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Wales: First Minister's Questions (24/02/04)
|  Buoyant mood - Rhodri Morgan at First Minister's Questions |
Rhodri Morgan showed some cautious optimism about the future of the manufacturing industry today. Answering questions in the Assembly in Cardiff, a buoyant First Minister said the pound was at a more reasonable level against the euro now. And he is confident at least some of the jobs lost in manufacturing over the last few years could be clawed back. Plaid Cymru's Assembly Leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones, hit out at comparisons between the GDP levels in Wales compared to London. The Assembly Government had failed to boost the Welsh economy and the gap between rich and poor in Britain was worse than in any other European country, he said. There have been concerns that should GDP levels rise too much, West Wales and the Valleys may not qualify for European funding after EU enlargement. So Nick Bourne, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, tried to balance this double-edged sword. He said it was unthinkable that we would not qualify, but called for cross-party support to ensure Wales was not sold short.
Questions Gwenda Thomas (Labour, Neath) asked about the Audit Commission's report into the Youth Justice Board and called for a consultation process between the Home Office and the Welsh Assembly Government
The First Minister said the consultation is ongoing between officials and the recommendations will be discussed by the Assembly Government further. Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central) asked whether he agreed with Tony Blair that headteachers should be given the power to undertake drug-testing schools.
The First Minister said the policy would only apply to England. Jenny Randerson (Liberal Democrat, Cardiff Central) asked what initiatives were underway to protect manufacturing jobs in Wales given a steep decline since 1997
The First Minister said manufacturing has had a tough time over the last three years because of the high pound against the euro. But he said many surveys predict a better balanced economy in future now the pound is at a more reasonable level. Ieuan Wyn Jones (Group Leader, Plaid Cymru) asked the First Minister to apologise for misleading the Welsh people when he said GDP levels would rise when they had actually fallen by 4 per cent.
The First Minister said he was keeping to his improved target of 2010 and accused Mr Wyn Jones of misleading people by comparing GDP with London. Nick Bourne, (Leader of the Welsh Conservatives) asked the First Minister to ensure Wales continued to receive European assistance.
The First Minister said there was a long way to go, but predicted that Wales would still qualify for Objective One after enlargement. Christine Chapman (Labour, Cynon Valley) asked what the Government is doing to promote sustainable development.
The First Minister said Cardiff is hosting a conference next month to be attended by national and regional governments committed to sustainable development. Helen Mary Jones (Plaid Cymru, North Wales) asked whether the First Minister will resist pressure from central government on expanding the use of GM crops in Wales.
The First Minister said he will abide by the assembly policy to have as restricted a GMO programme as it is legally possible. Janet Davies (Plaid Cymru, South West) asked about rail investment and the establishment of the Ebbw Vale - Newport Line.
The First Minister said the passenger service would be open by 2009 and that it would help relieve traffic problems on the stretch of the M4. Jeff Cuthbert (Labour, Caerphilly) asked how his constituency would benefit from the 'A Better Wales' plan.
The First Minister said that the innovation of a birthing pool at the miners' hospital is envy of many, and 210 well-paid manufacturing jobs would be created in Caerphilly. Laura Jones (Conservative, North Wales) asked for assurances that drug-related crime in Wales was being addressed.
The First Minister said the police were confident there won't be an arrival of organised drug-gangs and praised the innovation of Community Support Officers in helping the low-level drug front in communities in Wales, especially the Valleys. Mark Isherwood (Conservative, North Wales) asked how confident the First Minister was in the financial stewardship of local councils.
The First Minister said it was up to the Audit Commission, not the assembly, but the new requirement to ensure authorities have a scrutiny committee makes the finances more transparent. Mark Isherwood also asked why the First Minister didn't intervene in the legal costs of Flintshire County Council.
The Presiding Officer intervened saying the First Minister was responsible for many things, but not the actions of Flintshire County Council. Mike German (Leader, Welsh Liberal Democrat Group) asked why late discharges showed a year-on-year on increase.
The First Minister said the decision by Gordon Brown to give Wales and extra �20 million will ensure that delayed transfers of care are a maximum priority across Wales. Mick Bates (Liberal Democrat, Montgomeryshire) asked what the assembly government is doing to promote broadband in rural Wales
The First Minister said there were a number of schemes in place, as well as an active marketing campaign. David Davies (Conservative, Monmouth) said the advances were because of initiatives from privately owned companies like BT rather than state-run monoliths.
The First Minister said the opposite was true as BT couldn't afford to extend the programme to rural Wales without the investment form the Government. Helen Mary Jones (Plaid Cymru, Mid and West Wales) asked why small progress was being made in extending NHS dentistry in Wales.
The First Minister said seven new practices had opened in Wales already and another will open in Wrexham this week. The First Minister complemented the Conservatives for creating a dentistry initiative, but blamed their government for accelerating the problem in the first place. Kirsty Williams (Liberal Democrat, Brecon and Radnorshire) asked why the consultation on the reform of dentist surgeries has not been published yet.
The First Minister said the Health Minister would write to Ms Williams. Nick Bourne asked why 1 in 10 people in Wales were on a waiting list while money was being wasted on bureaucracy and targeting.
The First Minister said there was no massive increase in bureaucracy and the new service guarantee initiative on waiting lists will be rolled out in April. Mr Morgan also welcomed the expansion of the Medical Assessment Units at A&E departments which addresses why more people are admitted to A&E in Wales than England. You can see all of First Minister's Questions on BBC Parliament on Saturday from 1500 GMT
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