29/02/2012 am.pm

Good morning, and welcome to am.pm. We've got a Westminster happy hour

for you today - we'll shortly be going off to the Commons for Welsh

and Prime Minister's Questions, and later on, we'll be finding out

what's happening in the Assembly. And I'm pleased to say that I'll be

joined throughout the programme by two AMs: Labour's Mick Antoniw and

Plaid Cymru's Bethan Jenkins. Before we go to the Commons, though,

let's look ahead to what we might see and hear. What kind of things

do you think will crop up? Welfare reform, and the impact of VAT on

jobs. I suspect that the NHS privatisation in England will beat

AM issue. That has been a recurring issue. There were noises from Lib

Dems. Are they going to scupper the Government's plans? There are many

concerns from the Lib Dems. There have been a group who have been

voting against the Government strongly. Conference season is

coming up, meaning there will be more vocal representations of those

views. There are other issues, such as health in England. That has an

impact on health in Wales, as opposed. Also, or welfare reforms.

We heard from Leighton Andrews giving a warning that Welsh

children could be plunged into poverty as a result of welfare cuts.

That affect swells as well, doesn't it? Absolutely, especially as

regards health. It is very important, the knock-on effect of

the health bill. Housing benefits and disability benefits are set to

be very hurt by the process as well. The Welsh government has a very

strong stance against these reforms. It is coming up to St David's Day.

Do you think there or be a jolly atmosphere during Welsh Questions?

-- there will be. There are serious issues as well. We are still

waiting for her that bank holiday on St David's Day. That a decision

still lies with at Westminster, unfortunately. But I AM sure there

will be jovial talk. Where do you stand on the bank holiday for St

David's Day? I supported, but the St David's Day should be big day

within Wales. There opportunities and benefits there. Looking ahead

to Prime Minister's Questions, I think this is the first time we

have had John the sofa. Ken USS how Ed Miliband has been performing --

Kang USS? I think it is true he has been progressing. What people

forget is that this is a particular learning experience for new readers.

David Cameron, who performs well, when he started off, there were all

sorts of questions about it. But he learned that the job. He has got to

be himself more. We will see how they are getting on in the Commons.

Work and too happy hour. I AM committed to working with UK TIA,

the Welsh government and others, to improve levels of inward investment.

The Welsh Affairs come at -- the Welsh Affairs Select Committee

highlights important issues, but in particular, the need for joint

working between this government and the Welsh government. Does my

honourable friend not only welcomed you Welsh Affairs Select Committee

report, particularly the point it makes for their need for the

Government to engage more positively with the UK government

to attract investment into Wales? Can I reassure my honourable friend

that I certainly welcome the sterling work which has been done

by the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. It was, indeed, at a

unanimous report. It highlights areas that must be addressed by the

UK government and the Welsh government. I recently met with the

chief executive of UK t i to discuss the response. I have always

said but I want to encourage closer working between the Welsh

government and the UK government, particularly in the light of some

disappointing figures in Wales. this Secretary of State

congratulate the Labour government? I have always said that politicians,

of all parties, should co-operate to bring inward investment into the

UK and Wales. I have great pleasure in congratulating individuals.

the Secretary of State believe that restoring investment into Wales is

good? I think... I think, Mr Speaker, these remarks have

temporarily put me off my stride! Can I just to say that the

honourable lady is absolutely right. The branding is exceedingly

important, and there is no doubt that in looking at the report, the

WDA's it represented that great brand folk Wales which was well

known across the world. Many would like to bring it back. That is

something worth considering in another form, may be, but there is

no doubt the branding is an important aspect of marketing in

Wales. Could I joined the Secretary of State dinner marking St David's

Day? Since... I AM sure she will have no trouble in doing that.

Since coming to office, how much inward investment house she and her

government help bring to Wales? First of all, can I just say what a

magnificent victory in the rugby! It brought a tear in a goal's eye.

As far as the match on Sunday were concerned, they were robbed. Inward

investment is devolved to the Labour Welsh Assembly Government.

As the honourable gentleman should know, and since I came into

government, I have met with delegations from Taiwan, China,

Turkey, Japan and Russia, promoting Wales's inward investment decision,

and I launched the first trade mission to Bangladesh, led by the

Chamber of Commerce. I stress that I think it needs to be a

partnership between the UK government and the Welsh government,

because when making inward investment decisions, companies are

looking at the UK as a whole, we need to give reasons to go to Wales.

Can I thank her for that? I would also like to remind her in the 15

months since the Government's spending review, the UK economy has

grown by a miserable not 0.2%. -- 0.2%. This collapse has massive

leap damaged inward investment and jobs in Wales. Isn't it time her

government changed course? The Tories are hammering Wales. I AM

taking note lessons from the honourable gentleman. Particularly

since we came to government, we are investing �1 billion. We are

putting in �60 million into broadband, and quite frankly, I

think it is important that governments worked together. If the

First Minister goes on a delegation and brings back business to Wales,

I will be delighted. But we should be working together, and for his

information, we will be sticking to plan a. This is a question about

tariffs. We are continuing to consult and engage with the solar

industry. There are a number of key innovative businesses in the solar

industry, and we are committed to ensuring they have a prosperous

future. According to the Department of Climate Change, the industry is

likely to shrink by a one third. Directly, as a result, up of the

Government policies he has supported. How many of those jobs

will be lost in Wales? Has this been a hash from start to finish?

would say that it is that a hash at its inception. The scheme put in

place by the Government was poorly designed, it lacked flexibility to

respond to changes in the cost of installation and price of

electricity. The measures the Government is putting in place in

response to the consultation will provide consumers with a proper

rate of return, the sort of that rate of return originally envisaged.

