Written Questions Answered from 1 to 8 February 2001

Written Questions answered from 1 to 8 February 2001

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest. [W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

2 Questions to the First Minister

3 Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development

4 Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs

4 Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services

14 Questions to the Minister for Environment

15 Questions to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

16 Questions to the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities

22 Questions to the House Committee Questions to the First Minister

Special Advisers to the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Members (Advertising Costs)

Glyn Davies: What are the total costs involved in advertising for the two special advisers to the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Members? (WAQ9363)

The First Minister: In line with standard practice, the placement of advertisements is tailored to the specific requirements of the post. In taking decisions on publications to use, due regard is paid to value for money considerations. In the case of the special adviser posts it was decided that they would be advertised in The Guardian, The Western Mail, the Liverpool Daily Post, Y Cymro, Golwg and the Liberal Democrat News. The total cost for this, excluding value added tax, is £10,387.40.

Special Advisers to the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Members

Glyn Davies: Under what authority, and when was it given, for the advertisement of the two special advisers to Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member posts? (WAQ9541)

The First Minister: The Civil Service Order in Council 1995, as amended on 16 November 2000, makes provision for the appointment of six special advisers for the purpose of providing advice to the Assembly First Secretary or an Assembly Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales.

The advertisement for the two special advisers to the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Members was approved by the Deputy First Minister on 19 January 2001.

Government Special Advisers (Annual Costs)

Glyn Davies: What is the annual cost of all Government special advisers once posts are filled? (WAQ9542)

The First Minister: The cost of the existing special advisers, who were appointed at different dates during 2000-01, will be around £115,000. This figure includes gross salary and pension contributions. Full year costs can be calculated when the current recruitment exercise is concluded.

Number of Special Advisers Being Sought

Glyn Davies: How many special advisers are being sought? (WAQ9543)

The First Minister: Two Liberal Democrat special advisers are being sought in the current recruitment exercise and the two current temporary Liberal Democrat special adviser appointments will end.

Special Advisers in Post

Glyn Davies: How many special advisers to the Cabinet are in post? (WAQ9544)

The First Minister: There are currently five special advisers to the Cabinet in post. There are three substantive appointments advising the Labour members of the Cabinet. The other two are temporary appointments advising the Liberal Democrat members of the Cabinet. The two temporary appointments will end once appointments are made from the current recruitment exercise.

The Concordat with the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Nick Bourne: Will the First Minister outline how the concordat with the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales has assisted the National Assembly for Wales with regard to devolved policy areas? (WAQ9583)

2 The First Minister: The concordat has been in force for less than a month, so it is far too early to evaluate it. It will provide a sound basis for continued close working between the Cabinet and the Secretary of State for Wales on a wide range of devolved and non-devolved issues.

Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development

Finance Wales

Alun Cairns: Will young farmers be allowed to apply to Finance Wales? (WAQ9308)

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development (Michael German): Agriculture Department officals are discussing with Finance Wales how it can help young entrants into farming. This is a matter that I am anxious to encourage.

Grants for the Forestry Industry from the Wales Tourist Board

Nick Bourne: Are there any grants available for the forestry industry from the Wales Tourist Board? (WAQ9310)

Michael German: The Wales Tourist Board provides grant assistance for projects that it considers will provide or improve tourist amenities and facilities. The forestry industry may be eligible for grant assistance from the board for tourism related projects. Projects need to comply with the board’s terms and conditions for assistance.

Grants are available from the Forestry Commission through the woodland grant scheme for the development of woodland access and recreation. There is a special project, WIG 1, under the woodland improvement grant, specifically for public access and the provision of facilities to enjoy that access.

There is also a special community woodland supplement for creating new woodlands with public access.

The Concordat with the Department of Trade and Industry

Nick Bourne: Will Michael German outline how the Concordat with the Department of Trade and Industry has assisted the National Assembly for Wales with regard to economic development? (WAQ9587)

Michael German: The concordat has provided a sound framework for co-operation between the Assembly and the Department of Trade and Industry on matters of mutual interest. For instance we have agreed the appointment of a Welsh co-ordinator and a Welsh service delivery plan for the UK-wide Envirowise programme. Arena Network: Wales Environment Centre is the Welsh co-ordinator for Envirowise, which aims to help companies improve their environmental performance via waste minimisation programmes, clean technology and so on. We have a Welsh representative on the Small Business Council which was set up to advise the Small Business Service, while we are represented at senior level on the board of British Trade International. There has been increased co-operation in the provision of international business support services. We are also represented on the enterprise policy group, involving the devolved administrations and DTI/SBS, to discuss policy initiatives throughout the UK, and progress on major issues. There was close collaboration and consultation over the drafting of the White Paper on science and innovation, the review of the assisted areas map, and joint working with DTI and the Scottish Executive to bring the regional selective assistance scheme in line with the full flexibility provided by the regional national aid guidelines.

Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs

3 The Concordat with the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Nick Bourne: Will the Minister for Rural Affairs outline how the Concordat with the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has assisted the National Assembly for Wales with regard to agricultural policy areas? (WAQ9589)

The Minister for Rural Affairs (Carwyn Jones): The concordat has provided a sound framework for co-operation between the Cabinet and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on matters of mutual interest.

We have been able to influence the direction of the policy taken by the UK Government. For example, the Assembly led the way in calling for the abolition of dairy hygiene charges; we campaigned successfully for help for the smaller abattoirs and negotiated an important safeguard for Welsh producers in changes to the beef special premium scheme. We continue to work closely with the UK Government and with the European Commission on reform proposals for the sheep annual premium.

Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services

GPs Employed in South Wales West

Alun Cairns: Further to WAQ8601, would the Minister for Health and Social Services please list the number of general practitioners employed at each surgery for every practice throughout South Wales West? (WAQ9297)

The Minister for Health and Social Services (Jane Hutt): The information is given in the table below.

SOUTH WALES WEST HEALTH MEDICAL LIST AS AT 1 OCTOBER 2000

Surgery Name and Address Total No. of Patients No. of GPs at Practice

Health Centre, Pontardawe 10,063 6

Newcastle Surgery, Llangewydd Rd, 4,538 2 Bridgend

88 Mynydd, Garnlwyd Rd, Clase 4,536 2

Princess Street, Gorseinon 7,919 5

Medical Centre, Queens Rd, Skewen 7,618 4

Heathbridge House, The Old Bridge, 6,860 4 Kenfig Hill

The Surgery, Llangyfelach Rd, 5,735 4 Brynhyfryd

The Surgery, De La Beche Rd, Sketty 18,279 11

Health Centre, Cwmavon 3,451 2

4 Nicholl Street, Medical Centre, Swansea 5,719 3

125 Port Tennant Rd, Swansea 4,355 2

3 Frederick Place, Llansamlet 8,058 5

Ysgol Street, St Thomas 8,710 6

Health Centre, Glyncorrwg 1,576 1

Health Centre, Blaengwynfi 1,767 1

Tal-y-Bont Surgery, Station Rd, 5,379 5 Pontarddulais

Surgery, Margam Rd, Port Talbot 9,344 5

108 Penygraig Rd, Mayhill 4,490 3

New Surgery, Victoria Street, Pontycymer 8,273 4

Scurlage, Reynoldston, Gower 6,194 4

151 St Helens Rd, Swansea 6,873 4

Health Centre, Aberavon 8,105 4

Health Centre, Briton Ferry 6,056 4

Princess Street, Gorseinon 2,913 2

The Mumbles Medical Practice, 10 West 8,466 5 Cross Avenue, Norton, Mumbles

The Medical Centre, Heol-yr-Onnen, Pen- 5,200 5 coed

139/140 St Helens Rd, Swansea 7,889 5

Church Rd, Seven Sisters, Neath 4,983 4

The New Surgery, 3 New Street, 3,955 2 Aberkenfig

The Surgery, Sway Rd, Morriston 8,805 5

Castle Surgery, 1 Prince of Wales Drive, 9,816 5 Neath

The Surgery, Woodlands Terrace, Caerau 5,822 4

Oldcastle Surgery, South Street, Bridgend 13,737 7

5 Tŷ’n-y-Coed Surgery, 20 Merfield Close, 7,590 4 Bryncethin

Tawe Medical Centre, St Thomas 4,061 2

Health Centre, Neath 9,705 6

Health Centre, Fforestfach 5,910 4

New Surgery, Coychurch Rd, Pen-coed 6,364 3

Gowerton Medical Centre, Mill Street, 11,466 6 Gowerton

Health Centre, Briton Ferry 6,123 4

Ogmore Vale Surgery, Commercial 4,379 2 Street, Ogmore Vale

Cwmfelin Medical Centre, Carmarthen 7,870 5 Rd, Swansea

New Cross Surgery, 48 Sway Rd, 6,668 3 Morriston

Health Centre, Clydach 10,801 5

Llynfi Surgery, Maesteg 9,167 5

Kingsway Surgery, 37 Kingsway, 8,876 6 Swansea

Tŷ’r Felin Surgery, Cecil Road, 10,066 6 Gorseinon

Riversdale House, Merthyrmawr Rd, 15,118 9 Bridgend

Health Centre, Fforestfach 6,940 3

Kings Road Surgery, Mumbles 3,925 3

Fairfield Medical Centre, Julian Terrace, 6,622 5 Port Talbot

36 Victoria Avenue, Porthcawl 2,425 1

21 Mansel Road, Bonymaen, Swansea 1,273 1

4 Gwilym Road, Cwmllynfell 1,556 1

