29/11/2011 am.pm

Good afternoon, welcome to the programme. We're on a bit later

today because of coverage of the Autumn Statement in the Commons,

but it's proceedings from the Senedd we will concentrate on this

afternoon, and First Minister's Questions from earlier, where

politicians began their business by observing a minute's silence for

the Wales manager, Gary Speed, who died on Sunday. I ask you to stand

and observe a minute's's silence for Gary Speed, who had great

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

success and popularity as an We moved to the questions for the

First Minister. Will the First Minister make a statement on what

the Welsh government is doing to support people with autism in

Wales? Wales leads the way in improving the lives of people with

autism. We have allocated over �2 autism. We have allocated over �2

million this here -- this year. I've visited the Pembrokeshire

autism Society recently to meet those people who are doing

excellent work in raising awareness of the problems that impact on

people with autism, and it is obvious that there is a problem

with diagnostics. In some cases, it has taken up to seven years to

carry out a diagnosis. Can the First Minister tell us what support

the Welsh government is giving to local authorities and health boards

in dealing with problems, such as autism diagnosis? That chaired of

autism is in Cardiff. -- the chair. She has actually assessed autism

services for children, and diagnostic services in Wales, and

that report is being considered by Ministers, and once we have

considered that report, it will be possible to insure that if there

are problems, those problems are resolved. Last year, a group was

set up to make recommendations on things such as the criminal justice

system, education, and the impact of welfare support on the people

with autism. The report is due to be submitted in March of this year.

Can you advise on the status of that report? We are awaiting the

final report. That report is due to be finalised next year. Will the

First Minister update us on his plans for supporting businesses in

a Wales? We will continue to listen to this business. The Chancellor's

statement mentioned that there will be consequences for Wales, and he

mentioned the M4, a vital artery for businesses in Wales. Has the

First Minister had any discussions surrounding improvements to the M4,

and how does your government propose to make the most of this

valuable opportunity for Wales, given to us by the coalition

government? We are pleased to the M4 was mentioned. I had raised at

the issues are several times with the Prime Minister before. We await

to see the scale of the consequences, but we expected to be

around three under million pounds. -- �300 million. It is vital we

continue to support businesses in Wales. However, can you confirm

whether the Government is looking at simplified the sources of

business support and advice to make business support and advice to make

them easier to understand and access? It is important that

businesses are able to access advice as seamlessly as possible.

Thank you very much. Business rates relief is one way of giving

assistance to small businesses, and the Government has established an

inquiry into the chairmanship of Professor Brian Morgan. If he comes

out in favour of the current scheme, and believes it should be enhanced

and expanded, will the Government respond positively? In terms of the

Chancellor's comments early on business rates, we are looking to

the insured that business rates are available in Wales. -- looking to

ensure. Wales spends more per head on the NHS than England, but we put

up longer waiting times and lower standards of screenings. Do you

standards of screenings. Do you agree it is time we made allow

money work harder? Last week, I asked you to take action about

vacant posts among doctors. We will bring forward the recruitment

campaign in the early part of next year. We are not having the doctors

arriving in Wales because immigration policy is too strict.

The UK Immigration Minister suggested it was a good thing that

fewer students and work visas were being issued. I cannot understand

how that can be seen as anything other than a drain on away economy.

