivers as far as

the economy is concerned, because they are able to enable the set-up

of a new, spin-off businesses. We have begun to see those in Cardiff

and in Swansea. Well the first minister outline the last

government's plans to prolong the legacy of Dylan Thomas be on the

centenary celebrations in 2013? intention is to ensure the festival

itself delivers cultural and tourism benefits. That is before at

that date and after that date as well. Thank you, I think we agree

that it is important that the celebrations are a launch pad for

promoting tourism opportunities in Swansea and the rest of Wales.

There are good examples from around the world. In Ireland, the Dylan

Thomas festival is being held alongside one for James Joyce. And

America, he has been introduced onto the National Curriculum. I

would like you to encourage the tourism department to encourage

signed age brought a Swansea as Dylan Thomas country. -- promoting

Swansea as Dylan Thomas country. With the first minister be open to

proposals to continue to promote that legacy international -- that

legacy internationally? All the issues that you have raised are

being considered as the look to formulate plans for the festival.

It is important that it is well promoted and that it leaves a

legacy. I am sure that you will agree that Dylan Thomas is of real

importance. What discussion has your government had with the

government and broadcasters in the United Kingdom as regards promoting

a completely national celebration in the first place, and also to do

this as part of a tourism strategy to draw international attention to

Wales? The festival will be a national festival, if you look at

Wales as a nation. I consider Wells to be a nation. We are willing to

look at working with the UK government to see if they can

promote the events. Also, foreign markets, particularly via the

American market, is being looked at as a place for selling the

festivities, given how many people in America regards Dylan Thomas

highly. By as part of the legacy of Dylan Thomas, it is to ensure that

there is a strong governmental centre in Swansea to get involved

with what goes on about centre. In the wake of the recent decision

by Swansea council to release the centre to the University of Wales,

do you share my concern that what happens there could be diluted,

because they have changed the scope of the activities, and because of

the fact that they have placed many of the literary events in the

centre? That is something which is a matter for the Swansea council,

but we hope that in two years' time, every part of Swansea and every

part of Wales will be able to participate in the celebrations at

that time. If I could perhaps turn the question a different way, as

the University of Wales has taken over the Dylan Thomas Centre, hour

-- can ask what other partners you're working worth in terms of

getting this festival of the ground? Good will you be involved

with the University of Wales and Swansea council to try and maximise

the impact of the Dylan Thomas festival when it comes about?

