Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 8 December 2009

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

Contents

Questions to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services

To ask the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): When does the Minister intend to bring forward an announcement regarding Cardiff Council’s plans to build a new school on Rumney recreation ground. (WAQ55234)

Answer issued on 07 December 2009

As you are aware, the published proposal received objections and in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures, the matter has been referred for determination.

The very large number of objections and the complexity of the proposal mean that it is not possible to say with any certainty when a decision will be issued. At present, I am hoping that this may be before the end of the current school term, but this cannot be guaranteed.

To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services

Nick Bourne (Mid & West Wales): Will the Minister advise why she chose not to consult the Vending Choice Coalition when preparing the Welsh Assembly Government's Guidance for Vending Machines in Hospitals in Wales. (WAQ55230)

Answer issued on 03 December 2009

The Vending Choice Coalition only came into existence in December 2008, so it was not possible to consult them prior to the launch of the Health Promoting Hospital Vending Guidance in September 2008. When preparing the Welsh Assembly Government's Guidance for Vending Machines in Hospitals in Wales, my officials engaged with the Automatic Vending Association (AVA) as part of their industry exchange. Reference is made to the AVA in the guidance.  The Chief Medical Officer has met with the Vending Choice Coalition since the introduction of the guidance, and officials will continue to engage with them as the work on this agenda progresses.

Nick Bourne (Mid & West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on the completion of payment of salary arrears to NHS staff in Monmouthshire due to the implementation of Agenda for Change. (WAQ55231)

Answer issued on 09 December 2009

Payment of salary arrears is a matter between employer and employee.  I understand that there were some delays in a few of the former Local Health Boards in sorting out Agenda for Change assimilation and the payment of arrears.  

Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board has taken over the handling of any such residual issues on behalf of the old Gwent health community.

I would have expected all such issues to have been resolved some time ago.  If you are aware of any particular cases where this has not happened it should be brought to the attention of the Agenda for Change Lead at the LHB.

Nick Bourne (Mid & West Wales): What is the Minister doing to improve the survival rate of lung cancer patients in Wales. (WAQ55232)

Answer issued on 09 December 2009

The Welsh Assembly Government's policy document "Designed to Tackle Cancer in Wales”, and its accompanying strategic frameworks, set out the actions being taken on cancer, including lung cancer.  

Nick Bourne (Mid & West Wales): What is the Minister doing to increase awareness of lung cancer to encourage early diagnosis in Wales. (WAQ55233)

Answer issued on 09 December 2009

The Welsh Assembly Government participates in the Lung Cancer Awareness working group to encourage lung cancer awareness amongst frontline healthcare professionals.  In addition, as at least 80% of all deaths from lung cancer are attributed to smoking, we have focussed on raising awareness of the link between smoking and lung cancer.  We have:

• Provided information to young people on this association through the annual Smoke-free Class Competition for 11-13 year olds and the ASSIST programme for 12-13 year olds;  

• Provided information to adults outlining smoking as a cause of lung cancer, including the Health Challenge Wales website and the 'Cancer: reduce the risk’ and the 'I Quit: How to leave smoking behind you’ publications;

• Raised awareness of the link between exposure to second-hand smoke and lung cancer as part of the public information campaign for the introduction of the smoke-free legislation in Wales in April 2007.