Those vacancies mean a repeat -- a reduced service to patients. We

need some urgency in bringing plans forwards. The Welsh manager has

spent �12 million a year on doctors. -- the Welsh NHS. In that spirit,

can I suggest another idea? Isn't it time to set up a local bank for

doctors, to save money being spent on hiring locals? They have been

any increase in staff working in the NHS. But there is a UK-wide

shortage of doctors in some specialities. We want to ensure

that Wales have the appropriate skill mix of staff to meet the

fluctuating demand, and we are working with the BMA. I hope that

you will look at the idea. It costs the NHS �35 for every GP

appointment, but half of that cost for every community pharmacy

appointment. If patients were to be seen by the pharmacist rather than

their GP, �30 million will be saved every year. I have seen many

community pharmacies who offer appointments and consulting rooms

in a way that wasn't there two or three years ago. But one of the

areas we continue to be vigilant about is the area about not turning

up a GP appointments. -- up fought GP appointments. Last week, I

raised the issue of accident and emergency wait times. You said that

you didn't recognise the figures are put to you, but in fact, those

are the figures that have taken over your government website. We

have also had the most updated figures on weight times. Those

figures now show only 89% of people are against the 95% target of your

government. Can you answer the question as to what action your

government is taking to improve the experience, both for clinicians and

patience? We will continue to encourage people to go to out of

hours GPs. And we will continue to be vigilant to ensure the spike in

accident and emergency there occurs at this time is reduced. We are

looking back to September and October, so the winter pressures

haven't actually come into play yet. If I could take you back to

procurement costs, another question I asked you two weeks ago, I

highlighted the cost of business of bidding for contracts in the region

of �20 million. A government figure that was put forward by the

innovation board task force in February of this -- year. -- this

year. What action is a government undertaking to make it an easier

process to be put contracts? This was raised. It is a matter we are

taking into consideration towed improve the procurement process. --

to improve. I have given you two examples, where in the last couple

of weeks, you have taken over the view that you do not recognise the

figures I put to you. Over the summer term, your members of

government cost �40 billion of spending. Do you not think it is

time that your government started acting like a government, and

taking a lead so that business can engage with the Welsh government,

and patience and clinicians can actually get the treatment set down

by your government's own targets? The UK government has taken up our

idea of eight jobs fund, I notice. We are happy for the UK government

to take our ideas when they are good ideas. -- a job Fund. His

previous partly -- his previous party leader wanted to cut spending

by 20%, and that was like! He is a blatant denial! The reality is,...

There is no point shouting. He just played up to his reputation when he

shouts. The reality is, that was the figure that his leader

announced in the run-up to the last election, a figure which he has

refused to recognised. A figure he will not distance and sup from. We

know, when it comes to student fees, if he was in government, there

would be 20% cuts. -- distance himself from. The UK economy will

be in recession in the first quarter of next year, that is a

prediction. This Day the economy born not grow more than 0.5%. --

they are predicting that the economy. The Welsh economy will

also be in recession for a lengthy period. They also estimate that

employment -- unemployment in Wales could rise. You are saying that the

UK government needs to change course, and I agree with you, but

are you willing to change course? Well, the only thing Plaid Cymru

have brought forward to the people of Wales is business rates, that is

all, nothing else has been discovered over the past weeks.

That was the limited package put before the people of Wales by Plaid

Cymru. The reality is that we made a statement yesterday about �38.9

million extra, and we will be discussing, after we have discussed

with the Liberals how we will spend the money as a result of the

Chancellor's statement today. The if I may say, First Minister, you

have to a answer the question in terms of what you government is

doing. It is not accurate to say that all we requested is around the

issue of business rates. We asked for capital funds to assist the

economy, we asked for funds for Enterprise Zones in Wales, funds to

assist industry, we would also wish to see funds available for skills.

People are out of work. But the reality, First Minister, is that it

is easy enough for you to ask the London government to change course

but you're not willing to change course at all. Maya ask a specific

question on George Osborne's statement today. He said, and I

heard the reaction you go to Nick Ramsay earlier, that �5 billion has

been made available for capital investment and you say your share

of that will be �1 million. We know that if the plan is to be the M

four, where is the rest of that �700 million coming for? I heard

George Osborne saying he wants to work with us as a government in

order to deliver on the M4. As I said, the leader of Plaid Cymru was

not correct. The only thing the leader of Plaid Cymru brought to us

with figures attached was assistance with business rates. I

am quite happy to make the e-mails public. Will you do the same?

course, I would be more than happy to make everything public. This is

just child's play, First Minister. The Welsh economy is haemorrhaging.

One in four young people are out of work, and you're only response is

to release an e-mail from the leader of Plaid Cymru. Let's take a

reality check here. The Welsh economy is on its knees, and to

have said today that you will not do anything about that. What does

that say about the priorities of Labour in Wales? Answer the

question. This is child's play indeed. The reality is we made a

statement yesterday and there was another statement about �300

million, and there will be another about the capital funding, and what

did Plaid Cymru do? Nothing at all. No ideas apart from one they

filched from Scotland, which was not Plaid Cymru's idea. It is

extremely important that we have an agreement on a budget of course,

but also that parties have ideas in order to move Wales forward. Not

admitting that the tank of ideas is empty. Elin Jones. What discussions

has the First Minister had with the Minister for Health and Social

Services on the future of the health service? I regularly discuss

the future priorities of the health service for Wales. The whole of our

Health Board has said recently that they are very eager to hold

discussions with local people about their plans for reviewing clinical

services. Last Thursday, they made another statement stating that they

wish to consult with people... Do you agree with me that health

I believe that is important. It is vitally important that people have

It is important that the relevant officers and officials are present

at those meetings. My constituents and I are concerned about potential

downgrading and centralisation of services away from the hospital in

Aberystwyth. Residents in Powys rely heavily on a hospital,

especially in the west of the county. We could see the local

health board completely remove emergency operations, forcing

people to travel unreasonable amount of times for essential care.

