03/03/2014 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Control of policing should be devolved from

Westminster to Wales - one of the recommendations of a new report into

increasing Cardiff Bay's powers. These are recommendations that will

have to be given careful consideration, not only by

individual government departments but also by the individual political

parties. Along with youth justice and energy projects like wind farms,

they should be controlled from Wales too, so says the report. But

opponents say education and health hasn't been a success story - why

should the Welsh Government be handed more powers?

I think it should be British justice, equal all over the country,

all over the UK. They should be when justice system. The powers they have

got, they have handled well, but I don't think they should be given any

more powers. Our other headlines.

Troubled waters for the Pembrokeshire boat builders Mustang

Marine. They have the workforce and call in the receivers.

They can do their sums, but now parents are being asked to join the

campaign to improve our poor maths results.

And hundreds of ice skaters turn out in Deeside inspired by the Winter

Olympics. Good evening. Should Wales have more

powers? The Silk Commission, asking that question, have come back with

their second report and again the answer is yes. Among its

recommendations, policing powers handed over to Wales. Youth justice

should be devolved immediately with other parts of the justice system

possibly following in the future. The report also called for more

powers over larger energy projects. The pay and conditions of teachers

here should also be devolved. And there was also a call for more

Assembly Members. In all, 61 recommendations in the report, and

our political editor Nick Servini has been reading them.

Well, here it is. Almost 200 pages. And after two-and-a-half years, the

Silk Commission's work has come to an end. Its first report on

financial powers made a difference. But there are questions tonight

about which of the 61 recommendations will become a

reality. They range from controls over drink-driving and speed limits

to elements of broadcasting. In a moment, we'll look at control of

large-scale energy projects but, first, the future of policing.

Would our streets be safer if the police came under the control of the

Welsh government rather than the Home Office? That is the question

being asked tonight. What are the arguments in support of what would

be an historic decision. At the South Wales Police Museum, a leading

expert and a former inspector outline one advantage. If a chief

officer in Wales wanted to see the Home Secretary, he is one of 43

chief constables trying to see the Home Secretary. In Wales, it would

be much easier. There is huge symbolic significance attached to

this. The police is the most visible sign of power in any country and

what we are talking about is taking away the ultimate control of that

power from the Home Office, where it has been since the 19th century, to

Wales. The Silk Commission believe it makes sense to devolve policing

because in their day-to-day lives, offices deal so much with

organisations that are already devolved in areas like drug and

alcohol abuse and domestic violence. But the main concern from opponents

will be separating the police from the rest of the criminal justice

system like the courts and the prisons. It would be a divisive

issue. Two of Wales's grease and crime commission is already

disagree. The partnership with the criminal justice system is less

important than the partnership with the local authorities and other

agencies for which the Welsh government is responsible. It makes

sense for policing, which is about reducing offending, to link to the

bodies that make a contribution to that. Local councils, the health

service and other bodies that are devolved. I don't think we gain

anything. It is complicated, expensive and unnecessary. We should

focus on the relationships we have with other agencies in our area. As

well as policing, the report says the rehabilitation of young

offenders should be devolved and feasibility studies carried out into

whether prisons and the probation service should go the same way. And

it could go further than that. It is a very collocated picture. We would

like to see a full review within the next ten years of the justice system

and the inflammation -- implementation by 2025. The parties

may be divided but they were forthright at this club. I think it

should be British justice across the UK. The powers they have got, they

have handled well, but I don't think they should be given any more

powers. Giving responsibility for law and order to the Welsh

government would be a big move. Another recommendation is to

increase the number of Assembly Members.