Health Centre, Penclawdd 1,967 1

Health Centre, Cymmer 2,615 2

6 Kings Surgery, Health Centre, Aberavon 5,007 2

Morrison Road, Port Talbot 4,427 2

Victoria Gardens, Neath 8,381 5

Bod Feddyg, 102 High Street, Glynneath 6,853 4

Bron-y-Garn, Maesteg 5,018 3

Elgin Street, Manselton, Swansea 6,939 4

1 The Portway, Porthcawl 14,638 8

4 Tabernacle Street, Skewen 4,377 2

The Surgery, North Cornelly 8,845 4

Ashfield, Merthyrmawr Rd, Bridgend 7,004 4

89 Aberdyberhi Street, Hafod 1,627 1

4 Lôn Teify, Cockett, Swansea 1,682 1

Three Crosses, Swansea 1,340 1

5 Strawberry Place, Morriston 6,226 4

48 Sketty Road, Uplands 8,012 6

Medical Centre, University 7,082 3

The Surgery, Victoria Gardens, Neath 2,355 1

89 High Street, Ogmore Vale 1,159 1

160 High Street, Swansea 1,942 1

Dew Road Clinic, Port Talbot 1,881 1

Health Centre, Resolven 1,956 1

The Surgery, Nantyffyllon 2,635 1

Cheriton Medical Centre, Cheriton 2,636 1 Crescent, Portmead, Swansea

St James Medical Centre, Herbert Street, 859 1 Pontardawe

Glanrhyd Clinic, Nantymoel, Bridgend 2,413 1

7 Cleanliness in Welsh Hospitals

David Melding: Will Jane Hutt set aside hypothecated resources to deal with the issue of cleanliness in Welsh hospitals? (WAQ9307)

Jane Hutt: I am considering the issue of cleanliness in Welsh hospitals, and will cover this in the NHS Wales plan, which will be launched on 2 February.

Haemophilia and Related Conditions

David Melding: Will the Minister make a statement on plans to improve and develop services for haemophilia and related conditions in Wales? (WAQ9347)

David Melding: Has the Minister commented on the draft ‘National Specifications for Haemophilia and Related Conditions’? (WAQ9348)

Jane Hutt: I will answer both questions together. The Assembly is committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of health services for all patients in Wales. I welcome the effort being made by the Haemophilia Alliance to draw up standards of care for the delivery of services for haemophilia.

The responsibility for the commissioning of such services in Wales rests with health authorities and they will wish to consider what contribution this work could make to the planning and prioritising of services through their health improvement programmes.

Children Working Illegally

Ann Jones: How many children were working illegally in each of the last 10 years in Wales? (WAQ9349)

Jane Hutt: The Assembly does not collect this information. Local education authorities are responsible for enforcing provisions in section 18 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and in local by-laws governing the employment of children below minimum school leaving age.

Gwaredu Gwastraff Clinigol

Dafydd Wigley: Pa gyfarwyddyd a roddwyd ganddi i’r ymddiriedolaethau iechyd ynglŷn â pholisi i waredu gwastraff clinigol o ysbytai, ac a wnaiff ddatganiad ar y mater? (WAQ9360) [W]

Jane Hutt: Mae ymddiriedolaethau NHS Cymru wedi derbyn nifer o ddogfennau canllaw a nodiadau cyngor ynghylch gwaredu gwastraff clinigol. Fe’u nodir isod:

Y Weithrediaeth Iechyd a Diogelwch

(i) The Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste (1999)

Asiantaeth Ystadau’r NHS

(ii) Strategic Guide for Waste Management (1991) (iii) Strategic Guide for Clinical Waste Management (1994) (iv) Health Guidance Note—Clinical waste incineration—joint venture arrangements (1994) (v) Health Guidance Note—Safe disposal of clinical waste—whole hospital policy guidance (1995) (vi) Health Technical Memoranda 2065—Healthcare waste management—segregation of waste streams in clinical areas (1997) (vii) Health Technical Memoranda 2075—Clinical waste disposal/treatment technologies (alternatives to incineration) (1998)

8 Bydd y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn ysgrifennu at ymddiriedolaethau’r NHS yng Nghymru i’w hatgoffa o’u hymrwymiadau cyfreithiol i gyflawni ‘dyletswydd gofal’, fel cynhyrchwyr gwastraff, dan Ddeddf Gwarchod yr Amgylchedd 1990.

