 Birthday boy : but no surprises at FMQs this week |
The First Minister ladled his trademark ridicule on the other party leaders at question time this week. Rhodri Morgan shook off accusations from the Welsh Conservative Leader of creating more bureaucrats and ignoring waiting lists. Ieuan Wyn Jones, the Plaid Cymru Group Leader, was told there was no basis for his questions on the future of the Welsh Development Agency. And the Liberal Democrat Leader Mike German wanted more assurances over student funding in Wales should the Higher Education Bill at Westminster pass. There was even a little anniversary glee, on the eve of Rhodri Morgan's fourth anniversary as head of the 'Taffia'. Questions Denis Idris Jones (Conwy, Labour) asked the First Minister whether the low level of unemployment in Conwy could be credited to the Objective One funding.
The First Minister confirmed that unemployment in North Wales has fallen by 43 per cent and that is must be to do with the success of Objective One funding. Ieuan Wyn Jones (Ynys Mon, Plaid Cymru Group Leader) asked why the business support programme for Conwy was being cut to plug the hole in the Pathway to Prosperity programme.
The First Minister said there was no basis for the question, and that he should await the final budget in the next few weeks. Alun Cairns (South Wales West, Conservative) asked whether it is right that there should be no drug trreatment for post-menopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis.
The First Minister said that an othopaedic strategy is being developed. Jeff Cuthbert (Caerphilly, Labour) asked whether the free swimming initiative would help reduce obesity rates among children.
The First Minister said �32.5 million has been invested for the pilot schenme and juvenile swims have increased by 108 per cent. He said it would prevent the onset of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lauran Ann Jones (South Wales East, Conservative) suggested that the money would be better spent reducing council taxes for elderly people.
TThe First Minsiter said that in Wales you can have both, as council taxes are on average cheaper in Wales than England. Sandy Mewies (Delyn, Labour) asked what the Government can do to help rolling out BT Broadband in Wales.
The First Minister said the programme is progressing well and urged community leaders to encourage people to register for it. Lynne Neagle (Labour) called for the Assembly Government to match resources committed by the UK government to tackle child poverty in Wales.
The First Minister said many initiatives are already in place, but wanted to wait until the publication of the child poverty task group. Leanne Wood (South Wales Central, Plaid Cymru) said that the Communities First programme is in crisis as staff are leaving over funding uncertainties.
The First Minister said the 25 per cent reduction target for child poverty in 2004 looks like it might be acheived and that AMs shouldn't jump the gun over budget negotiations. John Griffiths (Newport East, Labour) asked whether more jobs could be moved from the South East of England to different parts of Wales such as Newport.
The First Minister said he will be pushing for Newport to be on the list in the Lyons review next week. Nick Bourne (Mid & West Wales, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives) accused the Government of spending money on bureauracts rather than on reducing waiting lists.
The First Minister accused Mr Bourne of 'bogus' Tory propoaganda. He said Mr Bourne was attributing staff to the 'buraeaucracy column' when they are front-line civil servants. Nick Bourne also asked whether students in Wales will face higher tuition fees than students in England
The First Minister said the power relating to top-up fees will be transferred to the Assembly under the bill. Rosemary Butler (Newport West, Labour) asked about equality of opportunity in Wales.
The First Minister said the Assembly is the only gender-balanced Assembly anywhere in the World. David Melding (South Wales Central, Conservative) asked what the definition of a disabled person is.
The First Minister said that legal advice is non-disclosable. Val Lloyd (Swansea East, Labour) asked the First Minister to congratulate all involved in Operation Phoenix in Swansea.
The First Minister said the success of the scheme means other parts of Wales would do well to consider it. Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire, Liberal Democrat) asked about a Guardian article saying that Wales has blocked GM crops.
The First Minister said the article beared little relationship to reality. You can see First Minister's Questions from Wales on Saturday at 1500 GMT on BBC Parliament
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