Some love them, some load them, but who should decide if large-scale

wind farms get built? There are few places where energy policy is as

hotly debated as mid Wales. Many county councillors were elected on

the platform of opposing wind farms and here, a public enquiry is under

way into whether five large wind farm projects should go ahead. The

Silk Commission's recommendation is not specifically about wind farms

but because of their size, renewable energy projects are likely to be

most affected. At the moment, the Welsh government can only make

decisions on development is capable of producing up to 50 megawatts of

energy. Above that, final say rests with ministers at Westminster. The

report recommends this should be increased to 350 megawatts and it

says the UK government should have to consult Wales on develop and over

that size. The new level would cover projects like the tidal lagoon

proposed for Swansea Bay but not large-scale power stations or the

new nuclear plant planned for Anglesey. But in mid Wales, it is

planning policies drawn up by ministers in Cardiff which get

blamed for applications to build new wind farms. It is really good to see

them turning even on very low winter days. John Jones is part of a social

media group. He wants to unlock the potential of wind energy. There

seems to have been a logjam at the moment where people are objecting to

everything, even the small turbines you see in the distance. They are a

big benefit to local families, sustaining their future. The Welsh

government is determined to cover mid Wales in wind farms and

Highlands and lines all over the place to destroy the place. The

people of mid Wales, the vast majority, don't want them to do

that. We are doing everything we can to defend this area for future

generations. The Welsh government seemed to care not a jot. Wind farm

developers would welcome anything that makes their lives little

easier. Wind farm opponents would take some convincing. With new

powers comes extra responsibility. What happens next? Now it is over to

the political parties at Westminster. At this stage they are

keeping their options open but the Welsh Secretary David Jones say they

will have all formed a few by next year's general election. It is very

likely that the recommendations will inform the manifestoes of all the

political parties. I am sure people would regard it as rather odd if the

parties did not comment on the silk recommendations when those are drawn

up. The government position and the position of each individual medical

party will become a lot clearer. We want to see Wales as a thriving part

of the UK and in order to do that we need to make sure we have a

devolution settlement which is clear, is free of friction, and will

last us for the next decade and beyond. It is in no one's interest

that we continue to have debates on the extent of devolution. I would

like to see the issue settled in the next five years.

A process free of friction may be an ambition of the first minister but

it does look unlikely that it will be the case. They UK coalition

government, in the evidence to the submissions, said there was no case

where they believe they should be any radical change to the

constitutional settlement. The decision will be made by a new

government, whoever is in charge, but in the past, senior Labour MPs

have expressed deep reservations about any policy of devolving

criminal Justice and the police to Wales.

We will have much more from Nick later.

Much more to come before 7.00pm. They can do their sums, but now

parents are being asked to join the campaign to improve our poor maths

results. And the numbers aren't looking too

clever for Cardiff City. A word from the boss, Vincent Tan, didn't

inspire victory. A boat-building and repair firm in

Pembrokeshire has gone into administration with 66 job losses.

Mustang Marine, based at Pembroke Dock, says it is continuing to trade

and 48 staff will remain. The company says they took the decision

because of cash flow problems when two of their key projects overran.

Abigail Neal reports. A skeleton crew continues today. The

quality of the work here is second to none. The only problem is it

should have been finished seven months ago. This Supacat vessel has

been designed to support crews working on offshore wind farms.

Mustang Marine took on the project and another to built a River Thames

pleasure cruiser. Both slipped behind and the cash flow problems

mounted up. Has there been an element with the business has been

too ambitious? With hindsight, I am sure that can be said of the

business. It took two major projects on, both first of type, and that has

really brought the cash flow problems on the business. The

company is in administration but continuing to trade. Mustang Marine

is a big player within one of the Welsh government's enterprise

quarter. In fact, this new ?1.5 million construction hall only

opened last November and was the first major investment within the

Waterway Enterprise Zone. The Port of Milford Haven paid for that

building and are a 50% shareholder in the company. We are a creditor.

We made an investment. We will have lost money as a consequence of this.

But the asset, the location in Pembroke port and Milford dock are

very good, the assets are very good quality. But for the time being, 66

workers have been laid off and many more local companies left owing

money. I believe there is a company interested. I don't know the name

but if they took over, they would automatically take on some of the

staff that have now had the notice and hopefully it will build itself

back up. In its 200-year history, Pembroke dockyard has launched five

Royal yachts and more than 200 Royal Navy vessels. And while many are

confident a buyer for the business will be found, it remains an anxious

wait. A deputy headteacher from Cardiff

who has previously admitted secretly filming children in a toilet has

appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on 48 further charges. Gareth

Williams, who is suspended from his post at Ysgol Glantaf is charged

with voyeurism and making and possessing indecent images of

children. There was no application for bail. He will appear before the

court again on April 14. Detectives are investigating the

sudden death of a 65-year-old woman in Ceredigion. The pensioner's body

was discovered in a property on Llandysul High Street this morning.

A 59-year-old man has been arrested and is in police custody.

We know that the standards of maths in our schools isn't up to scratch.

But how much of that is down to a lack of support from parents? Around

three in ten parents in Wales have admitted making negative statements

about maths in front of their children. That's according to a poll

commissioned by the Welsh Government as it launches a new campaign to

encourage parents to help youngsters with maths. Here's our education

correspondent Arwyn Jones. How much money are you saving here?

