Agenda and minutes

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd. View directions

Expected timing: 78(v7) 

Media

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Transcript: Transcript for 21/06/2017 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

Record of Proceedings

(5 mins)

Nominations for committee chairs

The item started at 13.30

The Presiding Officer invited nominations for the chairs of the following committees in accordance with Standing Order 17.2F:

(i) Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Dawn Bowden nominated Mike Hedges. Jeremy Miles seconded the nomination.

As there was only one nomination and no objections to the nomination, the Presiding Officer declared that Mike Hedges was elected as Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee.

(ii) Petitions Committee

Neil Hamilton nominated David Rowlands.

As there was only one nomination and no objections to the nomination, the Presiding Officer declared that David Rowlands was elected as Chair of the Petitions Committee.

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure

The Presiding Officer will call Party Spokespeople to ask questions without notice to the Cabinet Secretary after Question 2.

View Questions

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The item started at 13.33

The first 8 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after Question 2.

(45 mins)

2.

Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport

The Presiding Officer will call Party Spokespeople to ask questions without notice to the Cabinet Secretary after Question 3.

View Questions

Minutes:

The item started at 14.21

Question 1 and questions 3-6 were asked. Question 2 was withdrawn. Questions 1 and 3 were answered by the Minister for Social Services and Public Health. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after Question 3.

 

(20 mins)

3.

Topical Questions

To the Cabinet Secretary for Education:

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm what the Government’s targets are for the 2018 PISA assessment?

To the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport:

Angela Burns (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the commercial access deal struck between NHS Wales and Roche, which will mean that breast cancer patients in Wales can access the Kadcyla drug?

Minutes:

The item started at 15.08

To the Cabinet Secretary for Education:

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm what the Government’s targets are for the 2018 PISA assessment?

To the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport:

Angela Burns (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the commercial access deal struck between NHS Wales and Roche, which will mean that breast cancer patients in Wales can access the Kadcyla drug?

(5 mins)

4.

90 Second Statements

Minutes:

The item started at 15.25

Rhun ap Iorwerth made a statement on the Wales Wheelchair Rugby League team.

Neil Hamilton made a statement on the Her Majesty the Queen’s Official State Birthday.

(10 mins)

Proposal under Standing Order 12.24 to debate the following items together but with separate votes:

It was agreed under Standing Order 12.24 that the following two items would be debated together but with separate votes.

The item started at 15.29

5.

Motion to amend Standing Orders 16, 19, 20 and 27 in relation to the Budget Process and Finance Procedures

NDM6332 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly, in accordance with Standing Order 33.2:

1. Considers the Report of the Business Committee 'Amending Standing Orders: Standing Orders 16, 19, 20 and 27 – Budget Process and Finance Procedures' laid in the Table Office on 14.06.17; and

2. Approves the proposal to revise Standing Orders 16, 19, 20 and 27, as set out in Annex B of the Report of the Business Committee.

Minutes:

NDM6332 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly, in accordance with Standing Order 33.2:

1. Considers the Report of the Business Committee 'Amending Standing Orders: Standing Orders 16, 19, 20 and 27 – Budget Process and Finance Procedures' laid in the Table Office on 14.06.17; and

2. Approves the proposal to revise Standing Orders 16, 19, 20 and 27, as set out in Annex B of the Report of the Business Committee.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

6.

Motion to approve the budget protocol agreed by the Finance Committee and the Welsh Government

NDM6333 Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Approves the protocol on the administrative arrangements for the scrutiny of the annual draft budget and other related budgetary matters agreed by the Finance Committee and the Welsh Government, laid in the Table Office on 13 June 2017.

Minutes:

NDM6333 Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Approves the protocol on the administrative arrangements for the scrutiny of the annual draft budget and other related budgetary matters agreed by the Finance Committee and the Welsh Government, laid in the Table Office on 13 June 2017.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(60 mins)

7.

Debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee Report on their inquiry into refugees and asylum seekers in Wales

NDM6334 John Griffiths (Newport East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee on the inquiry into refugees and asylum seekers in Wales, which was laid in the Table Office on 6 April 2017.

Note: The response of the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children to the report was laid in the Table Office on 14 June 2017.

Minutes:

The item started at 15.35

NDM6334 John Griffiths (Newport East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee on the inquiry into refugees and asylum seekers in Wales, which was laid in the Table Office on 6 April 2017.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(60 mins)

8.

