Written Assembly Questions tabled on 13 August 2014 for answer on 20 August 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

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the First Minister make a statement on his meeting with the Argentinian Ambassador at the National Eisteddfod and in particular what discussions he had around the Falkland Islands? (WAQ67602)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): The meeting was an opportunity to re-sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Wales and Chubut in order to reflect the change in constitutional arrangements in Wales. There were no discussions about the Falkland Islands.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Since the start of the Fourth Assembly, how much time has been taken off by civil servants due to illness and what were the associated costs to the Welsh Government in each of those financial years? (WAQ67620)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): Staffing within the Welsh Government is a matter for the Permanent Secretary. I have asked him to write to you separately with the information you have requested.

To ask the Minister for Natural Resources, Culture and Sport

Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales): Further to your answer to question WAQ67552, will you list every meeting in the last two years where the Welsh Government and the UK Government have discussed drilling for unconventional gas and its licensing, including what decisions were taken regarding drilling for unconventional gas and its licensing? (WAQ67599W)

Answer received on 20 Awst 2014

The Minister for Natural Resources, Culture and Sport (John Griffiths): Since August 2012 officials have participated in monthly telephone discussions with the Department of Energy and Climate Change and other bodies to discuss regulatory matters relating to onshore oil and gas and ensure the interests of Wales are considered. Decisions regarding the licensing of conventional and unconventional oil and gas in Great Britain are matters for the UK Government.

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister outline the funding plans from the Welsh Government in relation to the support provided for the National Eisteddfod over the next three years? (WAQ67505)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Carwyn Jones: The National Eisteddfod receives an annual revenue grant under the Welsh Government’s Grants for the Promotion of the Welsh Language. For the 2014-2015 financial year the grant awarded was £543,000. The grant contributes to the Eisteddfod’s core staffing costs, and targets are agreed annually.

An extra £84,750 was awarded to the National Eisteddfod in February 2014 to implement several of the recommendations made by the Task and Finish Group that was established to look at modernising the Eisteddfod. A further £30,000 of capital funding was awarded to part fund the mobile Theatre that was used to host professional theatre performances by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru at this year’s Eisteddfod, which will also be available and in future years. Due to the additional funding, improvements to this year’s Maes in Llanelli included:

• a variety of different ‘villages’ created on the Maes eg food, folk, art and drama

• Caffi Maes B was located in a Tipi with large colourful seats outside and a small stage for bands

• the Eisteddfod worked closely with Ty Gwerin, which was located in a very attractive Yurt, designed so that the audience could call in and out easily

• Other projects included preparing a report on the economic effect of the Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire, a visitor profiling exercise, ticket packaging, a series of performances on the Maes, developing the online ‘Arts’ section and developing the Eisteddfod’s use of social media.

In the current financial climate we must ensure that we prioritise our expenditure to ensure the greatest impact on promoting the use of the Welsh language. The National Eisteddfod will be invited to submit an application for a grant for 2015-16 in due course.

To ask the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty

Aled Roberts (North Wales): Given the decision to cut funding for play Wales, what support will the Welsh Government offer to playworkers currently studying the ‘Playwork: Principles into Practice’ qualification to enable them to complete their studies? (WAQ67588)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty (Jeff Cuthbert:) I recognise that the decision raises concerns about the future of Play Wales, and more specifically the delivery of the Playwork: Principles into Practice (P3) qualification and how this may affect the play workforce.  In the first instance the delivery of the P3 qualification to learners is a matter for Play Wales.

My officials are in discussion with Play Wales about this matter and the future role of the organisation.

Aled Roberts (North Wales): What support has the Minister given to Play Wales to help diversify its activities to generate more sustainable forms of income? (WAQ67589)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Jeff Cuthbert: We have provided significant funding to Play Wales for a number of years. In the financial years from 2011 to 2014, they have received:

2011-12     £372,855

2012-13     £361,669

2013-14     £361,669

We have also provided an additional six months funding in 2014/15 of £180,834.

I know that there is concern about the decision not to provide Play Wales with funding through the Children and Families Delivery Grant. Obviously, we would not wish to see Play Wales discontinuing, but the future direction of the organisation is a matter for the Trustees, as is the main responsibility to develop sustainable income generation.

Aled Roberts (North Wales): What support can the Minister offer to Play Wales to seek alternative sources of funding to continue its work? (WAQ67590)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Jeff Cuthbert: We would not wish to see Play Wales discontinuing and we are continuing to fund them under current grant arrangements until the end of September. Ministers have been in discussions with the Chair of Trustees about the current situation.