Disposing of Clinical Waste

Dafydd Wigley: What guidance has she given to the health trusts regarding a policy to dispose of clinical waste from hospitals; and will she make a statement on the matter? (WAQ9360)

Jane Hutt: A number of guidance documents and advice notes on the disposal of clinical waste have been issued to NHS trusts in Wales. These are detailed below:

The Health and Safety Executive

(i) The Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste (1999)

NHS Estates Agency

The National Assembly will be issuing a reminder to the NHS trusts in Wales of their ‘duty of care’ legal responsibilities, as waste producers, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Associate Directors of Health Authorities and NHS Trusts

David Melding: Does the North Wales Health Authority have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9467)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the authority’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the North Wales Health Authority? (WAQ9468)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January ref. WAQ8725) for the North Wales Health Authority has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9469)

David Melding: Does the Bro Taf Health Authority have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9470)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the Authority’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Bro Taf Health Authority? (WAQ9471)

9 David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Bro Taf Health Authority has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9472)

David Melding: Does the Dyfed Powys Health Authority have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9473)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Dyfed Powys Health Authority has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9475)

David Melding: Does the Gwent Health Authority have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9476)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Gwent Health Authority has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9478)

David Melding: Does the Iechyd Morgannwg Health Authority have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9479)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the Authority’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January ref. WAQ8725) for the Iechyd Morgannwg Health Authority? (WAQ9480)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Iechyd Morgannwg Health Authority has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9481)

David Melding: Does the Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9482)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the trust’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust? (WAQ9483)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9484)

10 David Melding: Does the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9485)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9487)

David Melding: Does the Carmarthenshire NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9488)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the trust’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January ref. WAQ8725) for the Carmarthenshire NHS Trust? (WAQ9489)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Carmarthenshire NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9490)

David Melding: Does the Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9491)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9493)

David Melding: Does the Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9494)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the trust’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January ref. WAQ8725) for the Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust? (WAQ9495)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9496)

11 David Melding: Does the Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9497)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9499)

David Melding: Does the North East Wales NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9500)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm the mechanism of appointment as via the Trust’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the North East Wales NHS Trust? (WAQ9501)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the North East Wales NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9502)

David Melding: Does the North Glamorgan NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9503)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the North Glamorgan NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9505)

David Melding: Does the North West Wales NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9506)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the North West Wales NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9508)

David Melding: Does the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9509)

12 David Melding: Can the Minister confirm, the mechanism of appointment as via the trust’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust? (WAQ9510)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9511)

David Melding: Does the Pontypridd and Rhondda NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9512)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Pontypridd and Rhondda NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9514)

David Melding: Does the Powys Health Care NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9515)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Powys Health Care NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9517)

David Melding: Does the Swansea NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9518)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Swansea NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9520)

David Melding: Does the Velindre NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9521)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm, the mechanism of appointment as via the trust’s standing orders, not the establishment order, and the duration of the appointment/s, of ‘associate directors’ (as

13 defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Velindre NHS Trust? (WAQ9522)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Velindre NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9523)

David Melding: Does the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust have any ‘associate directors’ as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January (ref. WAQ8725) and, if so, will the Minister name the said associate director/s? (WAQ9524)

David Melding: Can the Minister confirm that each associate director (as defined by the Minister in her correspondence of 18 January, ref. WAQ8725) for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has a job description, and whether such posts are advertised for appointment? (WAQ9526)

Jane Hutt: The information requested is not held centrally. The appointment and role of an associate director is a matter for the individual NHS trust and health authority board.

The All-Wales Mental Health Strategy

David Melding: Will the Minister consult on the revised draft of the all-Wales mental health strategy for Wales? (WAQ9563)

Jane Hutt: It is important to issue both the adult and child and adolescent mental health strategies to the service as quickly as possible. Extensive consultation took place on the original adult draft, helped by Assembly funding of consultation conferences organised by Mind Cymru and others. The large number of responses received has produced many constructive points which will be incorporated into the final document. Many of the other points raised will be dealt with by the national service framework for Wales, which will follow the strategy.

A further discussion at the Health and Social Services Committee will provide a further opportunity for consultation on key issues arising from the strategies.

Questions to the Minister for Environment

European Union Water Framework Directive

Helen Mary Jones: Could the Minister for Environment explain the process, timetable and consultation arrangements for the transportation of the European Union Water Framework Directive in secondary legislation in Wales? (WAQ9530)

The Minister for Environment (Sue Essex): Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 22 December 2000. Member states have three years, that is, until 22 December 2003, to bring into force laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the directive.

The directive raises complex cross border issues that will need to be resolved, at least in principle, early in the implementation process. Officials have been discussing transposition of the directive with their counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for some months. If the

14 Assembly is to transpose the directive in Wales, it is likely to need designation for this purpose under the European Communities Act 1972. It is expected that early public consultation will take place on the general principles of implementation, including on the management of cross border river basin districts. This is likely to be followed by further rounds of public consultation before secondary legislation is ready to be made.

Speed Restrictions on the A40 at Llansanffraed

Nick Bourne: What progress is being made with speed restrictions on the A40 at Llansantffraed? (WAQ9591)

Sue Essex: No decision has yet been taken on whether to restrict speed at Llansantffraed. You are aware that the community council presented its concerns regarding this junction arrangement at a meeting late last year. My officials are making arrangements for the road safety working group (which currently consists of representatives from the Assembly, Powys and Carmarthenshire County Councils and the police and a consulting engineer) to visit the site within the next two months. Its remit will be to inspect the site, identify problems, and then make considered recommendations to address those problems. My officials will then take appropriate action in the light of those recommendations.