Does he agree the important thing is that there is a fair return? As

a result of that, both Italy and France, and then the last week,

Germany, have significantly changed their tariffs? Yes, of course. That

underlines the fact the scheme was poorly designed from the start. The

proposals will provide a fair rate of return. But this policy has

actually shattered business confidence in Wales. We are set for

advances and the Green economy, but who will invest?. This is a key

industry in Wales. I think that the honourable gentleman's criticism

should be directed at the previous government. The measures this

Government have put in place will ensure stability, their rate of

return and restore confidence to manufacturers. I hear what the

Minister says, but Kenny guarantee that this mess will not happen

again? Will we be able to develop further Green Technology in Wales

where we are well placed to? We need to develop these industries.

When he assured her house we will not have this kind of mess again,

which undermines confidence in the whole sector? I agree that this

sector is extremely important to the Welsh economy, but I AM afraid

it has been at left to the Conservative Party to clear-up

Labour's mess. After the news this week that big investors in wind

energy are threatening to take remit jobs aboard, how will the

Minister convince companies to invest in the manufacture of

renewable energy in Wales, securing jobs and reducing our dependence on

gas and oil? The Government's response to the consultation does

just that - it provide a sustainable framework for the

industry to go ahead, and for investors do have a proper rate of

return. This is about the way the railways are organised. I AM aware

that the honourable gentleman has spoken to my colleague only

recently. He would have recognised that the Welsh government is

showing a capacity for innovation and bringing co-operative

principles to bear. Would it not be a good idea to take the party's

ideas for the railway services in and around Wales, to be accountable

to the travelling public? What he The proposals are helpful

contribution to the idea about how we manage our transport structure.

The government is presently considering its response to the

McNulty review which has identified ways to make the railways more

efficient and affordable in the longer term.

Rather than setting up a consumer mutual with all the concerns about

accountability to all the people of Wales, will the government

considered the utility of transferring responsibility for all

railways in Wales to be directly elected democratic body, the Welsh

government? That is not currently on the agenda,

but no doubt the Honourable Gentleman will be making us a

representations to the sub commission.

Questions about the burden on business.

I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues, the First

Minister and other organisations on reducing the regulatory burden on

businesses and the public in Wales. I thank the Minister for that reply.

Did she agree while some decisions are devolved, it is vital the Welsh

government doesn't introduce any measures which are seen as a

disincentive to invest in Wales? My Honourable Friend is absolutely

right and I quite agree. We have to be very careful when we send

signals to business that we sent signals that government, whether it

is UK or Welsh, is on its side. We must not place any more berries in

a way of businesses creating jobs in Wales. -- barriers. -- in the

way. Am sure the financial-services industry in Wales would have been

daunted. This government is scrapping new

regulations that would have cost businesses over �350 million per

year and radically reforming the planning system England. Whilst

decisions I have devolved to the Welsh government, would my

honourable friend like to see Labour ministers in Cardiff

following suit? Yes, we are aiming to be the most

business-friendly government in history. And certainly scrapping

new regulations and with the red tape challenge, we have thrown down

the gauntlet to all those organisations that put barriers in

a way of business. I did write to the First Minister about that some

time ago. I am still waiting to have a response from him but I am

sure he would share my sentiments that we need to encourage business,

not stifle it. At the time unemployment is at a 17

year high. Is the decision of the government to actually withdraw

working tax benefits from low-paid part-time workers example of

reducing administrative burdens or is it kicking someone after they

have been thrown on the ground? I hope the Honourable Gentleman has

noticed that in creating the most competitive tax regime in the G20,

which is the aim of the Treasury, we have also been taking the lowest

paid tax and that will make a great difference to families and

individuals right across the United Kingdom as well as in Wales.

But John Longworth, the director- general of the British Chamber of

Cranworth -- Commerce, says businesses are still not feeling

the burden of regulation lifting. Will the Secretary of State listen

to business and confirmed the Cabinet yesterday was lambasted by

the Chancellor of the Exchequer for not achieving satisfactory growth.

What I will say to the Honourable Gentleman is that right from the

beginning when I was appointed Secretary of State for Wales, has

set up a business advisory group so that I could listen directly to the

concerns of business and kinship -- industry. By hold meetings with

that group on a regular basis, -- I hold meetings. As recently as this

week and met with the newt chief executive of the CBI in Wales so I

certainly listen to what businesses are saying.

This is about funding reductions and women.

We want to put women at the heart of our economic future. Although we

have had to make difficult decisions we are enduring the

reductions made our shared fairly, whilst still protecting those in

society almost for trouble. Not only our Welsh women being hit

hard, but on April 6th over 9,000 families in Wales will discover

they will be hit by a change to working tax credits which could

mean a loss of up to �2,100 a year. Does the Secretary of State have

any comprehension of how hard it would be for those families to

increase their hours, especially in retail?

As the Honourable Lady knows, this Government's top Pro40 is an

economic recovery that pervades jobs for everybody, including women.

This government, in difficult times, has been helping families with the

cost of living. For example we have been freezing council tax, the

Welsh Labour government has refused to implement a similar policy in

Wales. Extending free health care, child care, and we have increased

that entitlement in England. I challenge Labour where it is in

power in Wales to match that sort of record.

Many of the claims made about the effect on women has unfortunately

been repeated. Despite making claims about the effect on Wales

about changes to the railway system, there is no evidence to back this

claims. Does the Secretary of State agree that many public sector

organisation supported by the taxpayer have agreed to be

mouthpieces for the Labour Party propaganda?

I would always condemn organisations funded by the tax

payer being propaganda mouthpieces for the Labour Party so I can agree

wholeheartedly with my Right Honourable Friend. He must remember

this is the government that is providing flexible parental leave,

we are working with employers to enter Trevor seat of the gender pay

gap, we are establishing a Women's Business Council, providing

Enterprise mentors to help more men start their own business. We have a

proud record on women and as the minister has just joined us on the

front bench I would like to offer my congratulations on the work she

is doing. Question about public service

delivery. My Right Honourable Friend and I

have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and Welsh

government ministers to discuss a wide range of areas including

public services in Wales. Given the reports of patients in

Wales crossing the border for better health care in England does

my right honourable friend agree the NHS in Wales is in need of

reform and deserves proper funding? Yes, indeed, what the government is

seeking to do it in England is create an NHS fit for the 21st

century. Gives more discretion to professionals and twisty patients.

