Answers issued to Members on 15 December 2008

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

Contents

Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport

Nerys Evans (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister detail any recent developments regarding the Freight Strategy for Wales? (WAQ52871)

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): The Wales Freight Strategy Group has formalised its Terms of Reference and are creating specialist sub groups to advise on the delivery of the strategy. Work to be initiated in the coming months are: Lorry Rest Parks—Identification of Need and Distance and the potential to co-locate with Load Consolidation Centres. Inter Modal Transfer options, incorporating transfers from road to water/rail.

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): What discussions has the Minister had recently with UK Government colleagues and the Scottish Executive about the harmonisation of the concessionary bus pass schemes in England, Scotland and Wales across the United Kingdom? (WAQ52872)

The Deputy First Minister: I have not had any discussions with the UK Government and the Scottish Government. However, my officials did recently attend such a meeting although no commitment has been made to a UK-wide scheme.

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on the decision to approve the Mwyndy Cross development near Llantrisant? (WAQ52866)

The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): The decision on this planning appeal was issued on 23 October 2008. In this instance the decision was taken by the First Minister because the appeal site fell within my constituency. Once issued the decision is final and the Welsh Ministers have no further jurisdiction in the matter unless the decision is successfully challenged, on legal points only, in the High Court when it would be returned to the Welsh Ministers to be considered again. The period for a legal challenge expired on 4 December 2008 and we have not been informed by the Court of any challenge. I cannot comment on the merits of the decision or the reasoning behind it.