Free Travel for Pensioners and Disabled People

Janet Ryder: Could the Minister tell me which authorities in Wales have already introduced free concessionary travel for pensioners and disabled people and which will be in a position to introduce this by April 2001? (WAQ9592)

Sue Essex: We intend to enable all pensioners and disabled people to have free bus passes from 1 April 2001. Free travel will be available from 1 April 2002. Apart from Cardiff, no local authority currently offers free travel to pensioners, but all other authorities offer some form of concessionary travel, usually half fare, for both pensioners and disabled people.

Questions to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Nursery Education for Roman Catholic Children

David Melding: What provision exists in the city of Cardiff for nursery education of Roman Catholic children? (WAQ9531)

David Melding: Is it the administration’s policy—in pursuant of the provision of nursery education to all children—to fund nursery units at Roman Catholic primary schools? (WAQ9532)

The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning (Jane Davidson): As your questions are linked I will respond to both together.

Nursery provision exists at three of the county’s 13 Roman Catholic primary schools and Cardiff’s school organisational plan for 2001-06 affirms that Cardiff City and County Council is keen to support the growth of denominational provision where existing provision would not be undermined.

Strategic decisions of how and where authorities propose to meet their statutory responsibility to ensure the provision of a free, at least half time, good quality, education place during the three terms before the start of compulsory education for every four-year-old whose parents want this, is a matter for them and the early years development and childcare partnership.

15 Guidance issued by the Welsh Office in February 1999 provides advice on the establishment of early years development and childcare partnerships and the production of plans covering both pre-compulsory school age education and childcare. In producing their plans, partnerships are required to undertake an assessment of existing provision and unmet demand for the provision of places and to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of how provision will be delivered.

Plans should complement the authority’s education strategic plan, promote equality of access and be subject to meaningful, widespread consultation reflecting the diverse needs of parents and families. Funding to enable local authorities to meet these obligations are contained within the local government revenue settlement.

When an authority decides to open a new school or make a change to the provision at an existing school it will need to follow the statutory process set out in circular 9/99 ‘The Organisation of School Places’, which includes local consultation and the publication of a notice inviting objections. Should any objections be received it will fall to me, in my role as Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, to determine whether the proposal may go ahead. Where a proposal is successful, funding at 85 per cent of governor’s costs is available under the voluntary-aided schools capital building programme.

Exclusion of Female Pupils because of Pregnancy

Ann Jones: How many female pupils were excluded from school because of pregnancy in each local authority area of Wales between 1996 to 2000? (WAQ9353)

Jane Davidson: National Assembly Circular 3/99, ‘Pupil Support and Social Inclusion’, which gives guidance on exclusions, states that pregnancy is not and never should be a reason for exclusion. Consequently, the Assembly does not request this information in relation to exclusions.

However, it is acknowledged that Wales has the highest levels of teenage pregnancy in western Europe and studies show that most teenage mothers and fathers leave school at 16 with few or no qualifications. Guidance in Circular 3/99 therefore advises that schools should work together with the local education authority and the local social services department to provide appropriate support for female pupils through the pregnancy and after the baby is born. Support should be directed to keeping the pupil in her school, and for her to return as soon as possible to full-time education, a further education college or a suitable unit. Pregnant girls who receive education out of school during their pregnancy should remain on the school roll during this time to enable them to return to the school after the birth if they choose to do so. A pupil who becomes pregnant should be allowed no more than 18 weeks of authorised absence to cover the time immediately before and after the birth of the child.

Modern Apprenticeships

Ann Jones: How many (a) males and (b) females have been placed on modern apprenticeships since the introduction of the scheme in Wales? (WAQ9354)

Jane Davidson: There have been (a) 13,670 males and (b) 8,871 females placed on modern apprenticeships since the introduction of the scheme in Wales in 1995-96. (Source: training and enterprise council management information and the Department for Education and Employment trainee database).

Questions to the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities

The Mock-up of the New Assembly Chamber

Alun Cairns: Would the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities please state the cost of the ‘mock Assembly Chamber’ that has been built? (WAQ9295)

16 The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities (Edwina Hart): Funding for the creation of a mock-up of the debating chamber and committee room is contained within the budgeted provision for this project. The initial cost of constructing the mock-up is £49,000 (excluding VAT) and this represents less than 0.2 per cent of the total budget provision for the project.

