​Written Assembly Questions tabled on 8 December 2016 for answer on 15 December 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 First Minister

Steffan Lewis (South Wales East): What assessment has been‎ made on the impact of leaving the 1) single market and 2) customs union on the economies of each local authority and/or city region in Wales? (WAQ71693)

Answer received on 14 December 2016

The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): If the UK did not secure uninterrupted, full and unfettered access to the EU Single Market for goods, services and capital the negative economic impacts are likely to be felt widely across sectors, local authority areas and city regions in Wales. Similarly, if the UK did leave the customs union our concerns on potential consequences would not be limited to specific localities.
 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister provide the figure for the number of towns in Wales with no high street bank branches, and comment on the announcement by NatWest that it is to close its Conwy branch in July 2017? (WAQ71690)

Answer received on 14 December 2016

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure (Ken Skates): Whilst the regulation of the banking industry is a non-devolved issue and branch closures are a commercial matter for the banks, we are keen to ensure that businesses and individuals across Wales have access to banking facilities, including cash deposits and collection facilities.  We have put measures in place to support this.

We do not hold the information you have requested with regard to the number of towns in Wales with no high street bank branches, however the British Banking Association (BBA) may hold information on which towns do have bank branches. The BBA's statistics team can be contacted at stats@bba.org.uk.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport

Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on Rosedale Medical Group in Llanelli, which is handing its General Medical Services contract back to Hywel Dda University Health Board in April 2017 because of difficulties in recruiting full-time GPs? (WAQ71684)W
 
Answer received on 22 December 2016

Vaughan Gething:  Mae Grŵp Meddygol Rosedale yn cynnwys pedwar practis meddyg teulu sydd wedi'u lleoli yn Llansawel, Llanelli, Castell-nedd a Phort Talbot sy'n rhoi gofal i tua 17,000 o gleifion. Mae'r Grŵp Meddygol wedi dewis rhoi rhybudd i Fwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda i ddod â'i gontract â'r practis meddyg teulu sydd wedi'i leoli yn Heol Andrew, Llanelli, sy'n gofalu am tua 2,600 o gleifion, i ben ar 31 Mawrth 2017. Mae'r bwrdd iechyd, sy'n gyfrifol am ddarparu gwasanaethau gofal iechyd, wedi ysgrifennu at gleifion meddygfa Heol Andrew i'w sicrhau y bydd gwasanaethau lleol yn parhau yn eiddo'r feddygfa ac mae hefyd wedi sefydlu llinell gymorth ar gyfer cleifion. Mae'r bwrdd iechyd hefyd wedi cynnull panel practis gwag ynghyd i ystyried yr holl opsiynau a byddant yn ysgrifennu at gleifion ym mis Chwefror i roi gwybod iddynt am eu cynlluniau ar gyfer eu gofal iechyd yn y dyfodol.
 
Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cydnabod yr heriau ar gyfer dyfodol gofal sylfaenol ac mae'n cydnabod bod angen newid y ffordd y mae gofal sylfaenol yn cael ei ddarparu.  Mae'r model clwstwr gofal sylfaenol yn dod â phractisau ynghyd i gefnogi ei gilydd ac i weithio gyda thimau gofal sylfaenol yn ehangach, gan gynnwys fferyllwyr clinigol, therapyddion, nyrsys ymarfer uwch, gofal cymdeithasol a phartneriaid eraill. Ymhlith y modeli cyflenwi gofal sylfaenol eraill sy'n cael eu datblygu mae ffederasiynau meddygon teulu; mentrau cymdeithasol; a modeli gwasanaethau meddygol cyffredinol sy'n cael eu darparu gan feddygon teulu sy'n bartneriaid a meddygon teulu cyflogedig. Rydym yn parhau i weithio mewn modd rhagweithiol ac yn cydweithio â Chymdeithas Feddygol Prydain, Coleg Brenhinol yr Ymarferwyr Cyffredinol a gweithwyr proffesiynol gofal sylfaenol yn ehangach. 
 
 
Suzy Davies (South Wales West): Will the Minister confirm whether businesses were consulted on the night time economy framework and, if so, which areas of Wales they are in? (WAQ71685)
 
Answer received on 14 December 2016

Minister for Social Services and Public Health (Rebecca Evans): There was a 12 week public consultation on the Night Time Economy Framework, which ran from September to December last year. All sectors, including the business sector, had the opportunity to respond to the consultation exercise. 
 