In Wales we are increasingly having a one-size-fits-all health service

which is falling behind the rest of the country.

One of the key public services in Wales is housing but a constituent

came to my surgery last week who is in work, works a full week, is

unfortunately homeless. If he were to resign from his job and it would

mean the local authority would be required to find him at home and it

would be paid for by the get pay. He doesn't want to do that. What

will the government do to end this manifest unfairness where somebody

in work paying child support agency fees are still homeless?

Am sure the Right Honourable Gentleman as his constituency MP is

making appropriate representations to the Welsh Assembly government

which is responsible for housing in Wales.

Another area of public service delivery is the 350 billion

additional money for childcare tax credits the coalition government is

delivering. What difference does the Minister believe this will make

for working mothers or mothers trying to get into work?

This is a matter that is currently a matter of discussion between the

Welsh Assembly government and the relevant Whitehall department and

those discussions are continuing. This is about marking St David's

Day. Tonight my Right Honourable Friend

the Prime Minister is holding a reception for St David's Day.

Tomorrow the Welsh flag will be flying over Number Ten. I will be

attending the backbench son David's Day debate tomorrow. Tomorrow I

will be welcoming Welsh children from a charity to the House of

Commons. I will be attending son David's Day dinner in London, -- St

David's Day. The church service in the crypt, I presented the Prime

Minister with daffodils from the National Botanic Garden of Wales

yesterday, and the house is full of daffodils.

This St David's Day will be tinged with some sadness as the Wales

plate a memorial match in my constituency tonight in memory of

Gary Speed, the whale its manager he died so tragically at the age of

42 -- Wales manager. There will be money raised for a charity called

Calm to help prevent suicide amongst young lead. Will she

opposed the charity collecting at that event?

I hope the memorial match in the memory of Gary Speed will go up

extremely well and that a lot of money will be raced for the charity.

Can I say I will come back to him and let him know because I would

like to ask the people that work in the Wales of us and we are having a

charity coming in tomorrow -- Wales office. We are focusing on that

tomorrow. I will see what I can do. We can do with a bit of quiet, both

out of respect for some day this day and to hear the chairman of the

Welsh Affairs Select Committee, Mr David Davies. I wonder if the

minister would consider marking St David's Day by allowing patients to

opt out of the NHS in Wales, instead to enjoy the lower waiting

lists, infection rates, and better funding which is a hallmark of the

I am grateful to my Honourable Friend for reminding us on the eve

of St David's Day of the differences that are rising,

because of Labour government policy in Wales. I am sure his question

will stand and be listened to by many people across Wales, and I

hope the Welsh Labour government will emulate our reforms and

produce a first-class health service in Wales for all our

citizens. This is about handing -- funding

for the high-speed to railway. -- It is clearly an England only

project yet the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in an answer to my

question posed by myself last week said it will be decided after the

shooting and finance arrangements are completed. Will he ensure that

Wales doesn't lose out on the �1.9 billion he will get as a result

securing guarantees that the project is funded.

The Prime Minister was troubled by some sort of insect. I did get the

thrust and there might be some force in the Honourable gentleman's

arguments were not for the fact that the rail network in Wales is

not a devolved issue and since that is the case there is no force in

that argument whatever. This is about crime. My Right

Honourable Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular

discussions with Home Office ministers on a range of issues

relating to crime in Wales. We have already lost 40 police officers in

Gwent. Does he believe the cut in police numbers will prevent crime?

I visited when police last year and was delighted to see the most

recent crime figures show an 11% reduction in crime in that area,

and rather than talking went police down one might have thought the

Honourable Gentleman would be offering them some support.

Does the Minister agree policing in Wales would be more effective and

more accountable following the commissioners elections in

November? Yes, indeed, I do. I believe that

for the first time some democratic accountability will be introduced

into the policing process in Wales and throughout the United Kingdom.

This is about tourism. As this is Welsh tourism week I

have been out on visits but I have regular discussions with

ministerial colleagues and others on the promotion of tourism in

Wales. Tourism is primarily a devolved matter for the Welsh

government, but as usual we are keen to work with them to promote

Wales internationally. The answers can scarcely be heard, it is simply

not fair. There are huge opportunities for

boosting tourism in North Wales, by working with the beautiful historic

border town of Chester. As my Right Honourable Friend had any

discussions with the Welsh Assembly government to encourage joint

marketing of our tourism gems on both sides of the Anglo-Welsh

I will make sure the request is on my next a gender. But I also hope

that many people visiting this country double-take the opportunity

to visit the many attractions on both sides of our border, but

particularly in Wales. What more can be done to capture the Irish

tourist market in Wales? It is a responsibility of the Labour Welsh

government for doing this, but certainly, in my conversations with

Irish Ministers I will ensure this is brought to bear a penchant. --

brought to their attention. This morning, I had meetings with

colleagues, and I shall have further meetings today. According

to Revenue & Customs, some families earning �13,000 a year, will lose

�1,000 a year in tax credits. But before the election, the work and

pensions Minister said this was a light. Did he mislead the public?

Were you have increased tax credits for the lowest paid people in our

country, and lifted it over one million low-paid people out of

income tax altogether. I think if he is worried about taxation issues,

he should have a word with his candidate, Ken Livingstone, and

asked if the war pay his taxes! -- it if he will pay his taxes! Many

Irish people were moved about what the Prime Minister said about

bloody Sunday. Eurozone support for our learned his condition --

conditional on St yes on the referendum. For this country

support Ireland, whatever it decides? We are certainly very good

friends of the Republic of Ireland. It is their choice to sign the

treaty, their choice to have a referendum on that treaty, and

people's views in a referendum should be respected. Before turning

to other matters, does the Prime Minister agree that the allegations

by Sue Akers at the Leveson Inquiry, about corrupt behaviour at the

heart of the press and police, a devastating? Such behaviour can

have no place in the national institutions about our country.