To ask the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport

David Rees (Aberavon): Will the Minister state how many jobs in Wales require an educational background in a) chemistry or b) science in general? (WAQ67591)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

Minister for Economy, Science and Transport (Edwina Hart): There are a vast array of jobs in Wales that require an educational background in both Chemistry and Science. They range from teaching to food production, research, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and many more, but we do not have statistics that relate to this question specifically.

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister make a statement on road improvements at Cardiff West junction 33, outlining the duration of the works, the costs and the eventual outcomes for traffic management at junction 33? (WAQ67503)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Edwina Hart: A dedicated slip road from the M4 west to the A4232 south is being constructed. This will improve the journey time and traffic flow both from M4 eastbound and M4 westbound to the A4232 southbound. Construction is ongoing and is expected to be completed early summer 2015. The budget for the scheme is £5.4m.

Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East): Further to her answer to WAQ67549 will the Minister advise what evidence has been provided to demonstrate the Circuit of Wales project has secured any private capital to date? (WAQ67614)

Mohammad Asghar (South Wales East): Further to her answer to WAQ67549 will the Minister advise what proportion of the the total amount of private capital required to fund the Circuit of Wales project has been secured to date? (WAQ67615)

Answer received on 19 August 2014 (WAQ67614-5)

Edwina Hart: I refer to my previous answer. The grant is conditional on the promoters securing all of the private capital required.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Minister state what happens to any surplus money that exists in the Glastir scheme budget if the anticipated number of farmers do not take part in the scheme? (WAQ67617)

Answer received on 15 August 2014

The Minister for Economy, Science and Transport (Edwina Hart): Any surplus budget from any RDP scheme will be redistributed within the RDP as appropriate and adhering to rules set out in European Regulations.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Minister outline her policies for supporting dairy farmers in Wales? (WAQ67618)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Rebecca Evans: The Welsh Government is helping to build confidence in the sector by putting in place a Rural Development Programme (2014-2020) to develop profitable and sustainable dairy businesses.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): What is the Minister doing to promote awareness about the dangers of working in the farming industry? (WAQ67621)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Rebecca Evans: Welsh Government is working with the Health and Safety Executive and members of the Wales Safety Partnership to encourage farmers to avoid taking unnecessary risks and to promote the importance of good health and safety.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills

David Rees (Aberavon): Will the Minister provide information on how many chemistry teachers in Wales a) have a chemistry degree or b) have undertaken chemistry specific professional development? (WAQ67592)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

The Minister for Education and Skills (Huw Lewis): Those wishing to become qualified teachers must meet certain entry requirements before they can undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Teaching is a graduate profession and legislation currently in force requires those who successfully complete a course of ITT to hold a UK first degree or equivalent qualification.

The aim is to ensure that teachers have attained a certain level of subject knowledge, understanding and transferrable intellectual skills associated with graduate status. The legislation does not specify that teachers should hold a degree in a particular subject to teach, however trainees will be required to demonstrate that they have specific subject knowledge in the subject in which they are being trained to teach to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

The QTS standards do not require primary trainees  to be trained to teach a specialist subject, but course providers are encouraged to offer a specialisation and can set a particular subject knowledge entry requirement.

The General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) maintains a register of teachers able to work in schools in Wales which includes some information on qualifications they hold. However, the accuracy of this information is dependent on that provided by teachers when they register and on any updates they subsequently provide.

The GTCW has provided the following information that they currently hold on registered teachers which shows how many Chemistry teachers working in secondary schools in Wales hold a first degree. This is further broken down to show how many have a Chemistry degree and how many hold other degrees or whose degree is unknown. It is possible that these two latter categories may include teachers who hold science based degrees and it is generally recognised that there is some transferability of skills in the broad science subject groups.

Neither the Welsh Government nor the GTCW hold information on the nature of professional development undertaken by individual teachers and this information is held by schools.

Number of GTCW registered teachers working in the secondary phase in Wales who teach chemistry by first degree subject held, as at August 2014

• For the purpose of this data request, the following subjects recorded on an individual teacher qualification record have been grouped under the degree subject of chemistry.

David Rees (Aberavon): Will the Minister provide information on how many primary schools in Wales have a) a science subject leader and b) a science subject leader who has a degree or A level in science? (WAQ67593)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

Huw Lewis: This information is held by schools and is not included in the data gathered as part of the Pupil Level Annual School Census. The General Teaching Council for Wales has also confirmed it does not hold this information on its register.