Responses were received from the organisations which represent different business sectors. These included the: 
Association of Convenience Stores

Suzy Davies (South Wales West): Following the written statement launching the night time economy framework, what expectations does the Minister have for police input into urban design, so that regeneration can play a role in combating anti-social behaviour? (WAQ71686)
 
Answer received on 22 December 2016

Rebecca Evans: The Framework provides examples of best practice and suggested actions for local authorities and others to consider in order to make local night time economies safer.  We already work closely with the police in a number of areas. Officials are currently advising them on the preparation of guidance on designing development to reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour. We recommend local authorities consult Designing out Crime Officers on development proposals where there is potential to eliminate or reduce crime.  I would want the police to be involved in the design of regeneration projects, so would encourage local authorities to engage with them and the Design Commission for Wales on this at the earliest opportunity. 
 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Further to WAQ71206, will the Minister provide the estimates for June 2016 and the Welsh Government's assessment of the Welsh harvest this year? (WAQ71674)
 
Answer received on 14 December 2016

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Lesley Griffiths): The 2016 Welsh Agricultural Survey results were published on 24 November and are the primary source of information about agricultural land, livestock and farm labour covering all known farms.

The key results from Welsh Agricultural Survey for 2016 are:

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): What is the Welsh Government's assessment of EID Cymru, the electronic sheep and goat movement recording system for Wales? (WAQ71675)
 
Answer received on 22 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: EIDCymru represents a significant investment by the Welsh Government to provide Wales with a modern and robust movement reporting and traceability system for sheep and goats.  It provides another safeguard against the scale and significant cost of diseases of the type we faced in 2001 with the foot and mouth disease outbreak and contributes to the modernisation of the industry.

It has been well received by the industry since its launch on 18 January 2016 and continues to operate effectively. All active livestock markets, abattoirs, collection centres and assembly centres in Wales are reporting moves electronically to EIDCymru and over 2500 users have registered on the system.

 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Minister confirm who the partners of the "Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Partnership Activity Plan" are? (WAQ71676)
 
Answer received on 14 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: The partnership agreement is between the Welsh Government and the Chair of the Wales Heads of Trading Standards panel who represent Local Authorities across Wales on animal health and welfare enforcement matters.

 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Further to WAQ71577, will the Minister confirm what activities were undertaken by Hybu Cig Cymru in relation to extending the shelf life of Welsh red meat, and can she confirm what each of the "three stages" of their preliminary studies were? (WAQ71677)
 
Answer received on 22 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: The shelf life programme was launched by HCC in July 2013 and was the main industry development focus at the HCC Annual Conference that November.  The objective was to identify and encourage the adoption of cost effective measures which could extend shelf-life and reduce wastage. 
Activities were undertaken in three stages during 2013-16.  The focus was primarily on raising the awareness within the red meat industry and identifying action which could enhance shelf-life.

Stage 1 - Awareness raising and engagement.
This activity focussed primarily on lamb producers, processors, and industry bodies including the Food Standards Agency and Livestock Auctioneers Association.

• More than 40 awareness raising meetings were undertaken by HCC involving the whole supply chain.
• Presentations on shelf-life were delivered to processor producer groups and at Farming Connect open days.
• Enhancing shelf-life was integrated into the syllabus of over 130 HCC Livestock Selection training events.  
• HCC published literature and case studies and promoted awareness through all HCC farmer-facing events.

 
Stage 2 - Investigational work.
Studies were undertaken to identify actions at farm and processor level to enhance shelf-life and to identify the barriers to implementing them.  These found:

• Ensuring lambs have empty guts prior to slaughter can significantly reduce the potential microbial contamination of the carcase from wet, soiled fleeces.

• A case study was produced of Rhug Estate which already achieved a shelf life of 42 days for lamb. Whole supply chain analysis showed a major contributor to long shelf life was the cleanliness of livestock.

• A survey was undertaken to determine psychological factors that influence various sectors within the supply chain to change current methods and adopt new approaches to the cleanliness of livestock and enhanced approaches to meat processing. Initial survey work was undertaken with producers and SME abattoirs during 2014 and a larger scale online producer survey was undertaken during 2015 that attracted 190 responses.

 
Stage 3 – Dissemination and future work
HCC has updated factsheets to give producers step by step guidance on the actions they can implement.  HCC continues to promote the clean livestock message at HCC events and livestock selection courses (and at Farming Connect events), and it is developing guidelines for livestock markets to encourage presentation and maintenance of clean lambs.  HCC is also encouraging slaughter houses to report on the quality of lambs presented, taking account of cleanliness and clipping.

Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Further to WAQ71581, will the Minister confirm what changes in taxation rules the Welsh Government would like to see implemented? (WAQ71678)
 
Answer received on 14 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Government supports a taxation system which helps achieve our vision of a prosperous and resilient agriculture sector. It must encourage on-farm investment and not act as a barrier for entry or exit to the industry. Any proposed changes to the taxation system for agriculture need to be considered as a whole rather than at an individual taxation rule to avoid unintended consequences. 