The health minister said on the first of the member, I don't want

to hear anything about downgrading. We want to see improved services

right across Wales. Nobody is suggesting downgrading any district

general hospital. If you look at a hospital in Aberystwyth, it is

almost surrounded by building, is that a sign of a hospital being

downgraded? Given the proposed reconfiguration of the health

service as being put forward by local health boards, it is more

important to get the joint co- operation between health and social

services, not just for efficiency but also to ensure that patients

and people in their homes have the best possible care in the best

possible environment. Can I ask for your specific plans to drive that

agenda for what? We are taking a number of initiatives forward to

see how transfers will work between hospitals and people as they go

home, and there is scope in the social services bill to see that

done. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote Wales in the World

Travel Market? Visit Wales doesn't generally attend specific travel,

tourism and trade events in East -- unless there are specific details

for Wales. We have a focus on direct customer relations

management. Thank you. As you indicate the World Travel Market is

a five-day event held in London, the world's leading global event

for the travel industry, providing exhibits. The industry provides

some 72,000 jobs, so why was the Welsh Government's tourism are not

present when exhibitors present included visit England, visit

Scotland, Birmingham, Devon, East Yorkshire, Kent, Cornwall, Isle of

Man, travel agent -- violence, various tourist attractions and

other UK-based bodies. Many people contacted me to ask why their own

visit body was not alongside these are the bodies promoting Wales.

Visit Wales attends a number of events to North Wales but they are

examined according to what their return might be. Yes it might be

true that there are stands there but what they get out of it? We

want to ensure that when we spend money on promoting Wales as a

tourist destination, that the money is spent most effectively. Minister,

I recently met with South Wales Chamber of Commerce who said that

air travel booking companies from England are being used to book

business trips for Wells firms and higher-education institutions,

which means that travel for those people from Bristol all-London

comes before Cardiff. Is there anything you can do to stop this

trend so Cardiff Airport is seen as central to the economic policy of

Wales? I don't think I can do much to tell businesses have to book

their trouble, no, but to raise an important point about Cardiff

airport. I share the concern expressed in this chamber about the

fortunes of Cardiff Airport, and much work is being done to ensure

that the airport moves forward in the future and does gain more

custom. The UK government recently announced �3 million of funding for

a marketing campaign to boost tourism in relation to the Olympic

and Paralympic Games next year, and obviously, as could Cardiff is an

Olympic venue next year, -- as Cardiff is a venue next year, this

could be a UK-wide marketing campaign. Can I ask you to confirm

whether your officials have been involved in discussions on how to

spend a plan for this funding question mark yes, they have.

steps will the First Minister take to improve the health of the

nation? Well, our five-year vision for the National Health Service in

There is an increase in liver cancer of 70 per cent in Wales and

the chief executive of the British liver Trust has described the

current policy on alcohol as a joke. The previous government had a

policy to devolve alcohol licensing and have a minimum price for

alcohol in Wales. Is that your policy now, and when I you likely

to implement such a policy? Yes, it is. As regards alcohol licensing, I

think it is very relevant here in the Assembly, because historically,

the reason it wasn't devolved was because it was part of the Home

Office's remit, and no other reason. As regards alcohol pricing, the

major problem, this will be a problem in Scotland, if you have

different prices on each side of the border, people just cross the

border and buy it on the other side of the border, and this will be a

problem in Scotland if they proceed in Scotland with their policy on

alcohol pricing, so it would be much more effective if the policy

was the same in England, Scotland and Wales, in order to ensure there

was no difference in alcohol prices between the three nations. Bearing

in mind, of course, that we must ensure that that price goes up.

am aware that E-coli related deaths of people in Singleton hospital

recently were not related to poor hygiene but in the minds of

ordinary people, it raises the issue of E coli poisoning. Could

the First Minister tell us of his plans to bring forward the scores

on the doors legislation which would reassure people. We intend to

consult on the introduction of the Food Hygiene rating Bill next month,

and on top of that, I have asked the FSA to review food law

enforcement by local authorities in Wales, and I expect the addendum to

the report to be published shortly. One third of Welsh children are now

overweight or obese. That is dreadful news. The British Medical

Journal has said that rising levels of obesity could bankrupt the NHS.