William Graham (South Wales West): What is the total cost of all Welsh Government staff working towards the Jobs Growth Wales contract? (WAQ67607)

William Graham (South Wales West): How many Welsh Government staff are employed to work directly on the Jobs Growth Wales contract? (WAQ67608)

William Graham (South Wales West): How many new staff have been taken on to work on the Jobs Growth Wales contract during the last 12 months? (WAQ67609)

Answer received on 19 August 2014 (WAQ67607-9)

Ken Skates: The annual staff cost projected for the current financial year is approximately £300k. There are 10 members of staff that work on the programme, no additional staff have been appointed within the last 12 months.

Russell George (Montgomeryshire): Will the Minister state how many responses the Welsh Government received to its Additional Learning Needs White Paper? (WAQ67619)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

Huw Lewis: I am pleased to report that we have received 215 responses to the White Paper on Legislative Proposals for Additional Learning Needs. The comments are being considered and a Summary of Consultation Responses will be published in due course.

David Rees (Aberavon): What plans does the Welsh Government have to increase the numbers of specialist chemistry and specialist primary science teachers in Wales? (WAQ67622)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

Huw Lewis: We continue to encourage the very best qualified people with the right skills and personal qualities to consider teaching as a career. In January I announced a package of financial incentives aimed at attracting those with the highest levels of subject knowledge and subject specialism onto postgraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses in academic year 2014/15.

Depending on degree classifications financial incentives of up to £20,000 will be available to students with a chemistry degree undertaking their secondary postgraduate ITT course in Wales in 2014/15. Incentives are also available for primary postgraduate trainees who have obtained a 1^st degree classification in a curriculum subject, including the sciences, to help support the teaching of specialist subjects in our schools.

David Rees (Aberavon): How many primary school teachers in Wales have a science degree, or an A Level in a science subject? (WAQ67623)

Answer received on 19 August 2014

Huw Lewis: Those wishing to become qualified teachers must meet certain entry requirements before they can undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Teaching is a graduate profession and legislation currently in force requires those who successfully complete a course of ITT to hold a UK first degree or equivalent qualification.

The aim is to ensure that teachers have attained a certain level of subject knowledge, understanding and transferrable intellectual skills associated with graduate status. The legislation does not specify that teachers should hold a degree in a particular subject to teach, however trainees will be required to demonstrate that they have specific subject knowledge in the subject in which they are being trained to teach to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

The QTS standards do not require primary trainees to be trained to teach a specialist subject, but course providers are encouraged to offer a specialisation and can set a particular subject knowledge entry requirement.

The General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) maintains a register of teachers able to work in schools in Wales which includes some information on qualifications they hold. However, the accuracy of this information is dependent on that provided by teachers when they register and on any updates they subsequently provide.

The GTCW has provided the following information that they currently hold on registered teachers working in the primary phase who have a first degree subject related to science.

Neither the Welsh Government nor the GTCW hold information on the numbers of primary school teachers with an A Level in a science subject.

Number of GTCW registered teachers working in primary phase who have a first degree subject related to Science, as at August 2014

• The following subjects recorded on an individual teacher qualification record have been grouped into the degree subject of biology.

• The following subjects recorded on an individual teacher qualification record have been grouped into the degree subject of chemistry.

• The following subjects recorded on an individual teacher qualification record have been grouped into the degree subject of science.

To ask the Minister for Finance

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister provide a breakdown of the annual costs for the carpool for use by Welsh Government Ministers including, but not exclusively, the cost of chauffeurs and the maintenance of vehicles? (WAQ67597)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

The Minister for Finance (Jane Hutt): The most recent full year costs of the official car service (2013-14) are shown below:

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Will the Minister outline how the £37.7m of Barnett consequential received over the past three years as a result of the Early Years Childcare announcements in England has been spent? (WAQ67600)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Jane Hutt: The £37.7m received as a result of Early Years Childcare announcements was partly offset by other negative consequentials included in the UK Government Autumn Statement 2011. The net revenue consequentials generated from the 2011 Autumn Statement increased the Welsh Block by £11.6m taking all three financial years from 2012-13 to 2014-15 into account.

In line with usual practice, this amount was added to reserves upon receipt. It has since been allocated in line with Welsh Government priorities as set out in our budgets.

