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Written Questions Answered Between 22 and 29 September 2005

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Written Questions Answered Between 22 and 29 September 2005 Written Questions answered between 22 and 29 September 2005 Written Questions answered between 22 and 29 September 2005 [R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest. [W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh. Contents Questions to the First Minister Questions to the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Questions to the Minister for Economic Development and Transport Questions to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Questions to the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside Questions to the Finance Minister Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services Questions to the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration Questions to the First Minister Janet Davies: What method of transport did the First Minister and the Cabinet use to travel to and from north Wales for the question and answer session in Bangor on 12 September 2005? (WAQ44040) The First Minister (Rhodri Morgan): No Ministers travelled to north Wales exclusively for the Q&A session, as it was followed by a media editors’ reception, a lengthy meeting of the Cabinet and other public engagements prior to return. John Marek: What communications has the First Minister had with Graham Rogers of AMICUS in Mold relating to the transfer of Arvin Meritor jobs from north Wales to south Wales? (WAQ44084) The First Minister: Neither I nor my officials have had communications with Graham Rogers of the AMICUS Written Questions answered between 22 and 29 September 2005 Mold office concerning the Arvin Meritor Wrexham site closure situation and neither I nor my officials are aware of such a transfer, but are aware of a regional selective assistance package for axle manufacture at Arvin Meritor Cwmbran, applied for and approved subsequent to the Arvin Meritor Wrexham closure decision. Questions to the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Eleanor Burnham: Will the Minister make a statement on the statutory functions of the Welsh Language Board once it is absorbed by the Assembly Government? (WAQ44055) The Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport (Alun Pugh): The Welsh Language Board will cease to exist once it has been merged with the Assembly Government, at which point its functions will be exercised by the Assembly Government. Ann Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on the development of cinema subtitling in Wales? (WAQ44066) Alun Pugh: I am meeting the chief executive of the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association in October to discuss how sight subtitling and audio description in cinemas can be taken forward in Wales. Nick Bourne: Will the Minister make a statement on his policies to promote the rich cultural heritage of Wales? (WAQ44067) Alun Pugh: Wales has a rich and unique cultural heritage of which we are enormously proud. Welsh Assembly Government policies have resulted in millions of pounds being spent directly, as well as through our Assembly sponsored public bodies, to enable the people of Wales to celebrate their cultural heritage. One of our most successful policies has been the introduction of free entry to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, which has enabled all Welsh people and visitors to Wales to appreciate, enjoy and learn from our national collections. Other policies have demonstrated our continuing commitment to the development of local libraries, museums and archive services, the promotion of the Welsh language and the arts, and the protection and preservation of our built historic environment. Nick Bourne: Will the Minister identify his budget priorities for the next six months? (WAQ44068) Alun Pugh: I set out my budget priorities to you in answer to your written question (WAQ43476) on 23 June. The Assembly Government tabled its budget for 2005-06 on 27 September. Written Questions answered between 22 and 29 September 2005 William Graham: Will the Minister make a statement concerning horse racing in Wales? (WAQ44069) Alun Pugh: Horse racing is enjoyed by many thousands of people across Wales and makes an important contribution in cultural, sporting and economic terms. William Graham: Will the Minister make a statement concerning Booktown Blaenafon? (WAQ44070) Alun Pugh: Most of the bookshops in Blaenafon deal with second-hand books or remainders. However, the Welsh Books Council has made contact with the bookshops in Blaenafon and informed them of what books council services are available to them. Book orders are being supplied to Browning Books through the books council. Browning Books also organised an event as part of the World Book Day activities—co-ordinated by the books council in 2004. Peter Black: What discussions has the Minister held with the national eisteddfod regarding its future funding? (WAQ44071) Alun Pugh: I have regular discussions with the national eisteddfod regarding its future funding. I am pleased that the national eisteddfod continues to modernise and make itself more appealing to a wider audience, and that the recent