Agenda and minutes

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

View Questions

The item started at 13.30

The first 9 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after question 2.

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

View Questions

The item started at 14.16

Questions 1-5 and 7-12 were asked. Question 6 was withdrawn. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after question 2.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport:

Angela Burns (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government’s progress in bringing forward a long-term solution to the high cost of medical insurance facing Welsh GPs?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (to be answered by the Minister for Social Services and Public Health):

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales’s recent report on safeguarding children in Powys?

The item started at 15.03

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport:

Angela Burns (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Welsh Government’s progress in bringing forward a long-term solution to the high cost of medical insurance facing Welsh GPs?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (answered by the Minister for Social Services and Public Health):

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales’s recent report on safeguarding children in Powys?

The item started at 15.29

Hefin David made a statement on the National Mining Memorial at Senghennydd.

Jeremy Miles made a statement on the centenary of the Co-operative Party.

Bethan Jenkins made a statement on International Credit Union Day.

The item started at 15.34

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24 it was agreed to group the following motions for debate, but with separate votes.

Voting on the motions under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM6541 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Neil McEvoy (Independent) as a Member of the Petitions Committee.

The result was as follows:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
39	10	0	49

The motion was agreed.

NDM6542 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) as a Member of the Petitions Committee.

The result was as follows:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
39	10	0	49

The motion was agreed.

NDM6543 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Adam Price (Plaid Cymru) as a Member of the Public Accounts Committee.

The result was as follows:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
40	10	0	50

The motion was agreed.

 

The item started at 15.43

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 motions.

NDM6544 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Dai Lloyd (Plaid Cymru) as a Member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee in place of Sian Gwenllian (Plaid Cymru).

NDM6545 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Sian Gwenllian (Plaid Cymru) as a Member of the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee in place of Dai Lloyd (Plaid Cymru).

The motions were agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM6535 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 26, 26A and 26B – Super-majorities for Assembly Bills' laid in the Table Office on 11 October 2017; and

2. Approves the proposal to revise Standing Orders 26, 26A and 26B, as set out in Annex B of the Report of the Business Committee.

The item started at 15.43

NDM6535 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 26, 26A and 26B – Super-majorities for Assembly Bills' laid in the Table Office on 11 October 2017; and

2. Approves the proposal to revise Standing Orders 26, 26A and 26B, as set out in Annex B of the Report of the Business Committee.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM6527

Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central)
Suzy Davies (South Wales West)
Dafydd Elis-Thomas (Dwyfor Meirionnydd)
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)
David Melding (South Wales Central)
Eluned Morgan (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that the speed of the revolution in transport technology challenges current planning assumptions and requires a major re-think in public policy and design.

2. Believes that transport manufacturers and their supply chains will need to adapt or die as the combustion engine is phased out within the next 20 years because of:

a) driverless vehicles, which will disrupt assumptions about private ownership of cars, urban town planning, managing road congestion and the role of buses to connect communities; and

b) electric vehicles, which require a more dispersed electricity generation and supply including charging points covering the whole of Wales;

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to outline the steps that it is taking to align policies with the pace of change and ensure all citizens will benefit, in line with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

'Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015'

Supported by:
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales)

The item started at 15.43

NDM6527

Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central)
Suzy Davies (South Wales West)
Dafydd Elis-Thomas (Dwyfor Meirionnydd)
Dai Lloyd (South Wales West)
David Melding (South Wales Central)
Eluned Morgan (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes that the speed of the revolution in transport technology challenges current planning assumptions and requires a major re-think in public policy and design.

2. Believes that transport manufacturers and their supply chains will need to adapt or die as the combustion engine is phased out within the next 20 years because of:

a) driverless vehicles, which will disrupt assumptions about private ownership of cars, urban town planning, managing road congestion and the role of buses to connect communities; and

b) electric vehicles, which require a more dispersed electricity generation and supply including charging points covering the whole of Wales;

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to outline the steps that it is taking to align policies with the pace of change and ensure all citizens will benefit, in line with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM6534 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) extend eligibility for free bus travel entitlements to all 16 to 24 year olds in Wales; and

b) extend eligibility for railcard privileges to all 16 to 24 year olds in Wales.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the economic, educational and social importance of supporting young people with the costs of public transport.