Incwm Person Anabl (Defnyddio fel Tâl am Ofal)

Dafydd Wigley: Beth yw’r gyfran uchaf o incwm person anabl y dylai awdurdodau lleol yng Nghymru ei chymryd fel tâl am ofal i ganiatáu i’r person hwnnw heu honno allu byw yn annibynnol? (WAQ9346) [W]

Edwina Hart: O dan y Ddeddf Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol a Dyfarniadau Nawdd Cymdeithasol 1983, mae disgresiwn gan awdurdodau lleol ynghylch pa system i’w gweithredu wrth godi tâl am ofal di-breswyl, ond rhaid i’r tâl fod yn rhesymol.

Mae cryn dipyn o amrywiaeth ar draws Cymru ym maint y tâl a godir a’r arferion sydd yn gysylltiedig â chodi’r tâl. Mae rhai awdurdodau lleol yn codi tâl am ofal yn y cartref ar bobl sydd yn cael budd-daliadau megis lwfans mynychu a lwfans byw i’r anabl. Mewn llawer o achosion, efallai y byddant yn cael cymhorthdal incwm hefyd.

Cafodd y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol bwerau newydd yn Neddf Safonau Gofal 2000 i roi cyfarwyddyd statudol i awdurdodau lleol ynghylch codi tâl am wasanaethau gofal yn y cartref. Y mis nesaf, rhyddheir cyfarwyddyd drafft ar gyfer ymgynghori ar bolisïau mwy teg ar godi tâl am ofal yn y cartref a gwasanaethau cymdeithasol di-breswyl eraill. Mae’r cyfarwyddyd drafft yn dweud na ddylai’r taliadau ostwng incymau defnyddwyr y gwasanaethau islaw lefelau sylfaenol y cymhorthdal incwm. Yn dibynnu ar incwm y defnyddwyr, mae hefyd yn dweud na ddylid o angenrheidrwydd hepgor budd-daliadau sy’n gysylltiedig ag anabledd rhag cael eu hystyried wrth wneud yr asesiad. Ond, lle y cymerir y budd- daliadau i ystyriaeth, dylai’r awdurdodau lleol sicrhau bod unrhyw dâl yn rhesymol.

Disabled Person’s Allowance (Deductions as Payment for Care)

Dafydd Wigley: What is the maximum share of a disabled person’s allowance that local authorities in Wales should deduct as payment for care, to enable that person to live independently? (WAQ9346)

Edwina Hart: Under the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983, local authorities have discretion about what charging systems they operate for non-residential care, but the charge must be reasonable.

There is considerable variation in charging levels and practices across Wales. Some local authorities charge people receiving benefits such as attendance allowance and disability living allowance for home care. In many cases, they may also be receiving income support.

The National Assembly took new powers in the Care Standards Act 2000 to issue statutory guidance to local authorities about charging for domiciliary care services. Draft guidance will be issued for consultation next month on fairer charging policies for home care and other non-residential social services. The draft guidance says that charges should not reduce service users’ incomes below basic levels of income support. It also says that, depending on the individual’s income, disability-related benefits should not necessarily be excluded from being taken into account in the assessment. However, where the benefits are taken into account, local authorities should ensure that any charge made is reasonable.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (Substandard)

Ann Jones: What percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation in Wales were judged to be substandard in each of the last 20 years? (WAQ9355)

17 Edwina Hart: Local authorities in Wales identify houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) as unfit for human habitation as part of the enforcement process in making these properties fit for human habitation. The table below shows the number of unfit HMOs reported to the National Assembly. It covers the last 10 years because the current fitness standard was only introduced in 1990. There are no accurate, centrally-available estimates of the total number of HMOs in Wales.

Wales: HMOs identified (1) as unfit during the year Number

1990-91 520 1991-92 978 1992-93 863 1993-94 1,092 1994-95 888 1995-96 840 1996-97 667 1997-98 625 1998-99 497 1999-00 579

(1) Specific dwellings identified as unfit by the local authority under section 604 or section 352 of the Housing Act 1985 where the local authority intends to take action to remedy that unfitness.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (Deaths from Carbon Monoxide Poisioning and Fires)

Ann Jones: How many deaths there were from (a) carbon monoxide poisoning and (b) fires in houses in multiple occupation in 1980 to 1998 in Wales? (WAQ9356)

Edwina Hart: The National Assembly does not hold this information.

Houses in Multiple Occupation without Adequate Fire Escapes

Ann Jones: How many houses in multiple occupation, as a percentage and as a total, did not have adequate fire escapes in Wales in 1980 to 1998? (WAQ9357)

Edwina Hart: Local authorities in Wales identify houses in multiple occupation as unfit for human habitation as part of the enforcement process in making these properties fit for human habitation. The table below shows the number of HMOs (as reported to the National Assembly) that authorities identified as unfit because of inadequate precautions for escape from fire. It covers the last 10 years because the current fitness standard was only introduced in 1990.

There are no accurate, centrally-available estimates of the total number of HMOs in Wales.