This underlines the importance of the police inquiry, which must get

to the bottom of these allegations without fear of failure, and the

Leveson Inquiry itself. completely agree about this issue.

There is all party support, both for the Levison inquiry, but also a

proper support for the police inquiry. It is important to make

this point - there has always a debate about what is right for

newspapers to do, to get stories in the public interest, but it is hard

to think of any circumstances in which it is right for police

officers to take money. On the Leveson Inquiry, canny ensure none

of his senior Ministers do anything to undermine his work? Will he

accept the Education Secretary was ill judged to say that the inquiry

was having a chilling effect on freedom of expression? Carried his

associate and softened his comments, and urge his colleagues not to

undermine the Leveson Inquiry? answered this question that last

week. The Education Secretary's support the Leveson Inquiry, and a

wants it to proceed. That is the position of him and the entire

government. I have to remind the Prime Minister that the Education

Secretary said that there is a chilling atmosphere towards freedom

of expression. I hope the Education Secretary will have heard the Prime

Minister's words. Let me move on. On Sunday, the man who ran the NHS

or six years said about the Bill: "it is a mess, it is a necessary,

it misses the point, it is confused and confusing, and setting the NHS

back". Why does he believe that there are yet more damning

indictments of his NHS Bill? Let me referred to the Leveson Inquiry -

what is important for all of us, in this House to say, it is one of

these inquiries are going on, it is important for politicians who

sometimes benefit from the press... It is important for us to say we

support a freak, vibrant, but -- robust press. Turning to the health

reforms, the honourable gentleman did actually say something last

week it that I agreed with - he said that the NHS will have to

change because of the rise of the age of the population, the number

of long-term conditions and expectations and cost of. Sounds a

bit familiar! The problem for the Labour Party is they are against

the money they need to go into the NHS, which say is irresponsible,

and although they supported competition and choice, they do not

support it any more. He seems to have forgotten the question. It was

about the man who ran the health service for six years. He was the

chief executive of the NHS, and he says his bill is a mess and

confusing. Someone else hosted the Health Secretary's first speech,

and advised the Labour government. He is a GP at the head of a

clinical commissioning group. He said, a backward we cared deeply

about the patients we see every day, and weak believe or improvements in

the NHS can be achieved without bureaucracy generated by the bell.

This is a man in charge of a clinical commissioning group. Isn't

it time the Prime Minister has lost the confidence, even of the GBs?

There are over 8,000 GP practices, implementing the health reforms. He

asked me if I will listen up to those people who run the NHS over

the last decade. Let me give him a selection of people, and what they

think of competition. The right competition for the right reasons

can drivers to achieve more. He was a Health Minister - they do not

want to listen to Labour Ministers. This is what he said, "competition

to make the NHS more equitable". That is the view of a Labour

Secretary of State. What about an adviser? This is what he said, but

a quick the measure the effect of competition have not been trivial.

Competition in the NHS can be credited with saving hundreds of

lives. The truth is he does not want to listen to past Labour

Ministers, because he is taking a toe to lead opportunity --

opportunistic a position. reason that 95% of GPs are having

to implement these changes are because he has imposed them on them.

Another doctor addresses this in his letter. He says, your

government interpreted as our commitment to our patience as

support for a doorbell. It is not! 90 Aber cent of the Royal College

of GPs oppose the Bill. In the last seven days a loan, the Rock College

of Physicians have called their first emergency meeting about the

bill, he has lost the support of the British Geriatrics Society.

Every week that goes by, more and more health care organisations come

out against this Bill. Can the Prime Minister give the House a

list of significant health organisations who are still

supporters of the Belle? specifically said... Let us say the

answer! He said 98% of GPs oppose the reforms. Let me give him the

actual figures are: there are for the 4,000 members of the Rock

College of GPs, a total... Just 7% responded, opposing the Bill. And

what about the Royal College up physiotherapists? 50,000 members,

to present! I know that is enough for the unions. -- 2%. There are

well trained at today, all this leave. Let me tell them, their

support for the health bill is digging their own at burial at the

next election. I did ask him a specific question. I know my now he

does not like to answer the questions. I asked him who supports

his belt. There was no answer. Let me refresh his memory. It is no

good the Deputy Prime Minister smirking, by the way! Oh, he

supports it! There is firm leadership the you! Let me refresh

his memory. He Royal College of GPs, the Rock College of Nursing, the

Royal College of midwives, the Royal College of radiologists, the

Faculty of Public Health, the Chartered Society of

physiotherapists, the Community Practitioner -- practitioners, and

the patients' Association. Mr Speaker, doesn't it ever occurred

to him... Doesn't it ever occurred to him that just maybe, they are

right and he is wrong? He didn't mention the NHS Alliance, the

Association of Chief executives of a voluntary organisations, a Labour

Minister. A surgeon hired to run the health service! Here we are,

for weeks and a row of energy as questions, but not a single

question of substance. All about process ought, all about politics,

never about substance. We all know it is Libya, so maybe he did this

once I get to ask the question - we all know what he is against, but

what is he for? In my area, there are plans for a wind turbines. They

are less than a mile apart. Is the Prime Minister agreed that such a

giant turbines should not be built so close to residential areas

without local people having a say? We want to see a balanced energy

policy. There are two changes we are making. One is we are cutting

peat substitute to onshore wind. The second thing we are doing is,

when the localism act fully comes into place, that will give local

communities a greater say over issues like wind turbines. We tried

to do that earlier. But we lost that case in the courts, so we need

the act to come into place in full. Does he recognise that there are

200 couples in his constituency with 400 children? They will lose

working tax credit. This can be 25% of their income. Can he say how

We have had to take difficult decisions because of the deficit we

inherited. In taking those decisions we have protected the

poorest families by increasing the trialled tax credit. We have also

helped the poorest who are in work by lifting one million people out

of income tax. The question has to come back to Labour, you left us

with this mess, what would you do about it?