Eryri eisteddfod was a success—financially as well as culturally. Peter Black: Will the Minister make a statement on any discussions he has had regarding the future of the National Eisteddfod? (WAQ44072) Alun Pugh: I have had, and continue to have, regular discussions with the national eisteddfod, the Welsh Language Board, the Welsh Local Government Association and other organisations with an interest in the continued future success of the national eisteddfod. Laura Anne Jones: What discussions has the Minister had regarding the provision of facilities in Wales for the 2012 Olympics? (WAQ44073) Alun Pugh: Initial round table discussions including the Sports Council for Wales, the Wales Tourist Board and the Welsh Development Agency have already taken place. We will be working closely with the UK Government and the London organising committee to maximise the benefits in Wales, in terms of business opportunities, increased tourism and sporting success. This will be a key agenda item when I meet Tessa Jowell on 2 November at the UK sports Ministers’ Cabinet. Written Questions answered between 22 and 29 September 2005 Ann Jones: Will the Minister make a statement on the future of first-class county cricket in north Wales? (WAQ44074) Alun Pugh: First-class cricket fixtures in north Wales are played in Colwyn Bay, which remains an extremely popular venue for players and supporters. While responsibility for future scheduling of fixtures is a matter for the relevant cricketing authorities, led by Glamorgan County Cricket Club, I am certainly keen to see that first- class cricket continues to thrive in north Wales. Carl Sargeant: Will the Minister make a statement on the impact of the London Olympics Bill on sports funding and sports provision in Wales? (WAQ44085) Alun Pugh: The London Olympics Bill was introduced on 14 July 2005. One of the main measures provides for the establishment of the Olympic Delivery Authority to deliver the necessary venues and infrastructure for the games. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to an increased investment in sport and physical activity, to create a healthier Wales. From a £12 million per annum base in 2003-04 we will be investing more than £24 million by 2007-08. Questions to the Minister for Economic Development and Transport Peter Law: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to develop the rail network in Wales? (WAQ44047) The Minister for Economic Development and Transport (Andrew Davies): The Welsh Assembly Government remains committed to delivering improvements to the rail services in Wales. Since May 2000 we have funded north-south Wales train services. We have funded, and continue to fund, station improvements throughout Wales, as well as providing a £50 million programme of support for additional rolling stock on the Cardiff Valley lines and cross-country networks. We have funded the reopening of the Vale of Glamorgan line for regular passenger services for the first time since 1964 with a shuttle bus link to Cardiff International Airport and supported the extension of platforms on the Aberdare line to accommodate four coach trains. We are providing funding of £2 million for on board CCTV on trains throughout Wales. We are also providing support for the opening of the Ebbw Vale railway line in 2006-07. William Graham: What action is the Welsh Assembly Government taking to increase awareness among young people in Wales of the potential dangers of driving? (WAQ44051) Andrew Davies: The road safety strategy for Wales aims to reduce casualties involving young people and improve driving standards. We are working in partnership with the Department for Transport, the police and local authorities in Wales to highlight key road safety messages via media and advertising campaigns, and the Written Questions answered between 22 and 29 September 2005 production of bilingual literature. Kirsty Williams: Have any decisions been made regarding the future funding of the Xenos initiative? (WAQ44094) Kirsty Williams: What discussions have taken place regarding the future of the Xenos initiative? (WAQ44095) Andrew Davies: Xenos forms part of the current network of business support and its role will be taken forward within the new structures of my department post-merger. Nick Bourne: How many jobs were lost in Wales during the Assembly’s summer recess? (WAQ44101) Andrew Davies: The latest available employment statistics from the labour force survey are for May to July 2005. These show total employment in Wales at 1,321,000, up 3,000 on the previous three months and up 2,000 on the same period in 2004. Nick Bourne: How many people have used the mini bus link from Rhoose railway station to and from Cardiff International Airport since the service began? (WAQ44103) Andrew Davies: Following the resumption of passenger rail services on the Vale of Glamorgan line in June, I understand that some 3,300 passenger journeys have been undertaken on the bus link from Rhoose Cardiff international airport station to the airport. Lisa Francis: Will the Minister make a statement on the effect of business rates on businesses in Wales? (WAQ44128) Andrew Davies: We are continually monitoring the effect of business rates on businesses.
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