----------------- ----------------- |  | | Last Updated: Thursday, 4 March, 2004, 17:10 GMT |
Wales: First Minister's Questions (02/03/04)
|  Rhodri Morgan says he will 'die in the last ditch' to get best funding |
The UK government was accused of trying to block EU funding for the poorest areas of Wales this week. Both Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats in the Assembly say Treasury ministers were trying to cut their budget to European structural funds from which Wales currently benefits. According to the Opposition parties, if the UK Government is successful in the forthcoming budget negotiations, Wales could miss out on �100 million each year. Answering questions in the assembly on Tuesday, the First Minister said he "will die in the last ditch" to secure the best financial deal for Wales. The Conservatives managed to turn a question on Objective One into an attack on the National Botanic Gardens, in Carmarthenshire. The gardens happen to be in an Objective One area. Nick Bourne said the Welsh Assembly Government's handling of the gardens was "shambolic". In an eleventh hour attempt, he asked Rhodri Morgan to ensure an ongoing subsidy to keep the gardens in Carmarthenshire open. But the First Minister echoed the comments of the culture minister last week - no more subsidy will be available from this Government. Questions Brian Gibbons (Labour, Aberavon) asked about post office closures in Wales.
The First Minister said he has asked the Royal Mail for clarity so he can maximise the help they give to post offices under threat. Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central) asked the First Minister to express disgust at Labour MPs who voted for the closure and are now campaigning to keep post offices open areas.
The First Minister said he was not clear as to what she was referring. He said the vision for the UK was have five post offices for every seven that exist today. David Davies (Conservative, Monmouth) asked the First Minister if he felt no shame in betraying a manifesto commitment and closing down post offices.
The First Minister said Mr Davies should hold a mirror to his face when it comes to feeling ashamed of conduct over the last few days. He said the Department for Work and Pensions have not made it easy for people to chose new types of bank accounts. Alun Ffred Jones (Plaid Cymru, Caernarfon) asked about inaccurate comments by the Economic Development Minister regarding money spent on Objective One funding.
The First Minister said that it is easy to confuse the commitment to spend with the expenditure itself. Ieuan Wyn Jones (Plaid Cymru Group Leader) asked whether the Assembly Government will be arguing for a 1.24 per cent ceiling in negotiations on continuing European funding, rather than the Treasury campaigning for a 1 per cent ceiling.
The First Minister said it is not a matter for the Treasury, it is a matter for 25 treasuries in every member state, including the 10 new ones. Nick Bourne (Welsh Conservative Leader) asked to ensure ongoing revenue subsidy for the National Botanic Garden which is in an Objective One area.
The First Minister said he was not going to commit to such subsidies, but said he has not closed the door on reaching an agreement with the Millennium Commission. Mike German (Group Leader, Welsh Liberal Democrats) asked whether the First Minister considered the UK Government's proposals for European funding as good for Wales when it could mean �100 million less per year?
The First Minister said the negotiations are continuing but the UK Government wanted to preserve the rebate while in Wales they want to preserve the right to Barnett-plus money. Eleanor Burnham (Liberal Democrat, North Wales) asked about targets to improve fitness in Wales.
The First Minister said that by 2012, they want 45 per cent of adults to undertake moderate energetic physical activity for half an hour, five times a week. Peter Black (Liberal Democrat) asked the First Minister to make a statement on the proposed closure of departments at the University of Wales.
The First Minister said it is for the University senate to decide, but that consultation is still open. Christine Chapman (Labour, Cynon Valley) asked what the Government is doing to boost the confidence of children and young people in deprived communities.
The First Minister said that they are concentrating on the 3 - 7 age groups with schemes of learning through play as it is the best way to retain a child's confidence. Janet Ryder, (Plaid Cymru, North Wales) asked when the programme to provide free school breakfasts will be costed.
The First Minister said a pilot scheme will be introduced in 40 schools in the coming school year and the scheme will be funded before the next Assembly elections in May 2007. Mike German asked whether the First Minister would be in favour of Wales joining an exchange rate mechanism.
The First Minister said he would, but the rate would have to be at the right level, citing the pounds early exit from the ERM in 1992. Jenny Randerson (Liberal Democrat, North Wales) asked what discussions the First Minister has had with the Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic bid.
The First Minister said they are deciding whether to bid for one of the large training camps to be located in Wales. At least one football match would be held at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff. William Graham, (Conservative) asked what Government is doing to address the problem of obesity in Wales
The First Minister said the launch of Health Challenge Wales last week will, in particular, challenge childhood obesity. A diabetes epidemic is predicted in 20 - 30 years time. You can watch First Minister's Questions every Saturday from 1500 GMT on BBC Parliament. Our coverage this week also includes a debate on free swimming and a debate on substance misuse.
| | WATCH AND LISTEN BBC Parliament broadcasts PMQs
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