This summer in my constituency of Gloucester as everywhere around the

country, people will be looking forward to the start of the Olympic

Games. A great opportunity to show how the country manages these

events. Does the Prime Minister agree that nothing could be further

from the spirit of the Olympics, nothing could doodle -- more damage

to the reputation of our country. I think my Honourable friend speaks

for the whole country when he says what the general secretary of unite

said. He said am calling upon the general public to engage in civil

disobedience. Unite is the biggest single donor to the party opposite

providing a third of their money, and had more role in anybody else

than putting the Right Honourable gentleman in his place. It is not

good enough for them to put out a tweed, they need to condemn this. -

No top down reorganisation of the NHS, there reduction in the run-up

police officers and no cuts to tax credits to below -- follow income

families. Why does the Prime Minister find it so hard to keep

his promises to the British public. We promised to increase spending on

the NHS, we are boosting spending. We promised cancer drugs fund and

it is 10,000 people who have got extra jobs through that fund. --

drugs. We promised we would have doctors growing faster than the

number of bureaucrats and the number of doctors is up by 4,000,

bureaucrats is down by 5,000. That is what coalition policy is doing

for our health service. We did promise to close the

loophole on multinational companies that allows the migrant cap to be

flouted using inter-company transfers, or is this another tough

immigration policy that will fall victim to the curse of Clyde?

-- Nick Clegg. We have a tough migrant cap for migrant workers,

Business said how important it was to have inter-company transfers,

but only at relatively high salary levels. That is what we put in

place and that demonstrates every time we will be able to control

immigration be do so in a way that doesn't damage business.

government was made aware of fraud allegations before the Prime

Minister appointed the company's chairman as his family's sake, if

the Prime Minister is in danger of acquiring a reputation of ill

judged personal appointments will he tell house what independent

checks he believes should be carried out before opponents are

made and whether any checks were carried out in respect of Emma

Harrison? I was not aware of any allegations

of irregularities when Emma Harrison became an adviser to the

government on troubled families. At the time she was appointed there

were no formal investigations into the company, just their own probe

into irregularities. I do think this issue needs to be properly

dealt with, I am concerned that subsequent to the appointment

information needed to be passed up the line more rapidly to ministers.

I have asked Sir Jeremy Heywood to review the guide leant across

government and this particular case, and when he talks about the horse

having bolted, Emma Harrison was given a Commander of the Royal Navy

of Oman by the last government and all the allegations made are into

contact the government handed out. A little bit more transparency

might be a good thing. Will the Prime Minister join me paying

tribute to the courage of the injured war photographer from

Totnes injured showing the world the horrors of the Syrian regime

and will he join me and Len Tingle those who have to safe passage out

the country? The role the media do in being

incredibly difficult places to bring the true to the world, and

that is what he was doing, and that is what the journalist did when

they lost their life. Paying tribute to the prairie brave people

who help to get him out of Syria -- very brave people. If he is now

safe were, he has been in our embassy in Beirut in Lebanon,

properly looked after, I eat -- and I am sure he will want to come and

see. Last October the Chancellor announced a new policy called

credit easing. Can the Prime Minister tell us how many

businesses have been helped? The Chancellor said at the time of

the Autumn Statement the policy would be in place at the time for

the Budget and that is exactly what is going to happen.

Order. High Street across the country including those in

Lowestoft in my constituency are facing tough trading conditions at

present, including the prospect of a 5.6% increase in business rates.

Can the Prime Minister outline what the government are doing to support

traders to enable them to grow their businesses and create jobs?

The Honourable done, is right to raise this issue. There are real

concerns about the hollowing out of our high street and the number of

empty properties. What we have done is doubled small businesses, that

has helped, removing legal red tape allowing rent payers to fill in

paperwork to reclaim that, and also working with Mary porters we have a

whole plan to how we can try to help reinvigorate our high streets.

The Prime Minister may have seen headlines in the newspapers that

the happiest people living in Northern Ireland -- live in

Northern Ireland. As the major party of government for the past

five years in Northern Ireland we are not surprised by that. One

thing that overshadows that happiness is the high and

escalating price of petrol and diesel, the highest not only in the

United Kingdom but the highest in the European Union. Can the Prime

Minister bring happiness to all parts of the United Kingdom by it

agreeing to do away with the August fuel tax rise increase and reduce

fuel allowances as soon as possible?

Am delighted to hear the people of Northern Ireland are the happiest

in the United Kingdom. I have to say their representatives in this

has don't always give that impression. Maybe I have been

missing something. We recognise families of businesses are filling

the pressure, we cut fuel duty and scrap the automatic fuel duty

stabiliser, it has meant pump prices are six pence lower than

they would have been under the previous Government's plans, but

clearly being impacted by Our higher oil price.

The government had tough action on up unacceptable tax avoidance. Does

the Prime Minister agree the principles of paying their fair

share for tax should apply to both banks and former mayor of London?

My honourable friend made an important point whether it is

Barclays Bank or Ken Livingstone, people should pay the proper and

out of tax and I hope HMRC will look carefully at all the sorts of

cases. Frankly for London has many of whom live in Labour-controlled

areas with high labour council taxes will be pretty angry about

what they have seen, and they will probably conclude Red Ken has been

caught red-handed. The IFS has reported the

Government's tax and benefit changes will hit families with

children five times higher than those without children. His is what

the Palestinians by the most family-friendly government ever, is

it fair or is it just another broken promise?

What this government has done is increased tax credits for the least

well-paid, lift people out of tax, introduced free nursery care for

two, three and four-year-old and expanded for this families, all

those things have made a difference. Incidently she didn't mention she

herself is sponsored by the unite Union and she could have taken this

opportunity to condemn them -- Order. Let's hear Mr Metcalfe.

Since the furore broke over work- experience and has my right Hon

boyfriend had any businesses or organisations come forward to

support -- my Right Honourable Friend. The had anyone come forward

who support seeds this scheme to get young people into work?

He is entirely right. The whole country wants to see more young

people given the opportunity that work experience provides and the

good news is since this row has been going on in the pages of our

newspapers we have actually had expressions of interest from 200

small and medium-sized employers who want to get involved in this

programme. I think it is time for businesses in Britain and everyone

in Britain who want to see people have with his period stand up

against the trucks the rights of the right to work unpaid and

recognise the deafening silence we have had from the party opposite.