2. Notes the consultation launched by the Welsh Government to develop a new and ambitious Youth Travel Pass scheme from 2018 that can encourage more young people to travel by bus.

3. Recognises the need for any proposals to be fully costed.

4. Notes the importance of engaging widely with young people, local authorities, education providers and bus operators to ensure any extension of provision is targeted towards those that need the greatest support.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's intention through Transport for Wales to encourage more young people onto a sustainable, integrated and multi-modal transport network.

'Consultation: Discounted Bus Travel for Younger People in Wales'

The item started at 16.32

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6534 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) extend eligibility for free bus travel entitlements to all 16 to 24 year olds in Wales; and

b) extend eligibility for railcard privileges to all 16 to 24 year olds in Wales.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
24	0	26	50

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the economic, educational and social importance of supporting young people with the costs of public transport.

2. Notes the consultation launched by the Welsh Government to develop a new and ambitious Youth Travel Pass scheme from 2018 that can encourage more young people to travel by bus.

3. Recognises the need for any proposals to be fully costed.

4. Notes the importance of engaging widely with young people, local authorities, education providers and bus operators to ensure any extension of provision is targeted towards those that need the greatest support.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's intention through Transport for Wales to encourage more young people onto a sustainable, integrated and multi-modal transport network.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	8	16	50

Amendment 1 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the economic, educational and social importance of supporting young people with the costs of public transport.

2. Notes the consultation launched by the Welsh Government to develop a new and ambitious Youth Travel Pass scheme from 2018 that can encourage more young people to travel by bus.

3. Recognises the need for any proposals to be fully costed.

4. Notes the importance of engaging widely with young people, local authorities, education providers and bus operators to ensure any extension of provision is targeted towards those that need the greatest support.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's intention through Transport for Wales to encourage more young people onto a sustainable, integrated and multi-modal transport network.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
49	1	0	50

The motion as amended was agreed.

NDM6536 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the need to strengthen the performance of the north Wales economy.

2. Regrets the historic underfunding of north Wales by the Labour Welsh Government.

3. Welcomes Plaid Cymru's success in securing significant investment for the north as part of the budget agreement with the Welsh Government for 2018/19 and 2019/20, including:

a) better north-south road links;

b) funding to support the design and development of a third Menai bridge crossing;

c) funding to take forward the result of the feasibility study into the creation of a national football museum in north Wales;

d) the establishment of a young farmers grant scheme that will benefit the agricultural industry in the north;

e) the creation of a development fund for undergraduate medical training in the north;

f) a 100% rate relief for community hydro schemes, of which there are several in the north;

g) additional funding for Visit Wales which will boost the tourism industry in the north;

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to bring forward, as part of its long-overdue economic strategy, genuine efforts to address the regional imbalances in the Welsh economy.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the vital strategic importance of the North Wales economy to Wales and the UK.

2. Notes the cross-border leadership role played by the Welsh Government in developing proposals with partners for a North Wales Growth Deal.

3. Welcomes the ambitious programme of investment being led by the Welsh Government in the region, including:

a) £250m of investment in the A55/A494 corridor;

b) £20m to establish an Advanced Manufacturing and Research Institute;

c) £50m to take forward the North East Wales Metro; and

d) plans for a third Menai crossing.

4. Welcomes the Welsh Government's funding support for the steel industry which is helping provide a sustainable future for the plant, community and workers in Shotton.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's support for the £14 billion Wylfa Newydd project and work to ensure the UK Government leaves a sustainable legacy of good quality jobs, infrastructure and housing for Ynys Mon and North West Wales.

6. Welcomes the recent budget agreement with Plaid Cymru.

7. Notes the Welsh Government's intention to bring forward an Economic Action Plan that can support jobs and growth in the region.

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

Amendment 2. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete point 3.

Amendment 3. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as a new point at end of motion:

Notes that the North Wales Economic Ambition Board's 'A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales' document concludes that "North Wales is well placed to receive a range of new responsibilities" and endorses its call for the devolution of powers by the Welsh Government over employment, taxes, skills and transport.