Which one of these offers gives better value for money? How good are

you at doing your sons and what effect does that have on your

children? Today, the Education Minister played a part of quiz show

assistant to highlight the need for parents to be more involved with

their children's maths. They have to remember that social attitudes,

family attitudes, they do rub off on other children. If we are saying

negative things, if we are seeing maths does not matter, that rubs off

on young people and that can have a very negative effect. But how much

do parents help their children? According to a poll for the Welsh

government, 86% claimed to be either good or OK at maths. But 29%

admitted they had made negative statements about the subject in

front of children. Having a fair grasp of mathematics can come in

handy at the supermarket to see whether or not you are getting a

bargain. But there are also broader economic issues here too. Businesses

need people who know their numbers. Abbey and Dominic both saying maths

is their favourite subject. Games like this mean they are doing it

without even realising and for their father, that is important. I reset

my GCSE maths and now I have got kids of my own, trying to encourage

them to get the maths locked down at an early stage is going to massively

help them. Maths is the weakest of all our pork -- core subjects and we

are a fair bit behind England when it comes to GCSEs. The Welsh

government has several initiatives to improve the situation but the

clock is certainly taking. The gap between Wales and the

wealthiest parts of the UK is in danger of getting worse in future

unless workers are willing to change careers, retire later and adapt to

new technology. That was the message from a report for the UK Commission

for Employment and Skills that marks the start of National Apprentice

Week. Here's our business correspondent Brian Meechan.

Apprenticeships are often associated with traditional trades and heavy

industries. They have also been seen as mainly for school leavers. Rhys

Davies is an apprentice mechanical engineer. At 31, he has changed

career after working as a sound engineer. This provides

qualifications as well as training so it is the best of both worlds. If

you are motivated and dedicated to learn, doors will open for you. The

report argues that workers across Wales will have to be willing to be

flexible and retrain for jobs and should be prepared to work into

their 70s. It says unless that happens, the gap between the richest

and poorest parts of the UK will widen. In 2012, London produced

around ?37,000 of goods per person. Wales was the lowest with under

?15,500. One of the report's authors says a widening gap is not

inevitable. It is about the opportunities and options available

to employers and individuals. For employers, making the right sort of

investments, developing new talent and retaining talent. For

individuals, to become more savvy and aware of the types of

opportunities that are available. This woman has been promoted to a

management role at a finance company after completing advanced level

information technology training. I was able to go to my manager and

say, this is what I have done, I have used these things that I have

learned. The workers -- report says workers will have two adapt and be

able to use technology. The shape of apprenticeships is likely to change

even more. Let's get tonight's sport here's

Ross Harries. Breaking news this evening, and

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies has resigned with immediate

effect. The former Wales international had been in charge at

the Arms Park since May 2012. But his position had come under

increased scrutiny following a miserable run of results that

culminated in defeat to bottom-of-the-league Zebre on the

weekend. He had been at the region through a

transitional period and brought many successes but maybe they have not

shown on the pitch and for that region he feels it is time to resign

and let someone else take on those duties.

Onto the weekend's football now, and it was another disappointing weekend

for the Welsh teams in the Premier League. Swansea appeared to be in

control at home against Crystal Palace, but were undone by a

controversial late penalty. And Cardiff City's 1-0 defeat to

Tottenham leaves them still second-from-bottom and under

pressure. It was hoped a pep talk from Vincent

Tan would inspire the troops following their humiliation at home.

Cardiff showed plenty of enterprise in the first half but it was first

struck first. A swift counterattack allowing Roberto Soldado to slot the

goal. Almost immediately, Cardiff had an opportunity to equalise but

this header hit the crossbar. It means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only

one win to its name in eight but the manager is emphasising the

positives. A big improvement. That was a team that believed in what we

are doing, having a go, have a real go. Just had a little bit of margins

again against us. Swansea city appeared to be heading for victory

against Crystal Palace. They could have taken the lead after 21

minutes. But moments later Jonathan de Guzman made no mistake. Some neat

interplay helping the Dutchman find the back of the net. The Swans blew

a few more chances to extend their lead and the game turned late on

when Chico florist was sent off for this challenge. The replay suggested

initial contact took place outside the area. Murray made no mistake

with the penalty and Swansea were on the back foot for the rest of the

game. It was hard to take Abbey players

were distraught with all the effort they have put in and the commitment

they have shown. The result leaves Swansea five

points clear of the drop zone. Cardiff City are just above their

next opponents. Now, many of us were glued to the

Sochi Winter Olympics last month, watching Team GB take away four

medals. But one sport in particular has proved popular here in Wales.

Since the Olympics, the Welsh Curling Association say they've been

inundated with people signing up for sessions at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Our reporter Natasha Llewellyn is there for us tonight.

