17/01/2017 First Minister's Questions

so let's cross over for today's questions to the First Minister.

I call on the National Assembly to order. Before starting on this

afternoon's agenda I would like to welcome the Parliamentary delegation

from Basra, Iraq. While visiting the National Assembly today. And who are

in the public gallery this afternoon. Welcome. The first item

on our agenda are questions to the First Minister. The first question

is issued. How is the worst government assisting disabled people

in Wales? Framework for action, our Independent living sets out our plan

to assist disabled people in Wales. We will work together with the

public sector bodies across Wales to refresh the frame of this year.

Thank you. Well before the Welsh and announcement transferring the Welsh

Independent living grants to local authorities, campaigners in Wrexham,

Nathan Davies, who presented the goods to enabling Wales North Wales

graduation last month, expressed concerns that they felt that

disabled people had been sold down the river, or they could see was yet

more fighting. Disability Wales expressed disappointment that the

Welsh government didn't follow Scotland in setting up an

independent living fund. Ministered by inclusion in Scotland, Northern

Ireland has also commissioned its ILS from. How, therefore, would you

engage with such concerns to ensure that not only the local authorities

and health boards, but the Welsh government itself is complying with

the intention of the social services and well-being act placing a duty on

public authorities to promote the involvement of people in the

designed and delivery of care and support services? The decision was

taken to enable payments to be made and interrupted to former recipients

in Wales. It was an interim decision designed to last until the 31st of

March this year. Why we considered the arrangements

that were appropriate to provide support the longer term. Following

advice from the stakeholders adviser group which includes organisations

that represent the same people in Wales we are producing a promise in

April, a two-year transitional arrangement whereby support will be

through normal social care provision.

Presiding Officer, I want to highlight the importance of sign

language to the deaf community. For many deaf people it is a major

method of communication. My sister is profoundly deaf. Will he first Mr

join me in supporting the creation of GCSE first language sign language

to be treated as the equivalent of first language Welsh and English at

GCSE? It's a matter, ultimately, for the

qualifications Wales, they are responsible for the development and

out of patience in Wales. That said, I think it is important, and they're

taking what the member has said, to promote sign language and to promote

the availability of qualifications in British sign language. It is a

matter I will take on his behalf with corporations Wales.

There's been a great deal of talk that there is a possibility that the

attendance allowance is to be devolved to Wales from Westminster.

Some 100,000 people in Wales received this benefit at a cost of

some ?400 million per annum. Now, if these benefits are devolved to

Wales, we will then have to decide what the role of local authorities

would be. And Plaid Cymru, of course, always welcomes additional

power was residing here in Wales for the benefit of the people of Wales,

but there are concerns that this move is a money saving mechanism,

ultimately. How can you ensure that older disabled people in Wales won't

lose out if they did this were to occur?

Well, there is an unfortunate history in this place where benefits

have been devolved but without all the funding to follow. And that

happened with the council tax benefit. I'm not in favour of

receiving any powers without funding, and also, am not in favour

of getting the full funding in following on that. If that was

offered to us we would never wish to take any new powers without the

funding to follow and without the insurance in the long term about the

source of that funding. Thank you. In March last year as

part of the getting ahead to programme a learning disability

Wales were given 10 million over five years to transform the lives of

over 1000 young people aged 16 to 25. Who have a learning disability

or difficulty. That is through undertaking a paid work placement

between six and 12 months. What does this commitment to demonstrate about

the Welsh government's determination to assist people with disabilities

in Wales and how is this actively helping to change people's lives?

We can see the results for ourselves. We are working with the

advisory group to develop a strategic action plan. That will go

to White consultation later this year in order to build on the good

work that's already been put in place.

Question two, Paul Davies. Will he First Minister outline what the

Welsh government is doing to support farmers in Pembrokeshire?

The Welsh government is working to support the farming industry in

Pembrokeshire as in all parts of Wales.