I am able to welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to the reform

of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the powers of the

European Court on Human Rights. Will the Prime Minister give the

commitment to a loud this house a proper debate whenever the Brighton

decoration is published and will he ensure once again the principle is

respected and the British courts have a proper say in what goes on

in this country? I do want you see the principle of

subsidiarity get a fair hearing at Strasbourg, that was what was

really contained in the speech and made at the council in Europe so it

doesn't become an instance where someone has been in front of a

local court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court in the Rhone country

and then to the ECHR, so we have proposals for reform, it clearly

what is debated in this house we now have the backbench committee

that has an enormous number of days in this house and perhaps they will

give every time not enough Ikea, more than enough in my view, and

they can make a day for that debate. What the Prime Minister agree one

of the best ways to deliver on our commitment to the fairness agenda

is to go ahead as quickly as possible in implementing the

coalition agreement to raise the tax threshold to �10,000? All the

coalition agreement commits us to his real increases in VAT threshold,

we have achieved that in budgets over the last two years, in spite

of the difficult conditions refaced in the economy, I do think it is a

good idea to lift people out of tax, it particularly helps low-paid

people and low-paid women. The Ministry of Defence is buying

tankers from South Korea, when the work to be done here. The Ministry

of Defence says, and I quote, it will not consider wider employment

industrial and economic factors in procurement. Why it will this

arrogant and complacent Prime Minister not stand up for world

class in this -- world-class British industry. I'm happy to have

British Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, promoting great British companies,

it is a pity when I do so I get attacked by the Labour Party.

Is the Prime Minister aware of the tragic death of my constituent

Penny Hegarty from over can it? Her husband believes his wife's death

is just one example of systemic management failures at the

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust. Will the Prime

Minister assure him that reason work to improve the management will

continue and distrust will be turned around?

I can certainly give my Honourable friend that issuance but first a

more I'm sure the whole House will want to say the deepest condolences

of the husband and family of the Honourable Members constituent,

Penny Hegarty. He has no local MPs on a number off agents to keep them

updated. Patients have got the right to expect fare better

standards of care. I know the care quality commission have raised

standards -- questions about standards in the trust. He says

that we need to be undertaken with all speed.

Graham Brown the director of Shelter Ince got loads, the

proposal for the bedroom tax is grossly unfair, social landlords,

MSPs and individuals. Does the Prime Minister except widows and we

do was left in the family home when their children leave on a low

income can lose up to 25% of their housing benefit support if he

continues with this, is it just he is an feeling or determined to get

We need to reform housing benefit. It was expected to cost over �24

billion a year. As his own welfare spokesman said, it would have

scarcely believed housing benefit is costing the UK over �20 billion

a year. I am getting slightly frustrated with these statements in

principle of reform. They say they are in favour of welfare reform,

but they oppose it. Every attempt to do with housing benefit is

frustrated. Throughout the country, men will be hoping that their

girlfriends or make a commitment to them. Can I ask the Prime Minister

to give romance a nudge? The reforms always support hard-working

families. I was wondering where she was going with that! She is

absolutely right. It is a leap year, where all sorts of things can

happen. The key thing is both our tax and welfare system, we should

be encouraging families to come together and stay together. Is the

Prime Minister aware that the entry clearance office in Abu Dhabi has

rejected an application to come up from a Pakistan to attend her

granddaughter's wedding in Manchester? Were deep honourable

gentleman specified what kind of employment a 72-year-old woman, who

does not speak English, and has never left Pakistan, is liable to

be telling my constituency? Will he over all this decision, and allow

this woman a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend her

granddaughter's wedding? Beat honourable gentleman has been a

lucidity itself! I am bringing it to an end. Can the Home Secretary

appeal? To answer the question, I was not aware of this individual

case. There are hundreds of thousands of people who travel

between Pakistan and Britain every year. We do have to have tough

controls to prevent the abuse of our immigration system, but I

suggest he takes up the case with the Immigration Minister, who has a

superb knowledge of these issues. Under Tony Blair's regime, we could

sleep safely at night, because we knew Lord Prescott would take over

if he was incapacitated. What would happen if the Prime Minister became

incapacitated? I have been waiting for some time for this. He has

asked this question to almost every single Cabinet Minister. All I can

say is, I have no plans to become incapacitated. We are very relieved

to hear it. Further to the question... I mean the answer, on

the Leveson Inquiry, he is of course absolutely right that we

need a free press. The nation or not thank him if he goes along with

the suggestion from Lord Hunt in his proposal to use the defamation

Bill to legislate in a new system. It is coming forward in September.

This would pre-empt the Leveson Inquiry. Can you make it clear he

will not do that? I have absolutely no intention of pre-empting beat

Leveson Inquiry in any way at all. If we look back to this debate we

had, I said how important it was to trust it Levison to get on with the

job, to give every signal that we want to adopt what he has been --

what he has proposed. There is an understanding on that basis. By

Piggott is important that honourable members stress the

importance of a freak press. -- I think it is important. Hard-working

families in my constituency are astonished that a benefit cap of

�26,000 is being opposed by the party opposite. All my honourable

friend agree that we wore always make work pay? -- where all my

today is the day that the welfare bill becomes an act, and for the

first time, we will have a proper cap on welfare, supported by this

side, opposed by that side, but backed by the majority of people in

Thank you, David. Well, my guests are still with me to review today's

Questions. The NHS featured. What do you make of David Davis's

suggestion that on St David's Day, people should be able to opt-out of

the Welsh NHS. I think it is a bit irresponsible. He should have taken

more responsibility for his stature on that. I know the intention -

there were a few Tory ams. Back at the end of the day, it was widely

thought that the NHS reforms are not something that will be helpful

to the English NHS, and I would urge MPs to take mood of the

protests. -- take note. politicians were interested in the

NHS. What did you think of the fact there were a lot of MPs, not from

Wales, asking questions? I felt it was a very bizarre experience, and

it was clear look -- that there was a whole host of Conservative MPs

who detest what we are doing in Wales. They do not think it is

being done better, but the reality is, they just don't like the style,

principles, behind the way we go, the fact we are not going down the

privatisation route. It is also a way of distracting what is

happening in England, and the turmoil occurring in England.