I am on one of the busiest Monday nights this ice rink has seen in a

long time but people are not yet a skate, instead they have come to

have a go at curling. Usually around 40 or 50 people come every week but

today 160 people have come through the doors. It has been so busy,

coaches have been brought over from Scotland to help with the demand and

it is all thanks to the success at the Winter Olympics. We can speak

now to a member of the Welsh curling Association. Why has it become so

popular in the last few weeks? With the medal success in Russia, that

has brought a lot of people's attention to the sport which we were

hoping to get because we are keen to promote the sport in Wales. Are you

surprised people have chosen curling? I think people see it as a

lot easier than trying snowboarding or skiing because it is so

encompassing of all age groups and physical abilities. They probably

thought, I can have a go at that. I had a goal little bit easier and it

is not as easy as it looks. It is a skilful game. A lot of people can

play but it takes a long time to master. The guys at the Olympics

make it look easy. Lots of people today have been giving it a go. What

do you think? It is brilliant. It is very good fun. What made you want to

come along? I thought it was a sport I could try and it is within my

capabilities. 450 people are expected to come here over the next

few weeks and organisers hope that success will continue over the year.

That is all your sport for now. The weather forecast in a moment.

First, let's get more on the report on devolving more powers from

Westminster to Wales. The Silk Report recommends that decisions on

policing, youth justice and energy projects should be made in Cardiff

Bay rather than London. Let's talk to our political editor and

Parliamentary correspondent. How has the report gone down in Cardiff Bay?

Quite often, when we are talking about constitutional issues, they

can be quite technical and quite theoretical. For example, what form

of income tax should be devolved? There is something very basic and

fundamental about the devolution of policing, which everyone will get.

It is the ultimate oversight of law and order on our streets being done

at a Welsh government level or at a Home Office level at Westminster.

The tabulation that the political parties will have to make is whether

at the general election next year that is going to be a vote winner in

Wales or not. The other controversial element within this

report that will inevitably get a lot of coverage is a potential

increase in the number of Assembly Members. The Assembly Members here

know that is a tough sell with the public. But the two matters are

inexorably linked. If police control and large energy projects comes

here, that is a central argument for having more Assembly Members. David,

the report is in Westminster's court now. Is it being welcomed by MPs?

The Secretary of State for way has said there is simply not enough time

to implement or before the general election so a lot of focus on that

manifesto making process. Very striking how both sides, David Jones

for the Conservatives and Owen Smith for Labour, very cautious in their

response. They are talking about the need for careful consideration. Both

sides acknowledge it is going to be difficult to get a consensus around

all 61 recommendations. There will be a few rows along the way. The

idea of more Assembly Members, the Silk Commission says that could be

paid for by reducing MPs. That might be a hard sell here. Thank you both

very much. Let's see what the weather has in

store. Sue Charles has the forecast. After some very unsettled weather,

turning, this week. Also a bit milder. Tonight, some showers

pushing in from the South West. The wind becomes lighter and it becomes

dry overnight. Temperatures will fall near freezing on the border so

a few frost and missed matches possible. A chilly start tomorrow

but largely fine with decent sunny spells. Maybe an isolated shower but

it will turn cloudy from the south-west later in the afternoon.

Generally feeling pleasant. Not as cold as today. There is an outside

chance of some patchy rain but it looks like this week whether friend

will clip South Wales and then clear south eastwards. Clearing skies

overnight allowing a sharp frost to form on Wednesday. A very cold

start. Sunshine developing and soon warming up. Bright spells and

feeling warmer in the sunshine. Temperatures back in double figures

for much of Wales. High pressure starts to build midweek and winds

come from the south, drawing milder air from the Azores. Looking mostly

dry for the rest of the week. Slightly warmer from midweek onwards

but the springlike weather might be short lived. It could be a bit

colder again as we head into the weekend. Today's picture is from

Marie Davis. Spring Flowers, daffodils, in the sunshine. It is

worth enjoying the more springlike weather while it lasts. You can send

your focus -- photographs to us. Particularly helpful if they help to

tell the weather story. And keep up to date online.

X-ray is coming up in half an hour. We are in Aberystwyth looking at the

impact of flooding on insurance premiums. We meet the fitness

traffic from portable ending up shedding pounds from her wallet

instead of the waste after winning a trip to a luxury boot camp. And do

you know how to avoid those hefty charges at the check-in desk?

I'll have an update for you here at 8.00pm and again after the BBC News

at 10.00pm. That's Wales Today. Thank you for watching. From all of

us on the programme, good evening.