As I am sure you are aware the number of farmers in my constituency

are hugely concerned about the possibility of the introduction of

nitrate vulnerable zones which would have huge impact on the businesses

and on the rural economy more generally. Your government's

consultation has been concluded, can you tell us when you will take a

decision on this issue, in the meantime, can I urge you to look at

this issue again and to consider introducing a voluntary approach to

improve water quality, because that is the way to support our farmers,

by working with them, rather than introducing burdensome regulations.

Well, their response to because attention will be considered in

detail over being suing weeks, and, of course, they will be discussion

with the agricultural industry over those weeks. As part of the review

taking place. Thank you, Minister, what will you

do now to protect farmers in Pembroke show the length and breadth

of Wales now that the Prime Minister in Westminster, Theresa May, has

decided that we will be out of the single market, with tariffs on Welsh

produce, there is to be a free trade market with New Zealand, where lamb

can come in, and this could undermine the quality produce of

Wales. What will the Government is doing out to protect the interests

of Wales in the face of the decision taken by the Conservatives in

Westminster to make farmers in Wales poorer and less able to compete?

May I say am completely against tariffs on Welsh produce. In any

market. And I am against any free-market agreement that would

weaken the culture of Wales, be it New Zealand, or Brazil on beef. We

have to be make a full as regards which countries agreements are made

with. May I also say that there is a major problem with regards to the

fact there is no assurance whatsoever that anything would be

available for farmers of Wales post 2020. Because of the fact that there

has been no assurance given as regards to subsidies themselves.

Some people in deaf rest say that they won't be any payments at all

for farming throughout the UK. And so farmers will have to deal with

the situation without any payments at all in a very short time. I am

completely against any route that would mean that farmers would lose

their money and their markets. I call upon the party leaders to

question me First Minister. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives,

Andrew RT Davies. First Minister, last October, one of

the most passionate debates was held within this Chamber and the Chamber

upstairs was for a lot of people who are interested in the autism

community and wanted legislation brought forward from your

government. We were led to believe, there was a consensus, that all a

critical of the parties believe that they should be an autism Bill

brought before the Assembly to improve rights for people who suffer

with autism. Yesterday, you brought forward your

trade union Bill. Many people will find it difficult to comprehend why

you are standing in the way of bringing forward an autism Bill that

could greatly improve access to services and give a legal right for

people who have a diagnosis of autism over the trade union Bill

that you decided to bring forward. Why have you prioritise the trade

union Bill against people with autism?

There are two reasons. Post what you need to protect worker's writes. His

party won to remove confidence from this Assembly over employment rights

and regulations. It's his party's fault. We wouldn't have to bring

this forward at the speed of it wasn't for the Wales Bill. He can't

sit there and claim it's nothing to do with him. We will claim up for

work's writes as his party presses down on them. That is why we will

introduce a trade union Bill to this Chamber. We look for support from

this Assembly to protect the rights of workers and let's see what

happens within the competence changes. We will stand up for Welsh

workers, scene of his party champ will follow them.

It is the Conservative Party delivering for Welsh workers as they

are for UK workers. By delivering an economy that has delivered record

rates of employment and opportunity and prosperity. I notice you did not

dwell on the reasoning why your government stood in the way of

delivering an autism Bill. As opposed to the trade union Bill when

people upstairs after this debate will genuinely in tears and

disgusted with the outcome from this Labour government over the betrayal,

as they thought, of your government's commitment in the

Assembly election, the words spoken in that Chamber in this debate.

What is an reasonable? What is annually reasonable about this bill

about informing employees when strike action would be taken. What

is unreasonable about seeking this threshold? There is nothing

unreasonable about that. It is your party that has taken us back to the

70s. Moving away from empowering workers to get on in this country.

So what is unreasonable and that trade union Bill that demands your

government bring forward a separate piece of legislation?