Steering Group has been set up and that includes representatives from

Swansea council, as well as other bodies. We're looking to extend the

number of partners who are part of that group. Now the leaders

questions. I call the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

New figures show that since 2008, some 7374 Welsh NHS operations have

been cancelled due to lack of available beds. You believe that

that figure is acceptable? That is not 0.6% -- that is 0.6% of total

operations. We would not want to see any, but given the fact that an

acceptable -- and exceptionally small numbers of operations are

cancelled, we would like to see that number reduced, when put in

context, it seems that the vast majority of people are getting

their operations in due time. 7374 people could not have the

operation because of the lack of staff -- a lack of an available bed

and the trend is rising. Other people missed out on the operation

because of equipment failure, and because of administrative errors

within the NHS. Whilst the causes may be different, the outcome is

the same. It is very distressing and very inconvenient for patients

and it costs the NHS money. Does the first minister have a figure

for how much money was wasted due to cancelled operations for

whatever reason last year? Given the fact that 99.4% of operations

went ahead as planned, that is an exceptionally good record. It is

inconvenient for people. I understand that. There will be a

number of reasons why operations may be cancelled, sickness of a

surgeon, Beds not being available, but I think looking at the overall

record, it is clear up at the NHS has an exceptional record in

delivering. There is no media about it. If he would care to look at the

details of the operations, which is serious for those individuals

involved, the numbers missing operations because somebody's sec

pales into comparison with those who are missing operations because

the equipment is not available, there is no bed, or staff are on

leave or there has been an administrative error and the King

that person and for an operation. I would like to know how you intend

to minimise these numbers. One way you could cut down on these numbers

is by increasing staff, and I welcome your announcement yesterday

about the next stage of your doctor recruitment campaign. Before, you

were not able to tell us how many doctors you're able to recruit as a

result of these efforts. Can you tell us today how many doctors you

intend to recruit? Again, the Liberal Democrats find themselves

dealing with an issue as if it is a grave crisis. It is inconvenient

for individuals, I accept that. In reality, the cancellations equate

to not 0.6%. -- cancellations equate to 0.6%. It remains the case

that the NHS is delivering a very high quality of service to patients

and that the vast majority of operations to take place on time. I

am surprised that the Liberal Democrats did not do their

mathematics before the asked this question.'s unemployment has gone

up again and of those who are going to be put out of work are yet more

Peacock's workers. It is a Welsh company undermined by the decision

of the publicly-owned Royal Bank of Scotland. Would you agree with me

that the head of this publicly- funded organisation should not be

taking a Pax -- a massive taxpayer funded salary and that he has

treated those taxpayers, as well as those Welsh workers, with utter

contempt. It is exceptionally difficult to justify the heads of

large banks, particularly those owned by the state, earning large

bonuses when we see other workers in the economy suffering so much.

Given what you have just said, that large salaries on the public purse

and difficult to justify, I would hope he would join with me in

condemning the Labour leader of this council, who has five jobs all

paid for by the public purse, whilst his Labour administration in

RTC threaten to knock out public workers unless they accepted

reduced pay and conditions. Canute understand why people are angry

with the likes of the Labour leader at the RTC? He performs those jobs,

he is not being paid for nothing. I asked the Leader of played calmly -

- the leader of played calmly -- the leader of Plaid Cymru go I am

not sure what that has to do with public pay. The Labour council

leader in RTC holds five public funded positions and earns over

�100,000 per year. You say that your party wants us to send a

message to David Cameron in this election, but you do not seem to

have got election -- to have got the message yourself. Why don't you

condemn the behaviour of someone whose raking in massive amounts of

public money and treats public sector workers with utter contempt?

You talk about treating public sector workers with content, we are

fighting very hard to oppose regional pay across the UK. Plaid

Cymru have thrown their toll and when it comes to regional pay. We

know that regional pay is an issue that affects not just workers in

Wales but also in north-east England and other parts of the UK

who would suffer greatly if regional pay was introduced. Plaid

Cymru are not interested in that. I would say once again to the leader

of Plaid Cymru, I know it is difficult for them to hear this,

but this is a democratic chamber, I asked her once again, will she

condemn the Plaid Cymru group in Cardiff Council who have put

forward a leaflet that is a blatant lie. I do not use that word very

often. A blatant lie. Does she have full confidence in Neil McEvoy,

someone she has condemned in the past? Would you like to reply?

not responding to that. Order, order. Order! You have chosen not

to reply? This is questions to the First Minister. I absolutely.

Excuse me. If the first minister asks a direct question of an

opposition leader, I intend to let that opposition leader answer the

question. If you have chosen not to that is fine, you have had the

opportunity. Thank you very much. We will now move to Leader of the

I believe it is an incumbent of you after the detailed briefing that

they gave you, that you are able here to outline what that vision is

a. Can we get through to the leader of the opposition? The leaders of

the to buck parties, can you listen to the leader of the opposite --

opposition? It has been approved by the board of tartare, I welcomed

the Investment, and the realigning of the blast furnaces. As well as

being a new business developer FOB Port Talbot, it does not affect the

investment in the mind. The expected decision by the autumn.

is total by your answer, the you didn't touch on the specifics. You

mention the realigning. There were �126 million unaccounted for. Also,

what they have said is that the key message of the Welsh government is

that they have to make it come about. What liability do you

believe will be placed on the Welsh government by that funding, and

also the other assets that she might have to direct in order to

float this money into Wales to create the opportunities given the

detailed briefing that you have made and the understanding has to

have? By surprise that the leader of the opposition welcomes this

news, current -- its consider -- considering that this is committed

by the board of the company. They are extremely happy with the

relationship that they have given to us. I have gone to discuss the

future of them and Wales. I know the secretary of state was unhappy

with the announcement, but the people of Wales are, and it shows

that when you go to the countries, and you talk to the people, come

back with substantial investment. If the record shows that I welcomed

the investment that they gave, those were my opening words to you.