Diversely tactics, I would save. Wales, we have the potential

centralisation. Nobody is above criticism in this. The Government

denied there will be centralisation. There was a suggestion, talking

about a... He suggested that they were mouthpieces for Labour

propaganda. I found that insulting. These are 17 voluntary

organisations, all these different bodies, who have commissioned an

analysis as to the impact of welfare reform one Wales. Now, I

suppose... He was talking about the Bevan Foundation. I think he meant

across the board. He was trying to attract attention away from the

message. The message is that there will be vulnerable people affected

by the benefit changes. Moving on to PMQs. We ploughed up the health

topic. It almost dragged on, didn't it? Ed Miliband and Labour are

trying to make a lot of games from the fact that it seems as if the

NHS Bill is very popular, so continue to question the Prime

Minister on this. But it seemed to me as if it was going nowhere. He

was not giving any comprehensive response is. They were quoting from

people right, left and centre. I would like to see more energy on

other topics in the future. topic - one Conservative MP raised

comments from Len McCluskey. He seemingly, in one of the papers

this morning, was calling on strikes during the Olympics, and

even suggesting it there should be civil disobedience. What it is

avoiding is there are an awful lot of workers in London providing

services, Basey pens of millions of pounds going into corporate events

and so on. -- Basey tens of millions of pounds. I think it is

avoiding the fact there are quite angry people. The EC this amount of

wealth poured into the Olympics, and they are basically just pushed

to one side and told to do their job. But are those responsible

comments? It is a reflection of some of the fears and concerns

coming from activists within the Union. It is trying to put over and

reflect that and go growing in London at the moment.,

Don't forget, if you'd like to send us your comments about any of the

issues raised in the programme, write to us. We're also on Twitter.

Or send us an email. Time to find out what's happening

on the Senedd today. Mark Hannaby's in the Oriel. We have got hundreds

of people protesting against what they fear will be the downgrading

of eight hospital in Aberystwyth. The First Minister is adamant that

it will not be downgraded. Let me run through what is happening in

the Chamber. We have got questions to a couple of Ministers, first

double. Then there are a couple of debates. The first one is on inward

investment. They are time this debate in with what has been the

abolition of the Welsh agency. They fed a key marketing approach is

being missed out on. The second debate is on a wheelchair access.

They don't think people who need wheelchairs are getting them

quickly enough, or repaired quickly enough. This is causing distress

for a lot of people. The short debate this afternoon is on cuts.

It is introduced by the Cardiff West AM. They are a coalition of

organisations, who had been looking at what they think the impact of

the UK welfare cuts will be. The Assembly government thinks 6,000

more children will be in poverty next year as a result of those cuts.

One debate I haven't mentioned - district hospitals. They want to

see those maintained. And that ties in with what these protesters are

talking about. They they they will be a downgrading of services. --

there will be. The First Minister has said that scaremongering, that

the hospital were not be downgraded. Where does the truth lie? I spoke

to one of the campaigners here earlier Ron. He is a retired GP. I

asked him why he is fearful for the future of the hospital. We are

concerned for the health of people in mid- Wales. We do not think

preparations guarantee the development of this hospital. We do

not think it is sufficient. What you fear will happen? They

published a document before Christmas of last year, where they

made definitive statements that said the services were going south.

We could not let that go ahead, without some demonstration or

protest. But those are not definitive statements at this stage,

This board is approaching this and we're not about showing a lot of

what they'll say is not open to discussion, it is in hand. The

examples are adverts for surgeons in the South, that showed

developments there which are not part of the total package, it is

ongoing, they are moving services from have a fit for Test --

Haverfordwest. We are seeing similar things happening here, in

Aberystwyth we have seen mortuary services go, just recently, half

our mental health birds went. It goes on and on. If he did call this

a time you have to input, I don't know what is.

When the First Minister says he can reassure people it will not be

downgraded, what you make of that? I could say what everything but

that might be libellous. What I really think is that things are

being said which are not what we see as we this fact so I did when

to call the Prime Minister any names. The First Minister.

First Minister any names. But it is not as we see it. It you see a

whole demonstration saying precisely this is what we think,

feel, and we need things in black and white.

Let's see what our guests thing. UN name, he was making some

accusations. I did pick he addressed what is being said. The

First Minister and health minister have both said openly and very

clearly that won the proposals to downgrade the hospital, certainly

no plans to close the hospital, any reforms particularly with clinical

specialist provision has to be a product of genuine consultation,

and the minister has a national forum of clinical experts who will

advise, and that safety and Clinical excellence are the

Parramatta mitigating features. It is attributed to the NHS that

people feel and a strip of hospitals and the importance of

that. It is something very viable - - ownership. Carling did make that

statement misinformation was being put out their -- Carwyn Jones.

He suggested it could be Plaid Cymru who were putting out

misinformation, scaremongering is another accusation, what you say?

I don't see it as scaremongering for a legitimate pitied --

political party to put forward concerns reflected by those who

actually work in the health service. The First Minister says he has

addressed the concerns, there will be no doubt grading. -- downgrading.

Moving services is downgrading. We need to have a comprehensive and

mature debate this afternoon on this, and we did needed the points

scoring but we need to assure people in those particular areas

the services they want and need will be retained in their

respective areas. This reorganisation is Wales wide. Do

you think it will be difficult for your government to deal with?

a difficult one for any government to deal with. Certainly going back

over the last 12 months, nearly all parties have said No change is not

an option, the real issue with regard to Clinical excellence,

specialisation and so on. The key is the consultation is genuine.

