Written Assembly Questions tabled on 7 July 2016 for answer on 14 July 2016
R - Signifies the Member has declared an interest.
W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
(Self-identifying question no. shown in brackets)
Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What assessment has the Minister made of the coverage benefits of reforming the planning framework in Wales to allow for taller mobile masts under Permitted Development? (WAQ70631)
Answer received on 13 July 2016
The Minister for Skills and Science (Julie James): My officials are working closely with colleagues within the planning division to determine the impact of amending permitted development rights in relation to mobile phone infrastructure. In addition I have met and my officials are in regular contact with mobile network operators and have received representations from them about the importance of the planning regime in delivering connectivity.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What assessment has the Minister has made of competition in the mobile transmission market in north Wales? (WAQ70632)
Answer received on 13 July 2016
Julie James: The provision of usable and reliable mobile phone services, particularly 4G, across Wales continues to be a challenge for mobile network operators, including in north Wales. As networks expand to deliver Ofcom’s 4G coverage obligations and the geographic coverage agreement between the UK Government and the mobile industry, users will increasingly benefit from a choice of providers and improved network coverage.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What representations has the Minister's department received on the likely mobile coverage impact on Wales of the Electronic Communications Code? (WAQ70633)
Answer received on 13 July 2016
Julie James: The Mobile Network Operators have made representations in meetings that both I and officials have held with them about the importance of a revised Electronic Communications Code in enabling the expansion of their networks.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Minister provide an update on the work being undertaken by HASCAS and Donna Ockenden following findings of institutional abuse on the Tawel Fan ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, including the anticipated timetable for completion of their work? (WAQ70635)
Answer received on 13 July 2016
The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (Vaughan Gething): The health board has recently appointed a new Director for External Investigations, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, to provide senior leadership to this significant work programme. The post has been successfully recruited and the new Director, Tina Long, started on 1 July. Tina is an experienced former Director of Nursing and will work closely with organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing in taking forward this area of work.
This work requires a full and rigorous investigation so that the final reports provide a clear and full picture of what took place. It is important that the investigation and report process is not compromised by an arbitrary time limit and therefore at this stage no final date for completion of the work has been set.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What consideration has the Minister given to the nuisance caused by urban gull populations and will she take action to support a reduction in gull populations in urban areas? (WAQ70634)
Answer received on 12 July 2016
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Lesley Griffiths): Nuisance caused by Gulls in Wales is a matter for Local Authorities to take action.