It is odious that the leader of the Welsh Conservatives uses people who

are dealing with autism as a way to attack workers. The reality is that

unemployment is lower in Wales than it is in England, Scotland and

Northern Ireland because of the actions of the Welsh government. He

talks about a threshold. I don't remember talk of thresholds in the

Brexit referendum? Thresholds weren't important. I don't believe

in thresholds. I don't believe any threshold as far strike action,

balloting, is concerned. I believe in we stand up for the rights of

workers in Wales despite what is being imposed on them by a hostile

Tory government. 50 of his own MPs, 50 of his own MPs were calling for

strike to be banned in the public sector. We are going to arrest

strikers now, are you? Going back to the 70s? He'd taken back to the 30s.

The people you repay our union general secretary is. I challenge

you to bring forward the autism bill that people were asking for. I have

not heard people calling for a trade union bill in Wales because they

feel discriminated against. The real danger is that you will be

trailblazing regional pay by bringing the Bill forward because

you will lower the threshold for strike action in Wales, vis-a-vis

other parts of the United Kingdom and most parts when strike action is

taken is around terms and conditions and pay and you will be a

trailblazer for regional pay if you continue to push this Bill through

the Assembly but you should apologise to people in the autism

community who feel let down by you and your legislative programme. It

is odious, I used the word again, to suggest that those people who are

dealing with autism, who are caring for those people with autism, should

be set against people who want to have their rights as workers. It is

typical that the Tories' attitude is set people each other, divide and

rule, we will do all we can to help those people with autism and people

caring for people with autism, which we have done through legislation and

funding. We have not cut social services spending by 6% as he has

and his in London. The disaster of the NHS in England at the moment

caused by a lack of spending on social services. I make no apology

for standing up for the rights of workers in Wales and representatives

and if he does not like that he can explain to voters in Wales is why he

wants people to be in a position where they no longer have the

ability to exercise their right to strike. He yaps away, doesn't he?

There has been a lot of yapping. We will stand up for the rights of

workers even as he is indifferent to them.

On December the 15th last year, figures on the performance and value

of the Welsh economy were published. They have not received huge

attention but showed the Welsh economy stands at 71% of UK index,

down from 71.4% in 2014. We need to close the wealth gap and not

presiding over it whitening. Aside from the risk we face from losing

funds currently received by deprived communities, there is a risk to

businesses and jobs from the decision to leave the European

Union. From a safeguarding jobs perspective Wales continues to

participate in the single market, do you agree with Plaid Cymru it is in

the Welsh national interest to continue to participate fully in the

single market without tariffs or barriers? It is a position we have

howled. We save full and unfettered access. What we have to work is

anything that impairs ability of businesses to export from Wales and

makes it more difficult for them to employ people. GDP needs to increase

and we need to invest in skills. As people have more skills they can

better attract investment that leads to better paid job. I have listened

to the Prime Minister's speech. Some of it was welcome. The tone was

better, not as aggressive as the nationalist wing of Theresa May's

party. There were issues about recognising rights of devolved

nations although there is a country diction in saying the British

Parliament decides the final deal without devolved parliament is

having their own view as well. Leaving the single market I do not

agree with. Half in half out of the customs union needs explanation and

how you control immigration with an open border has not been explained.