Surely this is -- it is incumbent upon us as an opposition, given

that they will be a responsibility of you of Tasmania's the government

gives the ball, it is not unreasonable as an opposition to

extract those answers from you, given that they gave you a strong

vision of what the millions of pounds could achieve. We welcome

that. But surely it is legitimate for a member of this chamber to

seek the answer from the first minister of Wales on such an

important issue. It is noticeable that you have been unable to answer

on both occasions. Can you give a simple answer to this, but do you

believe that totter still workers are protected here in Wales by this

investment? Exactly, that is what I was told by than themselves. Basie

Port Talbot as a good place to make steel in the future, and the �800

million will ensure that Port Talbot and has a strong steel

making future. Given that he has come to this chamber and expressed

scepticism as to their word in the terms of their investment, it shows

that the last person to sell Wales to the world is the leader of the

opposition. Will the first minister make a statement on the water

supply and Wales? Yes, there are no concerns considering the water

supply and Wales. I think you for your reply. Despite the impression

of a water-rich Wales, south-east Wales are near record low levels.

The First Minister will also be aware that a 55 mm -- 55 mile water

pipe will be between Manchester and Liverpool to move for water between

those two cities. There is no problem with the adequacy of water

supplies. Water levels are normal for this time of year, and a have

no concerns about provision of water in Wales. TRANSLATION: In the

past, you have caused -- called for the reduction of the aggregates

levy, on things like sand, gravel levy, on things like sand, gravel

and stone. Would you be willing to extend that to all of Wales''

natural resources? TRANSLATION: Well, it depends on which way Wales

is taxed on water. We could achieve the optimum benefit for the people

of Wales, but any tax which -- would be needed to see whether it

was an appropriate tax. TRANSLATION: What discussions has

the first Mr had regarding the military testing site in the pen

dying? TRANSLATION: I have no questions on it. TRANSLATION: In

case the first mist and -- first minister does not know, and diners

in Wales, and it does affect the people in my constituency, and the

residents of Pembrokeshire and the buffer zones, which does produce

the impact of the noise. The first minister will be aware that the UK

government has given permission to the site to add to the noise from

their tests. Does he agree with that decision, and is he willing to

make representations to the UK government to reduce that noise,

because the my constituents are concerned. TRANSLATION: If he

writes to me on these considerations, I will consider

them. The interim much. I would urge you not to write, because it

is an additional two nights per week, it affects all of my patch,

because it is in my patch, and no one has complained about it, and it

is important that we are allowed to use these sites, but Dickie when

Pendine Sands is under sums right at the moment, because the

collective training group are going to rationalised. I would not like

to lose any more soldiers going to Afghanistan either. Certainly, if

anybody wants to write to me on this issue, I will investigate.

TRANSLATION: What is the Welsh government doing to promote tourism

in West Wales? TRANSLATION: We have allocated �600 million to develop

TRANSLATION: There is an event which at -- attracts thousands of

people year. Unfortunately, it was delayed this year, and the

government dealing -- government department dealing with it could

not sponsor the event as they had done in the past. Ken he insure

that there is no delays in future, and events like this continue to

support our tourism industry? TRANSLATION: I will write to the

Honourable Member. The caravan industry is a big driver of tourism

in West Wales. There is talk of a levy of 20 % on a caravan purchased

in Wales. Would you join me in calling for these measures to be

delayed, while a report is made into the affect on the caravan

industry? How many taxes can the Budget introduced? You are keen on

promoting result of -- as tax cutters. There have been things but

the pre-tax recently. Of course, we support the holiday and tourism

industry in West Wales, and there will be an effect on the number of

caravans on site in the future, which will affect tourism in west

Wales. It is another example of the ill-thought-out policy.