Plaid Cymru debate

NDM6336 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Asserts itself as the national parliament of Wales.

2. Demands that all powers and resources currently exercised at the EU level within areas of devolved competence are to be exercised by the National Assembly for Wales after the UK leaves the European Union.

3. Further demands that the UK Government seeks the endorsement of the National Assembly for Wales for all future trade deals with the EU and other countries around the world in order to protect the interests of the Welsh economy.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 2 and replace with:

Notes the UK Government's Policy Paper 'The United Kingdom's exit from, and new partnership with, the European Union' which states that "we have already committed that no decisions currently taken by the devolved administrations will be removed from them and we will use the opportunity of bringing decision making back to the UK to ensure that more decisions are devolved".

'The United Kingdom's exit from, and new partnership with, the European Union'

Amendment 2. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

Notes that the Prime Minister has been very clear that she wants a bespoke deal that works for the whole of the UK, embracing the most tariff and barrier-free trade possible with our European neighbours through a new, comprehensive, bold and ambitious free trade agreement.

Minutes:

The item started at 16.33

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until voting time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6336 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Asserts itself as the national parliament of Wales.

2. Demands that all powers and resources currently exercised at the EU level within areas of devolved competence are to be exercised by the National Assembly for Wales after the UK leaves the European Union.

3. Further demands that the UK Government seeks the endorsement of the National Assembly for Wales for all future trade deals with the EU and other countries around the world in order to protect the interests of the Welsh economy.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

34

0

16

50

The motion without amendment was agreed.

(60 mins)

9.

United Kingdom Independence Party debate

NDM6335

Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

David Rowlands (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the Bank of England working paper, The Impact of Immigration on Occupational Wages, and its conclusion that a 10 per cent increase in the proportion of migrants working in semi and unskilled jobs leads, on average, to a 2 per cent cut in wages in those jobs in a particular region.

2. Believes that:

a) a controlled and fair immigration system, placing emphasis on skilled migration, would have significant benefits for the UK economy;

b) public institutions, such as the National Health Service currently depend upon skilled migration from both outside and inside the European Union;

c) uncontrolled, and largely unskilled, immigration from the European Union member states at the current levels is unsustainable;

d) current UK immigration policy gives migrants discrimination in favour of EU nationals to the disadvantage of those from other parts of the world.

3. Calls on the UK Government to introduce a firm but fair system of immigration control which:

a) does not discriminate against non-EU citizens;

b) does not replicate in substance, or in fact, the existing EU or EEA regime for free movement of workers; and

c) seeks to balance immigration and emigration over a five year period.

'The Impact of Immigration on Occupational Wages: evidence from Britain'

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that Britain and Wales has an open economy and a welcoming society, with immigration playing a significant part in sustaining and developing a modern economy in the 21st century.

2. Recognises the UK Government's commitment to ensure that our public services, businesses and world-class universities can continue to recruit the brightest and best from around the world.

3. Welcomes the UK Government's intention to develop accountability and control within the country's immigration system.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that analysis conducted by the London School of Economics' Centre for Economic Performance concluded that there is very little evidence to suggest that neither immigration as a whole nor EU immigration has had significantly large negative effects on employment, wages and wage inequality for the UK-born population.

2. Believes that the rights and privileges afforded to UK and EU citizens currently living and working in other EU member states should be protected.

3. Believes that a creation of a Welsh Migration Advisory Service that could issue Welsh specific visas is necessary to plug skills gaps in the Welsh economy.

4. Calls upon the UK Government to guarantee the rights of all EU citizens currently living and working in the UK following Brexit.

5. Calls upon the Welsh Government to publish a consultation on how a Welsh work permit system could benefit the Welsh economy.

'London School of Economics' Centre for Economic Performance'

[If amendment 2 is agreed, amendment 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 3. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Reaffirms support for the joint Welsh Government/Plaid Cymru White Paper Securing Wales' Future which balances jobs and the economy with the need to address concerns about the impact of migration on vulnerable communities.

2. Supports the approach set out in Securing Wales' Future:

a) to link the right of EU/EEA nationals to move to the UK after Brexit, to employment; and

b) to increase efforts to prevent the exploitation of workers, particularly those on low pay.

'Securing Wales' Future'

Minutes:

The item started at 17.24

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until voting time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6335

Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

David Rowlands (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the Bank of England working paper, The Impact of Immigration on Occupational Wages, and its conclusion that a 10 per cent increase in the proportion of migrants working in semi and unskilled jobs leads, on average, to a 2 per cent cut in wages in those jobs in a particular region.