There is proper engagement with people. Also there has to be a

certain amount of trust. When Carwyn Jones does say this is the

position, there is no downgrading, it will not be closed, people have

to accept that all put up a reason as to why they did accept it.

The problem is there was a public meeting in Aberystwyth, the how of

board representatives did not come to that meeting. Until they engage

properly these fears will still be on the table.

Don't forget, Mark told us what is going on today. You can find out a

whole range of what is happening on Let's head back over to Mark.

We want to talk about another health issue, I am joined by the

conservative AM. We will talk about wheelchairs and the difficulty

people have accessing the. You broke your ankle recently and you

had a short-term experience at the frustrations, but of course you are

aware for many people they can there are many months and years

with all manner of difficulties accessing on the NHS.

That is right. When somebody has a health need it ought to be met with

the appropriate commitment and unfortunately with some service

users they are not getting their wheelchairs quickly enough. We have

had reports for people waiting 20 months and more in order to access

their equipment and that is just not acceptable. A report was

undertaken a couple of years ago by the Health Committee in the

Assembly which made it clear they needed to be improvement and there

were many recommendations. Unfortunately it looks like many of

those recommendations have slip and there has been a report from the

Motor neurone disease Association yesterday which made it clear some

people are dying whilst waiting for there were tears, that is not

acceptable. It has got to change. You have got anecdotal evidence

action has not been taken since that initial report. Is there

anything that shows those recommendations haven't been

implemented? The NHS through its specialist

committees has made it clear they are unlikely to reach the full

implementation of the recommendations in the report by

the end of next month. It makes it also clear they haven't even got

proper monitoring arrangements in place to make sure they are on top

of accurate figures before waiting lists, assessments, and waiting

times for equipment. If they can't measure performance it shows you

clearly the year abating missed the target. It is very disappointing

people are having to wait for basic repairs for many months sometimes.

You can get your car repaired within a day if it breaks down. Why

not a wheelchair when it is so important in terms of the quality

of life? Interesting to see what the response to that debate is this

afternoon. The First Minister I am sure will

policy has had a busy week. On Monday he was in Brussels to

discuss future European funding. He told European commissioners he

wanted Wales to be a strong partner in Europe are to contrast the

Scottish government ministers who wanted Wales to remain part of a

strong United Kingdom. During a busy lunchtime reception he spoke

to our political editor. Clearly you have had some important

mission's task messages for the commissioners. This is a showcase

of wealth produced and we are able to get the message across about the

Good Food we produce in Wales but I have had meetings with

commissioners here so they know our view when it comes to European

funding in the future for Wales and areas such as farming policy which

are very important to urban and rural Wales.

The meetings have been short and sweet. Have they changed anything?

They always are. What is important is you get your message across in a

short space of time. We made it clear it is important for Wales

when it comes to European funding in the future, it is not seen as

only being made available to open areas because that will only help

Cardiff. We have made the backward point in a world context we need to

define an open area in a different way. It is that kind of thing that

is important in making sure we are maximising money coming into Wales

in the future. You were saying you will worried

Wales national interest wouldn't be seen properly now in the UK context,

do you still have that concern? The mood music coming from the UK

has changed. I am happy with it, it is a lot less Euro-sceptic and

hostile than it was before Christmas. The reality is on the

ground here we work closely with the UK representation, as people

would expect, but there will be occasions when we take a different

view on Reporting matters and today is about making sure that different

view his head. Conservatives say it is empty words

and rhetoric but you should get on with the job of spending the money

better. That worries me because that

suggests the Conservatives in Wales wouldn't bother coming here at all.

A lot of money comes into Wales from the rest of the European Union.

You have got to chase that money. If we don't do it no one else will.

The Conservatives are saying they wouldn't bother to come and the

that of money coming into Wales from the rest of Europe would drop

under their watch. Are you happy with the new music

from Westminster because there has been any direct links that make you

feel happier? Or just because of messages you have heard out there?

The tone has changed. It was readily hostile before Christmas.

It is in our interests off, we receive millions of pounds in

European funding, we did want to be cut off from that. UK government is

certainly a lot friendlier in terms of Europe and understand better in

fact the whole of the UK needs to have a good relationship with our

friends and neighbours in Europe. I welcome that change of emphasis.

The First Minister talking to our political editor.

What did you make of his visit, made peace but he was going out

there to tell and don't forget about Wales, but what he was saying

sounded quite conciliatory? Wales going to Europe would have a

much stronger voice if we were actually an independent country, we

could be taken much more seriously in those instances around the table.

I am being serious. If we were around the table... But we are not.

He is feeling pressure from opposition parties such as

ourselves to say, will you stand up for Wales, you say you're they do,

what will you do about it but we never really see many results. I

don't really know how much effect this visit will have as long as he

can try and follow it up in a comprehensive way in terms of

inward investment. You will have had to you and your

colleagues, your Labour Party group yet -- yesterday morning, did you

welcome Colin Jones back as a hero? I don't think it was ever really

betrayed like that -- Carwyn Jones. When the problems with Europe

occurred between Karen -- Cameron and the other European countries

there was felt to be a need to make sure this doesn't represent what we

are dealing in Wales. Of course, because the UK government knows it

has got its fingers burnt it -- the First Minister is saying things

have so often, but here we are, and we don't necessarily go along with

some of the things being said and Europe is important to Wales.

Standing up for Wales. You said maybe Carwyn Jones wanted

to go there and suggest he did have a different view to the UK

government. He did say he wanted to make the same position as David

Cameron did in the summer before Christmas.

I think it was the context within which David Cameron was not only St

no, but pulling out of discussions, and saying there was no basis for

discussion. Carwyn Jones wouldn't have signed the treaty. He would

have maintained a relationship and maintained negotiations in

consultation. Signing or not signing is a bit of a red herring.

What is important is the actual relationships with Europe and also

be opportunities particularly with regard to funding. That is where

the difference is, we can open the lines of communication and see the

importance of Europe and European funding, and that is important to

Wales, it is vitally important to a lot of projects, jobs and future

structural developments. Thank you both for your time today.