To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister advise what counselling support and advocacy services are available in north Wales to help those suffering with a gambling addiction? (WAQ67594)

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister advise what follow-up services are available in North Wales to help those recovering from a gambling addiction? (WAQ67595)

Answer received on 19 August 2014 (WAQ67594/5)

The Minister for Health and Social Services (Mark Drakeford): There are no specific medical interventions for gambling although psychological interventions can help individuals change their behaviour. People can access advice and support via organisations such as Gamblers Anonymous, their GP, or mental health services, should the issue impact on or be caused by mental ill-health. In addition, GamCare provides support, information and advice to anyone suffering through a gambling problem and can be reached on 0808 8020133. The Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) is also available every day of the year for individuals who are experiencing mental distress. The number is 0800 132 087 or text HELP to 81066.

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister provide a statement on the available provision of laser treatment in north Wales to cure hirsutism in the Welsh NHS? (WAQ67596)

Answer received on 20 August 2014

Mark Drakeford: Health boards may provide dermatologist delivered laser surgery to treat hirsutism and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board would consider the provision of this treatment where there are severe and/or unusual symptoms and where it is causing psychological harm or depression. On behalf of patients, clinicians may also make an Independent Patient Funding Request to the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) for laser surgery delivered by a plastic surgeon for the removal of hair from areas directly involved in reconstruction or if the patient is on a pathway of care for gender reassignment, but only for areas directly involved in reconstructive surgery.

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister provide a timetable for the review of the Welsh Government’s Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan? (WAQ67601)

Answer received on 27 August 2014

The Deputy Minister for Social Sevices (Gwenda Thomas): I will write to you and a copy of the letter will be placed on the internet.

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): What assessment has the Minister made of the availability of suitable services for adults with autism in Wales? (WAQ67606)

Answer received on 27 August 2014

Gwenda Thomas: I will write to you and a copy of the letter will be placed on the internet.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Minister make a statement on the number of Chairs and Vice Chairs of Welsh NHS Trusts and Local Health Boards who have been or currently are; a) members; b) campaigners: or c) donors of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Party, providing the answer by NHS organisation? (WAQ67611)

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Minister make a statement on the number of members of Welsh NHS Trusts and Local Health Boards who have been or currently are; a) members, b) campaigners, or c) donors of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Party, providing the answer by NHS organisation? (WAQ67612)

Answer received on 21 August 2014 (WAQ67611-2)

Mark Drakeford : Of the 10 chairs, none have declared political activity on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Of the 10 vice chairs, one, the vice chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, declared political activity on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Of the 79 members of health boards and NHS trusts, a member of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust declared political activity on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Minister make a statement on the number of members of Welsh community health councils who have been or currently are: a) members; b) campaigners; or c) donors of Plaid Cymru, providing the answer by community health council? (WAQ67610)

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Minister make a statement on the number of members of Welsh community health councils who have been or currently are; a) members; b) campaigners; or c) donors of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Party, providing the answer by community health council? (WAQ67613)

Answer received on 19 August 2014 (WAQ67610/13)

Mark Drakeford: There are approximately 130 Community Health Council members, who are appointed via the public appointments process. Of these, three have declared political activity on behalf of Plaid Cymru, and three have declared political activity on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Party.

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister provide the number of beds in each district general hospital in South Wales Central, giving a breakdown for the last three years and also the projected breakdown of beds for the next two years? (WAQ67504)

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister provide the number of community beds that are available within the two health board areas of South Wales Central, giving a breakdown for the last three years and also the projected breakdown of beds for the next two years? (WAQ67616)

Answer received on 21 August 2014 (WAQ67504 & WAQ67616)

Mark Drakeford: Figures for bed numbers in district general and community hospitals in the South Wales Central area for the past three years are attached at annex one. The Welsh Government does not have data for Ysbyty Cwm Cynon.

Projected bed figures are not available. Bed complements need to be flexible to enable the NHS to respond to changes in demand.

To ask the Minister for Local Government and Government Business

Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister advise steps she takes to ensure that all local authorities have published the minutes of meetings as required by section 100c of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985? (WAQ67598)

Answer received on 21 August 2014

Lesley Griffiths: Local Authorities have a statutory duty to make available the minutes (or copies of minutes) from their meetings for inspection by members of the public. This duty is subject to the exceptions contained in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which provides certain information is deemed exempt, such as financial matters or matters concerning an individual.

Where an Authority has not published minutes in accordance with the duty set out above, and the minutes are not exempt under Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act, the course of action is to firstly make a complaint to the Authority, then to Public Services Ombudsman. The final course of action would be to seek a remedy through the Court to make an order for the publication of the minutes.