Written Assembly Questions tabled on 11 June 2014 for answer on 18 June 2014
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
Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Can the First Minister confirm that there has been no undue pressure put on Natural Resources Wales by Welsh Government – by either Minister or officials - regarding the evidence they presented to the Mid Wales Conjoined Wind Farm Public Inquiry? (WAQ67220)
Answer received on 18 June 2014
The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): Yes. The evidence presented was produced for Natural Resources Wales by an external consultant and is entirely a matter for them. Neither Ministers or officials have offered any advice or direction on the evidence presented.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): What arrangements are there to assist people to protest during the NATO conference in Newport? (WAQ67224) W
Answer received on 23 June 2014
The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): I have been briefed by the police Gold Commander on the planning for the NATO Summit. The multi agency planning for the NATO Summit reflects a commitment to protecting the legitimate right to peaceful protest. As part of this, the Police Services have already been engaging with some groups who are seeking to protest.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills
Mark Isherwood (North Wales): Will schools and colleges in Wales continue to offer the A-level science AQA certificate or will they only offer science A-levels from the WJEC from September 2015? (WAQ67222)
Answer received on 17 June 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): AQA has informed Welsh Government that it does not intend to develop science A levels that will meet the requirements for delivery in Wales from September 2015.
The Welsh Government has developed Qualification Principles which provide the framework and criteria against which awarding organisations must develop AS and A level qualifications to be presented for accreditation in Wales. All A level awarding organisations in Wales, England and Northern Ireland were invited to develop specifications that meet these principles. However, only WJEC are committed to developing reformed A levels to be taught in Wales from September 2015.
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
Leighton Andrews (Rhondda): What is the average waiting time for flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in each of the LHBs; and how has that varied over the last five years? (WAQ67221)
Answer received on 18 June 2014
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Mark Drakeford): The average (median) waiting time for flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy for each of the Local Health Boards is shown in the tables below:
Source: StatsWales, Diagnostic and Therapy Services
I announced in March an additional £4million to help accelerate the reduction in diagnostic waiting times over the coming year. I expect to see improvements over the coming months.
Simon Thomas (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister provide an update on the work of opening a new renal unit in Withybush Hospital? (WAQ67223) W
Answer received on 3 July 2014
Mark Drakeford: It is possible there may be some slippage against the anticipated July opening date of the new renal unit. I understand that some additional legal and financial issues have arisen between the Welsh Renal Clinical Network (WRCN), Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board. Whilst they are actively working to resolve these issues, there is a dependence on the outcomes of the specialist advice being sought which may pose a risk to the current timetable.
My officials are pressing to ensure the new unit opens as soon as possible. I will keep you informed of progress.