----------------- ----------------- |  | | Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 March, 2004, 17:43 GMT |
Wales: First Minister's Questions (23/03/04)
|  Morgan : Chancellor doesn't believe in strong regional fund |
Rhodri Morgan says he's interested in touring the UK. This week's questions saw John Griffiths propose that the First Minister visit the Scottish Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly on a regular basis to address the bodies. And Mr Morgan is keen to look into the plan to forge closer links between the devolved institutions. The long-awaited Richard Commission report into the way the Assembly works will be published next week and its arrival prompted considerable speculation during questions. | Rhodri's put-down of the week To Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey:-
"if you overtake a yellow bus in the US, you are treated as no better than the neighbourhood paedophile" |
The First Minister told members that any changes to the voting system will require a referendum Questions Mick Bates (Lib Dem, Montgomeryshire) asked why there has not been a review of the Tir Mynydd farm payments scheme.
The First Minister says that official are now preparing a consultation paper for Tir Mynydd 2006. David Melding (Conservative, North Wales) asked for a statement on the regeneration of Barry.
The First Minister pointed to �40 million of public expenditure and the regeneration of Barry waterfront. Leighton Andrews (Labour, Rhonnda) asked about the scheme to combat drugs misuse in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
The First Minister told him that �1.5 million has been allocated for the treatment initiative. John Griffiths (Labour, Newport East) asked about developing relationships between the devolved institutions and he suggested the First Minister visited them.
The First Minister said he would look into the idea of visiting Scotland and Northern Ireland. Ieuan Wyn Jones (Leader, Plaid Cyrmu Group ) picked the FM up on pledges that Labour promised a "bonfire of the quangos".
The First Minister replied that he didn�t remember these pledges and that there should not be too much constitutional upheaval. Nick Bourne (Leader, Welsh Conservatives) asked if the Richard Commission suggests more powers for the Assembly, would there be a referendum and a reduction of MPs.
Mr Morgan says a further referendum is not required to add primary legislative powers. Mike German (Leader, Welsh Liberal Democrat Group) asked whether denying the Welsh Development Agency a significant budget to create new businesses is backtracking.
The First Minister says a big advertising campaign is currently trying to encourage people to set up businesses. Jeff Cuthbert (Labour, Caerphilly)asked if the FM agreed with the CBI that Welsh businesses "owe it to themselves to be socially inclusive."
The First Minister agreed pointing out that the spending powers of the disabled is �40 billion. Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey (Labour, Preseli)asked whether the First Minister will pursue a scheme to stop cars dangerously overtaking school buses.
The First Minister said it would be hard to get this established. He claimed that "if you overtake a yellow bus in the US, you are treated as no better than the neighbourhood paedophile. I am sorry to say that school buses and their passengers in the UK are not given the same respect." Elin Jones (PC, Ceredigion) asked whether the FM thinks it�s fair that air ambulances are totally reliant on volunteers.
The First Minister says it's a currently sustainable system and a "resounding success". David Lloyd (PC, South Wales West) asked about the Richard Commission possible recommendation of a new electoral system.
The FM says a further referendum will be required to change the voting system. Christine Chapman (Labour, Cynon Valley) asked how the singing talents of the young can be nurtured.
The government is doing all it can to sustain the "strong tradition" says the First Minister.You can see First Minister's Questions in full on BBC Parliament from 1500 GMT on Saturday.
| | WATCH AND LISTEN BBC Parliament broadcasts Welsh FMQs
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