Will your government pledged to introduce annual public health

campaigns specifically to tackle the serious issues? Are you

confident that levels of child to do the city in Wales will fall

under your administration? -- levels of child obesity. When it

comes to children, we have healthy food records in schools, of course,

and we have seen the expansion of Committee food couple of Dutch co-

operative encouraging people to eat healthily and get their fight the

day of fruit and vegetables. We have brought in three swimming at

local-authority pause during weekends and in school holidays,

and we continue to ensure that while children are in school they

can eat healthily to ensure... Despite the level of building

activity currently at the hospital in Aberystwyth, there has been a

number of -- over last number of years been services withdrawn, most

recently, which caused considerable concern, in September, the

withdrawal of the maxillofacial clinic which had operated there

since the 1980s and have been routinely recognising early signs

of oral cancer. Would you agree with me at that it is very

important that the health board when considering its formal -- Ford

plan, should take into account patience in the South whenever and

Western Powys area as well as Ceredigion, to be listening to

local residents within the Ceredigion area? A hospital covers

a large area and I'm sure the alleged be will consider the

services provided there. Of course, we have an issue in many hospitals

further west where consultants may retire and it becomes exceptionally

difficult to find somebody to replace them, which is why we are

launching the campaign to attract more doctors in to Wales to

overcome this historic problem that has been their of medical

practitioners reluctant to cross the border. We need to address that.

Will you outline the assistance available from the Welsh Government

to help Welsh Remploy factories secure future contracts? Our aim is

to increase interaction between the public sector and business is based

in Wales, and a broader strategy is being developed for the whole of

the support of the business sector in Wales, including Remploy, to

help them run the business. recently had the pleasure of

visiting the Porth Remploy factory, which although not in my

constituency has a number of my constituents working there. It is a

specialist factory recycling computers, electronic waste and

climbs in data and so on. I am very pleased that Rhondda Cynon Taf

Council has recently looked to procuring those local services from

the local council. Unfortunately they don't seem to be any meetings

between these services with other local authorities. Would you

encourage other local authorities to follow the example of Rhondda

What action can be Welsh government take to meet the suggestion in the

review into employment services for disabled people that employees in

Remploy should be offered business support to develop their businesses

where possible? Offering business support means week will have to

sack you! We would rather see Remploy factory stay open!

recently attended the Remploy factory in Porth as well and was

told that if that factory secured the public procurement contract,

then the business would be viable. In reality, public sector services

have reduced by two-thirds in the last three years. Can you update us

about what discussions you have undertaken to secured the future of

Remploy, and specifically, what you can do to ensure that Remploy have

access to public contracts to ensure their long-term viability?