There is some clarity, not all welcome, and some of it is better

from the Prime Minister but there is a lot of work to be done to make

sure we have the best outcome. Plaid Cymru would argue Wales is facing a

made in London plan for withdrawing from the EU and I'm glad you

mentioned the question of exports. On this map the risk to Wales from

hard Brexit is illustrated strongly. The Welsh economy is the most

dependent part of the UK on exports to the EU and manufacturing

economies like ours relied the most upon that market and we are talking

about industrial jobs, the food industry, in tourism, jobs that are

vital to people in Wales which cannot be put at risk. We know that

much of the non-European investment into Wales has been attracted here

because of our position in the single market and another risk to

this country, beyond losing our position in the single market is

that we are heading for neoliberalism, based on deregulation

and privatisation based on slashing workers' rights, based on watering

down environmental regulations that keep our country clean. We face

losing so many of the hard won gains and none of us should be prepared to

put them at risk. Will you commit to exploring how we can avoid taking

this path of economic and social vandalism and will you championed

the need for continued participation in the single market and for the

highest possible standards for workers, consumers and for

businesses? I will as I have done since June. There will be nothing to

stop the Assembly implementing EU directive if it wishes. There is no

ban on doing that. It is a matter for the democratic process. One

contradiction expressed by the Prime Minister what she said the British

Parliament should have a vote on the final deal, but a lot of it will

involve devolved areas. There are issues that will need to be resolved

there. I was concerned at the Chancellor's remarks on Sunday when

he said the British economic model would have to change if there was a

hard Brexit and he mentioned lowering corporation tax, one of

many things he would like to do not the taste of her or me. I do not

believe as they would put it deregulating the employment market,

which would mean slashing workers' rights and pay and I don't believe

in destroying environmental protections that have not just helps

the environment but tourism. I share with her a concerned there are some

in the Conservative Party who see it as an opportunity to introduce

radical right-wing thinking without any kind of restraint. Something I

know I and she would resist. Plaid Cymru stated we are not prepared to

sign up to a negotiation plan that has been hatched by Westminster a

leakeds if there is no regard to the devolved administrations. We know it

makes sense for Wales to work closely with other devolved

governments. Scotland is prioritising single market

membership ahead of any other constitutional aims but they are

prepared to hold an independence referendum if they are compromised

-- their options are not met by the UK Government. The situation in

Northern Ireland is sensitive will stop will you confirm that you will

work with the Scottish Government and the next Northern Ireland

Executive to ensure that the Prime Minister of the UK is deterred from

pushing through a plan for more deregulation and privatisation which

would be harmful to people in this country? We do work with the

Scottish Government. We do not have the same view on the final

destination but we work with them and talk to them with a view to

forming common ground, which is sensible diplomacy. Northern Ireland

is difficult because the First Minister and Deputy First Minister

have different views on Brexit and we see this situation in Northern

Ireland and part of the dynamic of the problem in Ireland is Brexit. It

sits there, because of the peace agreement put in place and the only

identity the people of Northern Ireland share is a European one and

that must be managed carefully. It is important whatever the outcome of

the election in Northern Ireland that we work with them and with

Scotland to remind Whitehall it is not just about the Whitehall bobbled

about all nations of the UK. The First Minister is trying to compete

with the leader of Plaid Cymru as a Jeremiah of Wales in relation to

Wales's future outside the EU and I am sorry to hear him say he is

against lower taxes on business because the Irish Republic has

successfully used a lower rate of corporation tax to attract firms

into Dublin, particularly financial services and it seems to me

counter-productive to Wales' interest to rule it out. Last week

the First Minister said about the single market, I don't believe you

can have access to the single market and say you want full control over

immigration. That is what we do have with the South Korea trade

agreement, why is it not possible for us in Britain? How can you have

control over immigration if you have an open border with the EU? Theresa

May referred to this in her speech. We had a common travel area with the

Irish Republic before either were members of the EU and this is a

practical question that does need to be solved and there is no reason to

think it cannot be solved. I am interested in... As a result...

Let's allow the leader of the Ukip group to be heard, please. As a

result of Theresa May's speech, she has clarified a number of issues.

Not all, I accept. Customs union needs clarification but she

clarified the government position. Can the First Minister clarify what

is the Labour Party policy on managed migration from the EU? I

have explained the policy, freedom of movement to work, something close

to what the Norwegians have, and it takes away the fears of some people

that people move to a country in order to claim benefits. Whether

that is true or not, we know the perception was there. It is a

reasonable position to take that most people in the UK would accept.