 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Further to WAQ71573, will the Minister confirm when the three multi-lot frameworks will be established for the supply and distribution of Fresh Foods and Beverages, Packaged Food and Beverages and Food and Drink Related Products? (WAQ71679)
 
Answer received on 14 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: I expect the three multi lot frameworks will be awarded in summer 2017.

 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government's position on puppy farming in Wales? (WAQ71680)
 
Answer received on 14 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) have contributed to raising dog breeding standards across Wales and address concerns about irresponsible breeding practices. We issued detailed guidance, and provided training, to Local Authorities before we introduced the Regulations to ensure they were implemented properly. We continue to work with Local Authorities to ensure the Regulations are enforced correctly and effectively. 
 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Following the Welsh Government's implementation of the 30 day prevention zone in relation to the H5N8 outbreaks in Europe, will the Minister confirm what monitoring arrangements she has put in place to monitor this strain of avian influenza? (WAQ71681)

Answer received on 19 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: We are monitoring the situation in Europe, working with International Disease Monitoring team in the Animal and Plant Health Agency and surveillance has also increased across GB, with the expansion of the wild bird found dead reporting service to include single reports of target species, ducks, geese, swans and gulls. In the press and media, we have also encouraged poultry keepers to report any signs of disease in their flocks. 
 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): Will the Minister outline her priorities for the Rural Development Programme, following the transition period out of the European Union? (WAQ71682)

Answer received on 19 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: It is essential after we leave the EU the UK Government provides Welsh Government with at least equivalent funding to replace what is currently being received through the CAP.  My priority is to develop a future support programme which is better designed to deliver public goods and support rural businesses. 
 
Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire): How is the Welsh Government promoting sustainable deer management across Wales? (WAQ71683)

Answer received on 14 December 2016

Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Government is promoting sustainable Deer management via its strategy for Wild Deer Management which was published in 2011. The associated action plan is being updated by officials working with stakeholders and will be launched in Spring 2017.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister advise how the findings of the national rough sleeping count are being taken forward, particularly with regard to those authorities where no unoccupied emergency beds have been identified as being available? (WAQ71687)

Answer received on 14 December 2016

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Carl Sargeant): The rough sleeper data is considered by the Rough Sleeper Working Group, which includes representatives from Local Authorities and the Third Sector and will be used to assist Local Authorities with their forthcoming statutory homelessness reviews and the publication of their strategies during 2018.
 
We are exploring a number of options with partners to further develop tools to monitor rough sleeping.
 
The areas that have identified a rough sleeper population, but have no emergency beds available for rough sleepers should review their existing provisions.  The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 makes provision for local authorities to accommodate homeless people whilst supporting them to secure a housing solution. 
 

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): What support will the Minister provide to local authorities for the provision of appropriate shelter for those sleeping rough over the winter period? (WAQ71688)

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): What is the Minister doing to support those sleeping rough in Wales this winter? (WAQ71689)
 
Answer received on 22 December 2016 

Carl Sargeant:  Local Authorities and a range of organisations are provided with funding through our Homelessness Prevention grant to support those who do not have accommodation available to them.  Local authorities receive additional funding each year to assist them with the delivery of their homelessness duties and provision of cold weather plan is explicitly referenced in the Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness 2016.
 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government

 Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): How much funding has been provided to each local authority for each financial year since 2011-12 for the purpose of broadcasting/webcasting council meetings, and what consideration has the Minister given to reinstating this funding? (WAQ71691)

Answer received on 13 December 2016 

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Mark Drakeford): £40,000 was provided to each local authority during the financial year 2012-2013 to assist them with setting up the broadcasting of their meetings.

The previous Draft Local Government Bill contained proposals to make it compulsory for public meetings of a principal council to be broadcast. I am now considering whether to include this within the emerging proposals for local government reform. Should such a provision be taken forward in fresh legislation, the cost implications would be considered at that time.

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister make a statement on the requirement of education staff to register with the Education Workforce Council, and outline how much was received by the EWC from education professionals in Wales in 2015-16, and how this was spent? (WAQ71692)

Answer received on 13 December 2016 

Cabinet Secretary for Education (Kirsty Williams): The registration of the wider education workforce is just one of the tools the Welsh Government is using to help drive up the standards of teaching and the quality of learning in our schools and colleges in Wales.
 
Registration with a regulatory body helps to ensure that only suitable and qualified practitioners are developing the skills of our young people to progress; thus improving learner outcomes and prospects.
 
In terms of the 2015-2016 spend, the Education Workforce Council (EWC) is an independent, self funding, regulatory body for the education workforce in Wales and it would therefore, be inappropriate for Welsh Ministers to comment on how their funding is spent. I can assure you however, that the EWC's accounts are independently audited annually and the audits reports are published on the EWC website.