2. Believes that:

a) a controlled and fair immigration system, placing emphasis on skilled migration, would have significant benefits for the UK economy;

b) public institutions, such as the National Health Service currently depend upon skilled migration from both outside and inside the European Union;

c) uncontrolled, and largely unskilled, immigration from the European Union member states at the current levels is unsustainable;

d) current UK immigration policy gives migrants discrimination in favour of EU nationals to the disadvantage of those from other parts of the world.

3. Calls on the UK Government to introduce a firm but fair system of immigration control which:

a) does not discriminate against non-EU citizens;

b) does not replicate in substance, or in fact, the existing EU or EEA regime for free movement of workers; and

c) seeks to balance immigration and emigration over a five year period.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

5

0

45

50

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that Britain and Wales has an open economy and a welcoming society, with immigration playing a significant part in sustaining and developing a modern economy in the 21st century.

2. Recognises the UK Government's commitment to ensure that our public services, businesses and world-class universities can continue to recruit the brightest and best from around the world.

3. Welcomes the UK Government's intention to develop accountability and control within the country's immigration system.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

12

0

38

50

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that analysis conducted by the London School of Economics' Centre for Economic Performance concluded that there is very little evidence to suggest that neither immigration as a whole nor EU immigration has had significantly large negative effects on employment, wages and wage inequality for the UK-born population.

2. Believes that the rights and privileges afforded to UK and EU citizens currently living and working in other EU member states should be protected.

3. Believes that a creation of a Welsh Migration Advisory Service that could issue Welsh specific visas is necessary to plug skills gaps in the Welsh economy.

4. Calls upon the UK Government to guarantee the rights of all EU citizens currently living and working in the UK following Brexit.

5. Calls upon the Welsh Government to publish a consultation on how a Welsh work permit system could benefit the Welsh economy.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

8

0

42

50

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

Amendment 3. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Reaffirms support for the joint Welsh Government/Plaid Cymru White Paper Securing Wales' Future which balances jobs and the economy with the need to address concerns about the impact of migration on vulnerable communities.

2. Supports the approach set out in Securing Wales' Future:

a) to link the right of EU/EEA nationals to move to the UK after Brexit, to employment; and

b) to increase efforts to prevent the exploitation of workers, particularly those on low pay.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

34

0

16

50

Amendment 3 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6335

Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

David Rowlands (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Reaffirms support for the joint Welsh Government/Plaid Cymru White Paper Securing Wales' Future which balances jobs and the economy with the need to address concerns about the impact of migration on vulnerable communities.

2. Supports the approach set out in Securing Wales' Future:

a) to link the right of EU/EEA nationals to move to the UK after Brexit, to employment; and

b) to increase efforts to prevent the exploitation of workers, particularly those on low pay.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

34

0

16

50

The motion as amended was agreed.

(5 mins)

Motions to agree membership of committees

The item started at 18.14

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24 it was agreed to group the following motions for debate and in accordance with Standing Order 12.40 it was agreed to group the votes on the motion.

NDM6341 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Gareth Bennett (United Kingdom Independence Party) as a Member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee in place of Vikki Howells (Labour);

NDM6342 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Mike Hedges (Labour) as a Member of the Petitions Committee in place of Gareth Bennett (United Kingdom Independence Party).

NDM6343 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Vikki Howells (Labour) as a Member of the Public Accounts Committee in place of Mike Hedges (Labour).

NDM6344 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Gareth Bennett (United Kingdom Independence Party) as a Member of the Business Committee in place of David Rowlands (United Kingdom Independence Party).

NDM6345 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Orders 17.3 and 17.13(ii), elects Neil Hamilton (United Kingdom Independence Party) as a Member of the Finance Committee.

NDM6346 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Orders 17.3 and 17.13(ii), elects David Rowlands (United Kingdom Independence Party) as a Member of the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister.

The motions were agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

10.

Voting time

Minutes:

The item started at 18.15

 

Votes Summary

Supporting documents:

(30 mins)

11.

Short Debate

NDM6331 Vikki Howells (Cynon Valley)

The multifaceted challenges posed by poverty in Wales

Minutes:

The item started at 18.19

NDM6331 Vikki Howells (Cynon Valley)

The multifaceted challenges posed by poverty in Wales