He's right about the situation, it needs to be solved. For the first

time ever in history there will be wholly different immigration

policies on both sides of the border. Ireland is not part of

Schengen at freedom of movement, if you go to Ireland you can get into

the UK with no control and that is the reality. In terms of customs,

are we to see the return customs posts on the border and on Welsh

ports? That has not been resolved. The effect it would have on the

throughput of vehicles and people through those ports. What I fear

more than anything is somehow Northern Ireland gets a better deal

in terms of customs than Wales, that will channel traffic through

Cairnryan and possibly Stranraer at a cost of jobs in Welsh ports. The

situation, the Welsh ports or Northern Ireland border, has to be

the same to ensure fairness of treatment. He is talking about

transitional points which have to be considered, and we had similar

difficulties when we entered the EU. Problems of transition. These can be

dealt with. What I am concerned with is that the First Minister is always

looking on the black side of things and imagining the worst. He did this

in relation to Donald Trump. I have raised this with him several times.

He said that Donald Trump believes in America first and it would not be

possible to agree a free trade agreement with the United States.

What is clear is it is not going to be possible for the EU to agree a

free trade agreement, but Donald Trump himself has said in the last

24, 48 hours, he would move quickly to make a new trade deal with UK, he

said I am a big fan of the UK, we are going to work hard to get it

done and done properly. Good for both sides. Can I persuade the First

Minister to have optimism? I do not believe that the American government

will want a free trade agreement with anybody that is anything other

than very positive for the US and negative for the other party. Donald

Trump has said he wants to tear up the transpacific partnership and

Nafta and have an agreement with the UK. Does it mean we will see be full

of hormones coming into the market and undercutting beef farmers in

Wales? Does it mean we will see, for example, in his party, T-Tip, he was

campaigning saying it was a bad deal, does it mean that if it is

back on the table he will support it? Does it mean the UK will

collapse at the knees if the US government says, you must open up

your public services to privatisation, because that is what

they will press for? I am in favour of good relations with the US and

with all countries, but I am sometimes touched by the sweet

naivete of the leader of Ukip and his fellow traveller the leader of

the Welsh Conservatives when they think the world will be an easy

place and free trade agreements are easy to negotiate. They are not. The

one with Greenland took three years, one with Canada, seven years. I have

looked at tariffs involved. There are tariffs on hats and umbrellas.

Agriculture is always excluded from free trade agreements. It is not

there with Canada, Norway and the EU. The agricultural tariff is

nearly 50%. Welsh farmers cannot live with a tariff on Welsh lamb and

beef of 50% and anybody who thinks they can is letting Welsh farmers

down. Question three. What is the Welsh

women doing to reduce food waste in Welsh households. Food waste has

decreased by 12% from 2009 to 2015 and we as a government find to

refund a programme, Admiral of food, heat waste. You are right that food

waste has reduced by 12%, and it has so deliberately saved tonnes of

carbon over that period. But even with that 12% reduction there has

been 188,000 tonnes of food worth ?70 million phone away by Welsh

households in 2015. -- thrown away. Given that 50% of that waste comes

from households, it is clear that reducing the amount of waste here

would have a significant financial benefit for both individuals and for

the environment. What is interesting, going alongside that,

is that 16% of people who were questioned thought that they were

not wasting any food whatsoever. So given those facts, First Minister,

what do you think that the Welsh government could do in terms of at

least educating people about the food that they are wasting, to the

tune of 35mm pounds a year? I can say that the cascade training

is available for businesses and communities. We have trained over

4300 people in Wales. That helps consumers to make the most food they

buy. Is still more to do. We have reduced the amount of food waste in

Wales by 24,000 tonnes. We know there is further to go, but that

work is now ongoing. Of course, it's not just households,

its public services as well with this needs attention. The action

programme, wrap, is working with the University has bored to identify how

to reduce food waste in hospitals. That is one thing. Admissions to

malnutrition were up highest for five years. So these agencies can

work together to identify and share ideas, in fact, I am hosting a love

food hate waste fashion in Bridgend this Thursday. But do you think food

waste is just part of a bigger issue for government and society about

nutrition and attitude to food which we need to take more seriously,

rather than fragmented responses. Part of the problem is that cheap

food is not healthy food, for so many people may have seen a squeeze

on them in come since 2008. People often say I'd love to eat healthy

food, but the reality is I can't afford to. It's not just about

targeting health issues it's about ensuring people have the skills they

need to get the jobs they need to increase their incomes and eat

healthier. Bad is the way this government operates. Looking at

holistic solutions rather than doing it by a compartmentalised formula.