'North Wales Economic Ambition Board - A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales'

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:

NDM6536 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the need to strengthen the performance of the north Wales economy.

2. Regrets the historic underfunding of north Wales by the Labour Welsh Government.

3. Welcomes Plaid Cymru's success in securing significant investment for the north as part of the budget agreement with the Welsh Government for 2018/19 and 2019/20, including:

a) better north-south road links;

b) funding to support the design and development of a third Menai bridge crossing;

c) funding to take forward the result of the feasibility study into the creation of a national football museum in north Wales;

d) the establishment of a young farmers grant scheme that will benefit the agricultural industry in the north;

e) the creation of a development fund for undergraduate medical training in the north;

f) a 100% rate relief for community hydro schemes, of which there are several in the north;

g) additional funding for Visit Wales which will boost the tourism industry in the north;

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to bring forward, as part of its long-overdue economic strategy, genuine efforts to address the regional imbalances in the Welsh economy.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
8	0	42	50

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the vital strategic importance of the North Wales economy to Wales and the UK.

2. Notes the cross-border leadership role played by the Welsh Government in developing proposals with partners for a North Wales Growth Deal.

3. Welcomes the ambitious programme of investment being led by the Welsh Government in the region, including:

a) £250m of investment in the A55/A494 corridor;

b) £20m to establish an Advanced Manufacturing and Research Institute;

c) £50m to take forward the North East Wales Metro; and

d) plans for a third Menai crossing.

4. Welcomes the Welsh Government's funding support for the steel industry which is helping provide a sustainable future for the plant, community and workers in Shotton.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's support for the £14 billion Wylfa Newydd project and work to ensure the UK Government leaves a sustainable legacy of good quality jobs, infrastructure and housing for Ynys Mon and North West Wales.

6. Welcomes the recent budget agreement with Plaid Cymru.

7. Notes the Welsh Government's intention to bring forward an Economic Action Plan that can support jobs and growth in the region.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	0	24	50

Amendment 1 was agreed.

As amendment 1 was agreed, amendment 2 was de-selected.

Amendment 3. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Add as a new point at end of motion:

Notes that the North Wales Economic Ambition Board's 'A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales' document concludes that "North Wales is well placed to receive a range of new responsibilities" and endorses its call for the devolution of powers by the Welsh Government over employment, taxes, skills and transport.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
50	0	0	50

Amendment 3 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the vital strategic importance of the North Wales economy to Wales and the UK.

2. Notes the cross-border leadership role played by the Welsh Government in developing proposals with partners for a North Wales Growth Deal.

3. Welcomes the ambitious programme of investment being led by the Welsh Government in the region, including:

a) £250m of investment in the A55/A494 corridor;

b) £20m to establish an Advanced Manufacturing and Research Institute;

c) £50m to take forward the North East Wales Metro; and

d) plans for a third Menai crossing.

4. Welcomes the Welsh Government's funding support for the steel industry which is helping provide a sustainable future for the plant, community and workers in Shotton.

5. Notes the Welsh Government's support for the £14 billion Wylfa Newydd project and work to ensure the UK Government leaves a sustainable legacy of good quality jobs, infrastructure and housing for Ynys Mon and North West Wales.

6. Welcomes the recent budget agreement with Plaid Cymru.

7. Notes the Welsh Government's intention to bring forward an Economic Action Plan that can support jobs and growth in the region.

8. Notes that the North Wales Economic Ambition Board's 'A Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales' document concludes that "North Wales is well placed to receive a range of new responsibilities" and endorses its call for the devolution of powers by the Welsh Government over employment, taxes, skills and transport.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
28	8	14	50

The motion as amended was agreed.

The item started at 18.20

NDM6533 Bethan Jenkins (South Wales West)

Safeguarding and patient rights in the Welsh NHS - supporting the victim

The item started at 18.25

NDM6533 Bethan Jenkins (South Wales West)

Safeguarding and patient rights in the Welsh NHS - supporting the victim