Reasons for HMOs being identified as unfit (1) under the requirement (2) for proper facilities for escape from fire Number 1990-91 350 1991-92 702

18 1992-93 458 1993-94 729 1994-95 565 1995-96 548 1996-97 313 1997-98 468 1998-99 247 1999-00 318

(1) Specific dwellings identified as unfit by the local authority under section 352 of the Housing Act 1985 where the local authority intends to take action to remedy that unfitness. (2) A HMO can be deemed unfit under more than one requirement.

Housing Benefit

Ann Jones: What is the average time delay for payment of housing benefit for each local authority in Wales? (WAQ9358)

Edwina Hart: Housing benefit is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Social Security. I am informed that the information requested is not available.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (Owners Prosecuted)

Ann Jones: How many owners of houses in multiple occupation in Wales have been prosecuted by the National Assembly for Wales, and previously the Welsh Office or local authorities, for permitting use of substandard accommodation in each of the last 20 years? (WAQ9359)

Edwina Hart: Neither the National Assembly (nor the former Welsh Office) has powers to prosecute owners of houses in multiple occupation. That is the responsibility of local authorities. Information on the number of local authority prosecutions is not held centrally.

The Mock-up of the New Assembly Chamber (Costs)

Glyn Davies: What is the cost of building the mock-up of the new Assembly Chamber and from what budget head will it be financed? (WAQ9364)

Edwina Hart: The initial cost of funding the construction of a mock-up of the debating chamber and committee room is £49,000 (excluding VAT). This cost is provided for within, and will be attributed to, the Assembly building capital budget.

Expenditure Arising from the Closure of Llanwern Steelworks

Dafydd Wigley: How much money does the Minister have in her budget for 2001-02 to deal with training expenditure that would arise from closing Llanwern steelworks? (WAQ9454)

Dafydd Wigley: How much money does the Minister have in her budget for 2001-02 to deal with industrial development expenditure that would arise from closing Llanwern steelworks? (WAQ9455)

Edwina Hart: When all within the National Assembly are fighting hard to persude Corus not to close Llanwern, now it is not the appropriate time to speculate on the potential financial consquences to the National Assembly associated with this issue.

19 The Mock-up of the New Assembly Chamber (Rental Costs)

Glyn Davies: What is the rental being paid for the building in which the mock-up Assembly debating Chamber is located? (WAQ9528)

Edwina Hart: The rental cost for the building is £45,000 per annum (excluding VAT).

The Assembly Building (Fees Paid to Cardiff City and County Council)

Glyn Davies: What were the fees paid to Cardiff City and County Council in respect of planning permission and building regulations for the new Assembly Building and from what budget head were these fees paid? (WAQ9529)

Edwina Hart: No fees have been paid to Cardiff County Council in respect of planning notification under Circular 37/84 or in respect of building regulations.

The Mock-up of the New Assembly Chamber (Construction)

Glyn Davies: Who constructed the mock up of the new Assembly debating Chamber? (WAQ9533)

Edwina Hart: Following a competitive tender process Four-sure Construction Limited was appointed to construct the mock-up.

The New Assembly Building (Skanska Limited)

Glyn Davies: What are the terms on which Skanska Limited has been engaged on the new Assembly Building project? (WAQ9534)

Edwina Hart: As the appointed management contractor, Skanska Limited has been appointed to manage and procure the construction works under a modified version of the GC/Works\1 standard form of contract used for government projects.

The actual construction works themselves will be tendered as a series of packages and the successful bidders will become sub-contractors to Skanska Ltd.

The New Assembly Building (Tenders for Management Contactor)

Glyn Davies: How many tenders were received for the position of management contractor of the new Assembly Building project? (WAQ9535)

Edwina Hart: Following competitive tendering in the Official Journal of the European Communities, two tenders were submitted for the management contractor appointment. A third contractor was invited to submit a tender but declined to do so. The three invited to tender were selected as the most suitable from a ‘long list’ of five, which was itself derived from a longer list of expressions of interest.

The Mock-up of the New Assembly Chamber (Tenders for Construction)

Glyn Davies: How many tenders were received for contract to build the mock-up of the new Assembly building debating Chamber? (WAQ9536)

Edwina Hart: Following a competitive tendering process, three tenders were received for the contract to build the mock-up.

20 The Mock-up of the New Assembly Chamber (Approval for Construction)

Glyn Davies: Under what authority was approval given for the construction of the mock-up of the new Assembly debating Chamber? (WAQ9539)

Edwina Hart: All work on the Assembly building project (including the construction of a mock-up of the Chamber and Committee room needed to inform the design process) are being conducted in accordance with Assembly powers granted under section 40 and 85 of the Government of Wales Act 1998. I gave the authority to proceed with the mock-up following consideration by the policy steering group.

Our intention to proceed with a mock-up of these two key features of the building and to allow Members to visit the mock-ups was announced by the then First Secretary in the July 1999 debate on the project.

