----------------- ----------------- |  | | Last Updated: Thursday, 29 April, 2004, 15:33 GMT 16:33 UK |
Wales: First Minister's Questions (27/04/04)
|  Rhodri Morgan rejects the idea of war with the English |
Wales is extremely proud of it's Children's Commissioner and rarely a week goes by without reference to the post in the chamber. The role of 'children's champion' originated in Wales but now the Children's Bill, originating in Westminster, has confused matters. | Rhodri's put-down of the week To David Davies, on the subject of praising a Labour Party "neologism":-
"Your congratulations must always be taken with a tonne and a half of salt" |
A number of members drew attention to the proposed legislation during this week's question session. And the First Minister echoed concerns that a children's commissioner for England who looks after some matters for Welsh children will cause problems. Members also paid tribute to Lord Geraint, the "true Welshman" who recently passed away. Questions Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnor, Lib Dem) asked whether the post of Children's Commissioner for Wales will be confused by Westminster's Children's Bill.
The First Minister agreed that a "one-stop shop for vulnerable children in Wales" is required. Brian Gibbons (Aberavon, Labour) asked what the Assembly Government is doing to tackle poverty in Wales.
The First Minister said that poverty is being combated through the tackling of wider "social, educational and economic barriers." Ieuan Wyn Jones (Ynys Mon, President Plaid Cymru) asked if the FM accepted that Wales is facing a housing crisis.
The First Minister says there is a strain on first-time buyers and says he is trying to expand the supply of affordable housing. Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire, Lib Dem) wanted reassurance that free school travel be taken away.
The FM says some people may lose the right to travel, but "it may produce a better solution." Jeff Cuthbert (Caerphilly, Labour) asked about the �65 million awarded to the structural funds programme by the European Commission.
The FM was extremely happy with this award. Peter Black (South Wales West, Lib Dem) asked about whether there could be a Wales-only policy on community radio stations.
The FM says that the Ofcom rule on a maximum strength of 25-watts outputs is "not set in stone". Glyn Davies (Mid and West Wales, Con) wanted to know the FM's policy on ring-fencing local authority budgets.
The FM says that the current percentage of funding ring-fenced will not increase.You can see First Minister's Questions in full on BBC Parliament from 1500 GMT on Saturday.
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