have raised this issue with the Secretary of State in a meeting

with her, and asked her to consider the mechanics of the financing of

Remploy. Will the First Minister outline what actions the Government

is taking to introduce a living wage in Wales? We have commissioned

research into this. That research is due to be made available next

year. The living wage does not only help the people receiving it, it

helps the economy by having more money into the economy, and it also

helps companies having a better workforce. What can the Government

do to enthuse employers to move towards a living wage? This seeks

debt encourage employers. -- this seeks to encourage. Camber First

Minister confirm what discussions he has had with representatives of

the Low Pay Commission? -- cannot the First Minister. The youth raids

in particular. -- the youth rates in particular. Can he confirm what

calculations are modelling the Government of introducing a minimum

wage, or minimum wage, on 16 to 17- year-old. I know the party opposite

are opposed to the minimum wage. Among the things they want to do,

they want to get rid of two-a-penny regulations. -- 2p a few pence. I

take third lessons of the party opposite. If they had their way,

they would squeeze the poorest people as hard as possible. May I

endorse what you say about regional pay, and George Osborne's statement

on this matter? This will lead to lower wages in the public sector in

Wales, and that means that the impact of the increase in living

costs it is going to be either a worse in Wales. What would you do

about it as a government? -- are going to be worse in Wales. What we

do to ensure that those people affected by a regional pay will not

suffer more in Wales than in other parts of the UK? It is true to say

that we have had more money for capital. But if there is that

people will have to pay for it one way or another. Whether that big

cuts in nurses or social workers, it is them at that will see cuts in

their income to pay for what we have seen today. The Government is

fighting these changes, and considering whether it will be

possible to ensure that we as a government in Wales to control pay

in Wales. We will have to consider that if UK government progresses

with the plans they set out to be able stop --. We are keen to ensure

that all employers adopt the living wage and voluntarily. -- living

wage of voluntarily. Will the First Minister make a statement on how

the Welsh government is ensuring that health boards and local

authorities are working closer together? There are many good

examples of collaborative initiatives between local

authorities and health boards across Wales. That is something we

want to progress. Recently, there were various services are used, but

not the actual building. There were fewer visits to hospitals as a

result. Will the First Minister join me in welcoming this?

course, these wards have demonstrated that they can provide

benefits for people with long-term health problems, and we have seen

this developing in other parts of the UK. A very good example of the

corporation is the project. Best practice becomes common practice.

With the care -- would the First Minister suggest how this is shown

across Wales? This is an excellent example of what is being done to

the local health board. It is a model we believe can be adopted by

local authorities, and local bodies across the rest of the UK. Tomorrow,

nurses and Kent workers will be among those striking to protect

their penchant. -- care workers. What discussions have you had to

ensure these people are protected? -- at their pensions. There is

agreement to ensure that those people who need emergency treatment

will receive it. Will the First Minister make a statement outlining

the policies for the South East Wales region? Also, the toll, which

will increase by �6, why did the Welsh government say that an

independent study into the impact of toll would be commissioned in

spring, 2011? 16 months on, no report has been published, and the

Welsh government has only recently appointed a consortium to undertake

the study. Can you explain why there has been such a long delay in

this matter? Did he say toll? That President -- that is a matter for

the Department of Transport. Even the Humber Bridge has had its toll

1/2 to. No such courtesy was extended to the Severn Bridge. --

halved. In my 12 years as an am, I have worked closely with women's

aid. Last week, one of Clyde's most senior politicians accused Welsh

women's aid of supporting groups took a motion the abused children.

Like many others, I found this very offensive, especially as these

remarks were made on a white ribbon that day. I want to assure all

parties that we would distance ourselves from these remarks. When

you join me today in commending the fantastic work Welsh women's 82,

day-in day out, it would abused women across Wales? Yes I would.

Twitter is a dangerous thing. You are right. The words you used by a

direct quote from the words the council-owned used. He goes on to

say that the organisation helps to abuse children. I hope the party

condemns those remarks. They are wholly inappropriate. No problem,

First Minister. I it agree with you 100%. Well, that's it for First

Minister's Questions this week. You can see more proceedings from the

National Assembly on BBC Wales' Our Welsh Affairs editor, Vaughan

Roderick, joins me now. The Chancellor's party colleague didn't

mention a during his questions. That was very odd. You would have

thought that anyone would note the Autumn Statement was coming today,

they would know it would be dominating the news agenda. He knew

what was in it. It was a bit of a surprise that he went off on a

subject that would receive little attention from the Welsh and media.

-- press and media. I had the feeling he might fill a jilted?

They were a bit like an estranged couple, weren't they? Both accusing

each other of child's playful stop -- chart's play. It wasn't a very

edifying. On the other hand, thanks to the Autumn Statement, we know

that there is around �300 million over three years as Carwyn Jones

told us. Maybe there are things the Government will do anything --

anyway. We know that a deal was done over the budget, some �20

million was given away, if you like, to the Lib Dems. Them we see

figures of �300 million, it makes up budget negotiations to be quite

small. It depends which way you look at it. �20 million, in terms

of the Assembly budget is more, but look at the politics of it. Lib

Dems are facing difficult local elections. The knock-on effect is

that, in some council areas, Labour and Lib Dems go head-to-head, for

example Swansea, Bridgend and even Cardiff. What will be the effect on

council elections? It will give the Lib Dems a little bit of hope in

Labour-held wards. It will be a defensive battle for them. We have

got the budget negotiations next week, and that will go through, it

won't it? Yes, it will. There are still discussions to be held on

that �300 million. That's it for today. I'll be back