The New Assembly Building (Cost for the Extra Land Needed)

Glyn Davies: What cost was finally agreed for the extra land needed on which to construct the new Assembly building? (WAQ9540)

Edwina Hart: The additional land has been acquired for a peppercorn rent of £1.

Professional fees associated with the completion of the complex lease negotiations are estimated at about £100,000 (excluding VAT). These costs are included within the existing budget provision for the building project.

Assembly Members will wish to note that our acquisition of the additional land also results in an indirect benefit to Grosvenor Waterside in that it removes from it any requirement to undertake improvements to surrounding roads which may have been required to secure their adoption by the highway authority. These roads now form part of the Assembly’s site. We do not propose to seek their adoption as we prefer for reasons of security and public safety to keep them under our control. We will be carrying out some work to realign and otherwise improve the roads. Associated costs are included within the existing budget.

Special Advisers’ Salaries

Nick Bourne: From which cost heading will the salaries of the two special advisers to Liberal Democrats members of the Cabinet come from? (WAQ9584)

Edwina Hart: The salaries of the two special advisers will be met from Cabinet Executive’s delegated running costs budget which is an element of the staff costs budget expenditure line in the central administration main expenditure group.

Costs of Emptying Rural Cesspits

David Melding: Will the Minister make a statement on the increased costs faced by rural residents for the emptying of cesspits? (WAQ9585)

Edwina Hart: I am aware that there have been a number of complaints made about the increase in costs of emptying cesspits. Any increases in the costs of providing this service appear to be largely attributable to the reduction in the number of sites available for the disposal of the effluent collected and increased transportation costs. In many areas, the removal and transportation of sewage from cesspits is undertaken by the relevant local authority. In circumstances where local authorities do not have a statutory obligation to provide a particular service, I would expect their charges to at least cover their full costs.

The treatment and disposal of sewage from cesspits does not fall within the core business activities of the licensed sewerage undertakers and is not therefore subject to statutory regulation by the Director General

21 of Water Services. Regulation of this service would require amendment to primary legislation. As the relevant regulator of the water industry, it would be expected that the Director General of Water Services would initially propose any such legislative changes to central Government. In responding to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions’ consultation on the draft Water Bill the Director has suggested that the Bill should contain provisions to bring the reception, treatment and disposal of tankered waste within the scope of the regulated business.

While having no regulatory powers over this service, the Director General of Water Services does have powers within the Competition Act 1998 to enforce prohibitions relating to anti-competitive agreements and the abuse of the dominant position within water and sewerage sectors.

Questions to the House Committee

Cost of Additional Car Parking

Glyn Davies: Further to the answer to WAQ9139, what was the cost of providing 95 additional car parking spaces at the rear of the main Assembly car park, including the acquisition of the land? (WAQ9545)

The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Marek): A provisional cost of £21,717 was submitted in May 2000 to the Assembly by Grosvenor Waterside for carrying out works to level and resurface the area at the rear of the main Assembly car park to provide additional car parking spaces. The provisional costs were accepted. At that time, accommodation matters were the responsibility of the Executive. Following the transfer of accommodation matters for Crickhowell House and the Pierhead Building to the Presiding Office on 1 October 2000, financial responsibility for this issue transferred along with all other accommodation and maintenance commitments. An invoice for this work has not been received yet. The costs of the work will be met from the existing Presiding Office maintenance and minor new works budget. The land remains the property of Grosvenor Waterside.

Salaries and Allowances Paid to Assembly Members

Brian Gibbons: Will the House Committee publish details of the total sums paid by the Assembly to its current Members and its former Members under the National Assembly for Wales (Assembly Members and Officers) (Salaries and Allowances etc) Determination 1999 in 1999-2000, as required by Standing Order No. 3.3? (WAQ9619)

John Marek: The information requested is given in the table below:

Expenditure on Assembly Members’ Salaries and Allowances 1999-2000 (£) Members’ salaries (including employers national insurance contributions) 2,199,423 Employers’ contributions to Members’ pension scheme 374,454 Members’ travel 230,024 Members’ family travel 748 Members’ support staff travel 4,215 Office costs allowance 497,991 Additional costs allowance 162,850 Staff salaries allowance 1,528,351 Support staff pension contributions 47,212 Members’ insurance 7,088

Total 5,052,356

22 The offices in the Assembly the holders of which were, in 1999-2000, entitled to receive salaries or allowances greater than the salaries or allowances received by Members in general, together with the annual salary or allowance each such office-holder was entitled to receive are shown in the tables below:

Salaries Office (£) Assembly First Minister £64,308 Assembly Secretary/Presiding Officer £33,360 Deputy Presiding Officer £17,305 Leader of the largest party not represented in the Assembly Cabinet £33,360

Allowances Office (£) Party leaders’ allowance – basic £45,000 p.a. Party leaders’ allowance – additional amount per Member for groups not £3,000 p.a. represented in the Assembly Cabinet