Welsh government support for the valleys project based in my

constituency could see food waste providing enough power for 100,

sorry, 1500 homes, by generating one megawatt of clean out today. What

evaluation has the Welsh government made of this project?

Our priority is to reduce food waste by households. We are working with

the local authorities involved in the tomorrow Valley helped to

provide targeted campaign support and it decrease the amount of food

waste captured by local authorities for recycling. -- increase. Question

for, well the first list provide an update on plans for the procurement

of new rolling stock at the commencement of the new wheels and

Borders rail franchise? I can say the agreement of the

contract has started. We expect to see how you quality rolling stock

introduced as part of that process. Travelling on the Romney to Cardiff

line in rush hour on the valleys lines, is a grim experience. I know

that from journeys they take myself, and the valleys lines generally, I'm

told, are the same. Riva have told me several times there is simply no

rolling stock available to reduce the overcrowding. A new diesel train

will take approximately three years to procure from the procurement to

the receipt of the stock. That means, if new diesel stock is

ordered as part of the new franchise agreement rail passengers may not

see new carriages until 2021 at the earliest.

What is the Welsh government is doing to ease the problem in the

short term with regard to rolling stock? Moreover, is there any way

the Welsh government can order a new rolling stock today, or in the

coming months of the new operators when they take over the franchise

and have rolling stock sufficient quality and number two ease the

overcrowding problem? The problem, historically, is not

having control of the franchise. We still won't be able to put into

place the public sector industry to run the franchise. Unless there are

changes at Westminster. We won't be able to do that. The difficulty is

that the current model involves operators who lease the rolling

stock, so when they do face capacity problems they've got no stock. When

it was British rail, the stock was there. That is the problem at the

moment and its weaknesses compared to British rail, the model before

the early 90s. We are making it clear, as part of the crewmen expect

to see higher quality rolling stock. It's not going to be good enough in

the future simply to say there is a limit on what the company simply to

say there is a limit on what we can kill stock. We want to make sure

there to be the Metro Sons of the best in Europe. I have a similar

concern about the heart of Wales line from Swansea to shrews brew.

Travellers feel that it is a long way short of being fit for purpose.

Can you are sure that we are looking to provide more, faster and better

trains as part of the next franchise. We intend that no railway

line in Wales is left behind. We want the travel experience to be as

good on a heavily used line as the heart of Wales line which is an

important artery for so many communities in Wales. It runs

through six marginal constituencies, so the urban myth has it, so it is

good to see it there. It is not just about passenger rail, but freight

diversion as well. By January 2020 rolling stock in Wales will need to

comply with the new UK wide rules on disability access. As it stands, the

majority of the Wales and border rolling stock would not meet these

new standards. We've got evidence to suggest that securing this stock

could take up to four years. Are you confident that the fleet could be

modernised in time for the deadline? There are expectations placed on

those bidding to run the Wales franchise contract as part of the

expectations that we will have we want to make sure they proved not

just against laws that currently stand, but ensure they comply with

laws the future. David Rowlands. Given that a new

rolling stock is an essential demand within the franchise decision is the

First Minister in a position to specify to any interested parties

weather, and to what extent, light rail stop would be required as

opposed to standard way. Given the implications of the proposed Metro

system? These are issues being considered as

part of the process. It's right to say that, certainly in the future,

we will be looking at light rail in terms of new services. It's easy to

do that through heavy rail. And we will examine the most effective way

of providing rail services will be in the future. I emphasise that

whatever model is chosen for any particular line the terms and

conditions of those working in the really service will be protected.