TRANSLATION: As it happens, I share the concerns on the intention to

charge VAT on caravans, static caravans and larger mobiles, and it

is going to have an influence on the tourism industry. Will he now

ensure that he rise to the Chancellor to express his concerns?

TRANSLATION: Are well of course do that. This is an issue that has

generated a great deal of interest in Wales, and I am willing to write

to the Chancellor that -- to make sure he is aware of the problems

this will cause in Wales. What discussion has the first minister

had with the electoral commission about lowering the voting age to

16? Of course, this is a non devolved matter. I am a long term

campaign out for a change in the voting age to 16. Can he do what he

can to make sure that he goes beyond the agenda for Scottish

independence, and is discussed in the context of all electors in the

UK? I think that is another reason why we need a constitutional

convention in the UK. Concerns have been raised over the last few

months, and at the moment, the approach of the UK government is to

approach this thing in bits. That also includes a house of Lords

Given that already, four in five young voters, 18-24, don't vote in

the assembly elections, what steps will the government take to were

weak -- to ensure there were we to be a change in voting age, the

pattern would not be repeated? that the suggestion that baiting-

twentyfour-year-olds would not do use their votes? -- 18-24-year-

Those who are 16 or 17 are looking to vote, and in these to be looked

at by the UK government. I would agree that having a broader

approach for this. I wonder what discussion you have had with young

people themselves? When I people the -- when I speak to people in

this age group, they are unsupportive. What is your

experience? There are some who supported and some who don't. This

is why the issue needs to be looked at more fully, and as part of a

fuller look at the UK constitution in the future. There is a mixed

view on it. That is why it is important that the issues that had

been a comprehensive manner. What efforts are the Welsh government

making to support older workers seeking new employment? They are

able to access a range of skills and employability programmes. We

How active is the first minister in making sure that job applications

do not restrict old people? How careful are we to monitor those

adverts? Age discrimination is a matter for the law. Employers have

to be careful to not give the impression that jobs are only

available to people of a certain age. That be in directly as well as

directly. Let me give you an example. A work focused training

Strand, and a step to employment, First minister, I am sure you're

aware that the number of people out of work increased by 1000 and in

the three months to February. It seems that women are being

disproportionately affected, with an extra 4000 women and Wales out

of work compared to 3000 men. Can you tell us how your policies are

seeking to address this problem? It is right to say that the net

figure increased by 1000, in terms of unemployment, but it had gone

down for three months previously, following -- bucking the UK trend.

That is something we would like to see in the future. I have said many

times, the plans are in place to help people to get work. Much of

the work that is being done is being done as a result of the �38.9

million and consequential fun that we received and every penny of that

is being put into schemes to help people find work. Question aid will

not be asked. Question nine. Will he please make a statement on

stroke services? Significant improvements have been made to

stroke services. There has been extensive local engagement about

the shipping of services for the people of South Purves. The thank

you for that answer. A hospital and the south-east of my region has

recently established itself, indeed over a number of years, a strong

reputation for its excellent stroke services and has a very able

consultant on staff. It is becoming increasingly clear that the local

health board wishes to relocate at service to Brecon. If that goes

ahead, that consultant will be unable to move with the unit, and

that would potentially jeopardise the standard of care available.

Will the First Minister join me in congratulating the stroke team at

the hospital and secondly, confirm that such a move, if it were to go

ahead, with half first to be subject to full public

consultation?. Absolutely, I agree with that. By understanding is that

the LH be have yet to carry out a full, formal consultation, although

there has been an informal consultation and I would expect

that to happen before a decision is made.

The Government has made reducing services -- the provision of

services for stroke patients a top priority. Can you tell me how the

National Stroke delivery plan will reduce incidence of strokes in

Wales in terms of its delivery plan and how well blood-pressure, the

cornerstone of broke -- of stroke prevention, be built into that

plan? As was stated in the inquiry by the Health Minister, prevention

of stroke with the reduction of risk factors will be a key part of

the strop one. -- of the stroke plan.

