 Rhodri Morgan rejects the idea of war with the English |
Waiting lists are falling, according to new figures, but the pressure is still mounting on the First Minister an his Health Minister to do more.
Some members claim the record isn't as good as the figures show. Plaid Cymru went for familiar territory. They say the problem is with the quangos which Rhodri Morgan once promised to abolish.
But Rhodri Morgan lambasted all his critics.
The First Minister slammed Plaid Cymru's Leader for "waffle" in one question and "twaddle" in another.
He asked Ieun Wyn Jones why he cannot bring himself to welcome the good news and admit he got it wrong.
Nick Bourne also went for his usual tactic - exposing a supposed split between Westminster and Wales over the Richard Report.
Questions
Mark Isherwood (Conservative) asked what the First Minister was doing to represent the real concerns of the over-burdened and under-valued Welsh business sector?
The First Minister said that the recent budget covered reforms to reduce the regulatory burden on business. He said that more than 90 per cent of regulations passed do not have an adverse impact on business. Rhodri Glyn Thomas (Plaid Cymru) asked why the Health Minister won't accept responsibility for the rise in the number of people waiting for treatment since Labour took office in 1997.
The First Minister said the most recent figures show that the number of people waiting over 18 months for a first out-patient appointment fell by nearly 40 per cent, the lowest level since April 2001. He also said the number of people waiting more than 18 months for surgery is lower than the figure for March 1997. Jonathan Morgan referred to the case of a constituent who was told he would have to wait upwards of 10 months for a life saving triple heart bypass, and so spent in excess of �11,000 to have the operation done privately.
The First Minister said he couldn't refer to the specific case, but that waiting times for cardiac treatment is now below 10 months and no-one should be told otherwise. Ann Jones asked whether the feel-good factor, such as Rhyl Football Club's success at the weekend, can help improve people's health.
The First Minister's said if your local team performed well at the weekend you feel happier at work on Mondays. It also inspires other local youngsters to take up football or an active lifestyle, he said. Ieuan Wyn Jones (Plaid Cymru Group Leader) asked why the First Minister changed his mind about abolishing quangos running the NHS.
The First Minister said that was a lot of waffle to avoid welcoming the drop in waiting lists. Ieuan Wyn Jones asked why the First Minister has abandoned his radical principles in the comfort of office.
The First Minister said that was a 'load of twaddle' and that he had never heard such a thin argument. He asked Mr Wyn Jones to admit that he had got it wrong and accept the good news about waiting lists.
Jenny Randerson (Liberal Democrat) asked what the Government was doing to promote Fair Trade.
The First Minister said the commitments from the Assembly will be made in the current sustainable development action plan consultation, which is out until 21 May.David Melding (Conservative) asked when a mental health bill will be published to update the Mental Health Act 2001.
The First Minister said it was unlikely that the draft pre-legislative bill would come forward this side of a general election. But he said the legislation needs urgently updating.Brynle Williams (Conservative) asked about the Mwrog Street flood alleviation scheme in Ruthin.
The First Minister said the Assembly Government is supporting 85 per cent of the costs. He said the total estimated cost was �1.563 million.Janet Ryder (Plaid Cymru) asked whether Wales would have a stronger voice in the Europe Council of Ministers, given the Cabinet's poor record of attendance, if there was an increase in the number of AMs.
The First Minister reaffirmed his opposition to an increase in the number of members and said Cabinet colleagues are always available to attend Europe Council of Minister's meetings.Nick Bourne (Leader of the Welsh Conservatives) asked what discussions the First Minister has had with Peter Hain to ensure the opinion of people in Wales is properly tested on any reforms to the assembly.
The First Minister said there was agreement that there was no need for a referendum because the proposed changes would not fundamentally change the way Wales is governed. Alun Ffred Jones asked when the �15 million that has disappeared from the tourist board budget will be re-established.
The First Minister said her didn't know what he was referring to, as the core grant to the tourist board has been retained at the record level this year - �22.5 million. You can see First Minister's Questions in full on BBC Parliament from 1500 GMT on Saturday.
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