Question five, Dafydd Ellis Thomas. When did the First Minister last

meet with the Prime Minister to discuss Wales's relationship with

the European Union? I met with her in October, and I

spoke to her this morning, prior to the speech she made this morning.

She didn't tell me much about what she was going to say. Apart from

saying that United Kingdom would be looking outwards to the rest of the

country of the world and would maintain a relationship with the

countries of Europe. I'm pleased to hear that the First

Minister has spoken to the UK Prime Minister this morning, I'm not

surprised that he didn't get much light on the matter, but having

understood what she said in that speech does she understand it

wouldn't be appropriate for her, as the UK Prime Minister, to try and

the cruciate along with the rest of the European Union on devolved

issues? -- negotiate along with the rest.

She said they would be no change as regards dissolved powers did not

devolved powers. She also said she wanted to strengthen the union

between the United Kingdom. I don't know what that means. If that means

we will have a system where there is a mechanism of securing agreement

between Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland about some of the

common issues between us, then I welcome that. If that is some kind

of message to say that some things would be determined by the United

Kingdom government on the half of all of the other home nations, then

I would not welcome mat. First Minister, no doubt you will as

appalled as I was last week when Tory MPs in Westminster talked for

four hours to talk out the bill from the Private Members Bill which would

have safeguarded every aspect of employment legislation currently

protected under EU law once we leave the union. I know, that in stark

contrast to the actions of MPs last week, the Prime Minister, in her

statement gave certain assurances on worker's writes. But as the first Mr

agree with me that this indicates there is a clear split in the Tory

party. Meaning that it is going to be more difficult than ever to

ensure workers are protected post Brexit and does he further agreed

with the TUC that we need to know exactly what the framework for

worker rights and jobs will be? I welcome what she said. Not only

would rights be protected but extended. I didn't expect that, but

it's something I welcome. It's undermined by the Conservatives this

afternoon tried to make a bullet to that argument. I hope this is a sign

she is prepared to face down the right in her own party and to fulfil

the promise she made. We know that there are some in the Conservative

Party will take the view that the best way forward is to make the UK a

model of deregulation, along the lines of some countries in the world

where there are no worker's writes with people live in fear of their

job security and whose quality of life is far lower the matter the UK.

I was interested in the First Minister's earlier comments about

Irish but the EU, particularly the occasion is for Welsh ports. --

Welsh implications within the EU. In that context, in that scenario,

would it be going against such terms for Northern Ireland, would he seek

a similar approach for Wales to defend our Portland economy?

I don't see customers at all between any point in the UK or Republic of

Ireland. -- Customs. I fear a deal would be done whereby they would be

no customs at all on the border between Northern Ireland and the

Republic, but they will be in Welsh ports. As an operator the last thing

you would want is to go through customs, physically, so instead of

going through Holyhead you'd go into Northern Ireland which gives them a

significant competitive advantage over the Welsh coast. That

represents, for me, Alan Ferro block.

A clear Brexit was always the most likely outcome, but now what happens

afterwards has to be our focus. Do you agree we should seek

arrangements based on respect for our EU neighbours, there should be

no part of wishing the EU to fail, which would cause huge problems for

us directly. A strengthening of the role of the world for the

Organisation. -- World Trade Organisation. Many of what people

arguing for Brexit predicated their view on that we should move to World

Trade Organisation rules if that was what required. Finally the role of

Nato, we remember the successful summit in Newport, is a way of

projecting to the world Britain still seeks to fulfil its

international obligations and to be a good neighbour. Absolutely true.

Brexit is like standing in a restaurant and somebody saying what

they don't want from the menu and trying to guess what they want.