First minister, as the person who is responsible for the delivery

unit, will you have your delivery unit consider how best to tie in

transportation and health services, because with all the Reagan

organisation that is going on? -- with all the reorganisation that is

going on, people are suffering strokes will not be able to access

that treatment they need in the Golden hour, which is so vital for

them to move forward in a healthy way. Discussions regarding

transportation and access to the health service are ongoing,

although we fully understand the need to ensure other people have

access to the appropriate level of treatment as soon as possible.

First minister, although there are examples of good services, there

are problems throughout this area, particularly in Pembrokeshire. It

is in supporting people and their families, and although we have

improved the way we are dead to five strokes and prevent strokes,

we still have some work to do in supporting people to survive

strokes and to recover. What discussions are you having with

their health board specifically to ensure not only that there are good

services within the area, but that they are consistently available

throughout the area? This is a matter for the local

health board, but we would expect them to ensure that there is a

reasonable level of poor stroke care available -- of after stroke

care available. Well he outline the last

Government's priorities for north- east Wales and the next 12 months?

Our historic buildings at a set for her heritage. They helped to

contribute money to the economy in tourism. A recent report by ITV

Wales highlighted at over 3000 historic buildings in Wales are at

risk from falling into You and -- into ruin. What is the last

government doing to work with local authorities and private owners to

ensure that our historic buildings are managed and maintained

properly? These are issues that will be covered in the heritage

protection bill, which will form part of the Governor's programme

over the next few years. There are concerns about the condition of

many listed buildings, particularly Knut -- particularly through

continuing maintenance and neglect by their owners. We need to be sure

that the owners live up to their responsibilities.

Given that the figures released today by the taxpayers Alliance

revealed that 28 local authority employees in north-east Wales

earned more than �100,000, what plans to issue a government have to

follow their actions of the Westminster government and

encourage wealth local authorities -- Welsh local and authorities to

follow suit, so that Welsh council taxpayers can be given real value

for money? The difficulty is that if you're saying to people there is

a limit on salary, you limit their talent that is available to you. It

is right that the salary should be reasonable, of course. The

taxpayers are lies, when did the ever criticised the banks? Why did

they ever criticise what was done in 2010 -- in 20 or wait -- in 2008

and today is no nine? I never see them criticise the people on the

private sector. At I take what they say with a very large pinch of salt.

A your own Labour councillors recently voted to oppose housing

developments. I cannot comment on individual

planning applications. That was first Minister's Questions.

You can see more online. As usual, our Welsh Affairs Editor is here

with us. Let's concentrate on leaders questions. They could not

decide on a plan of attack. They all went off on different subjects

today. That's right. I don't think any of them really landed any

particularly heavy blows. Carwyn Jones dealt with the health

questions quite easily. The two sessions she did just before Easter,

she was asking their first minister to agree with her about something.

Today, she went on attack. -- she went on the attack. It was easy for

Carwyn Jones to brush that off by coming back on another council

battle, meaning that battle and Cardiff. Andrew Davis, I thought a

rather strange line of attack, which left him open to charges of

being a sort of their doomed seeker amongst the good news. He was riled

by the fact that Carwyn Jones did not answer any of the questions.

That is the way it goes. He welcomed Carwyn Jones his

announcement that �800 million was going to be spent by the steel

company, and Carwyn Jones accused him of attacking him.

relationship between the two men and the way Labour few the

Conservatives compared to the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru,

I think, had Kirsty Williams asked that question, he would have seen

it as supportive and given a detailed answer. Once Andrew R T

Davies asked something, KA Owen Jones goes into defensive mode. --

Carwyn Jones. It is inevitable these questions

will crop up. Yes, and we saw all sorts of local issues coming up.

All the parties are manoeuvring for position ahead of local government

elections. There are signs there could be some quite substantial

moves in vote. This is an important round of elections. It is the last

important round for some time. Thanks for joining us. We will be

back with you tomorrow morning, for live coverage of Welsh Questions