Politicians have all been trying to guess what they want. There are many

different models. For me it is about making sure we preserve and protect

and enhance the Welsh economy, which is fundamental, and it is about

being a good neighbour. Europe does not do disputes well, history tells

us. We are always stronger when we work together and the EU was a

framework for peace and for peace in Northern Ireland, and it is

important the goodwill and cooperation that has built up since

the end of the war is not lost as we seek a new relationship with the EU

in the future. Will the First Minister state what plans he has two

discuss the package of proposals Tata Steel has presented to the

workforce with its interim chair Ratan Tata are? I have discussed the

issue with the CEO yesterday in a meeting I had with him and I have

written to the CEO Finance of Tata, who is influential on these matters

and I have made it clear it is important Tata should explain

clearly to the workforce the implications of the changes. In his

meeting, was he able to outline the nature of the concerns that we have

expressed in my party but also widely shared among the workforce

about the highly uncertain nature of the commitments on investment and

employment and also the potential consequences of the proposal to D

link the Rishi steel pension scheme and Tata effectively creating a fund

and was he able to seek assurances or concessions from Tata Steel in

relation to these concerns? What we know is they are committed to at

least the next five years at Port Talbot, if there is an agreement on

the pension scheme we know they will be committed to two blast furnaces.

The money we made available is conditional and we want guarantees

put in place if the money is released. It is also fair to say

difficult the decision is for the workers, there is nothing else on

the table. The choices are accepting what is there, or we are back to

square one. It is a difficult choice, but that is the choice

workers face. We have come a long way from March when the situation

was grim. If you asked me then whether Port Talbot would remain I

would say it was unlikely and because of the hard work put in by

Welsh Government officials and by representatives such as David Rees,

because of the hard work put in by our officials and the money put on

the table, we are in a position to offer, Tata can offer an opportunity

to Welsh workers that workers must now consider. It is clear, meeting

with the trade unions again to discuss the issues and the proposal

came on. What was clear was the lack of confidence. In tartar in itself

will stop I have passed that of myself, but will you raise it with

the new chair because it is important that a voice from the top

of Tata is there to say we support the deal, it will be on the table

and we will deliver? That voice from the top is important to workers to

gain the confidence they have lost. It is an interesting suggestion. I

have made it clear to Tata it is important they communicate

effectively to the workforce what is on the table and their own

commitment. I have no reason to doubt the commitment Tata has made

that it is important to repeat in order for people to understand

commitments are being made. You said there is no other offer on the

table. Can I ask what initial discussions you had as a government

with the UK Government, unions and other parties, in developing an

alternative strategy in the event the current proposal is rejected?

The UK Government is not interested and has not been since the change of

Prime Minister. We are in a situation where the issue of energy

intensive industries and the price of electricity in the UK is an

issue. Tata said the UK is an expensive place to do business

because of energy prices and we have yet to see action from the UK

Government to support the good work put in by the Welsh Government. Will

you please make a statement to provide an update on the boat.

TRANSLATION: We are reviewing the responses received to draft orders.

We will make an announcement on the next stage shortly --

Caernarfon-Bontnewydd. I met yesterday with the contractors for

this programme and they were hugely concerned that no date has been

announced for a public enquiry. That in turn will lead to delay unless

moves are made shortly in that regard. The proposal has been

delayed already by 12 months. Because of arguments about issues.

We do not want any further delay, so can you give an assurance the

contractors can proceed with this proposal early in 2018, which is

according to the timetable? We did go through... We are going through

the issues raised in the statement to ensure they are resolved as

regards the Welsh Government commitment. The commitment to build

the bypass still exists, although there has been delayed, it was not

possible to avoid that delay, but no, it is important the road is

built as soon as possible. Will the First Minister make a statement of

financial support for new business in Wales. Support is available to

all businesses including new through a variety of funds. Including the

growth and prosperity fund. We know the problems businesses in some

areas are facing with a huge hike in business rates. This is particularly

difficult for new businesses. While I welcome the commitment of extra

support in the budget there is a lack of clarity about how the money

will be distributed and some businesses have said they are in

limbo, particularly those who need to to longer term leases. Will the

Welsh Government publish full details and how businesses will be

able to apply? That will be published soon. It is important to

get the budget through in order not to prejudge the outcome and also I

reiterate a new permanent rate relief scheme will be available next

year onwards.