Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 20 October 2009

[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 Minister for Health and Social Services

Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs

Questions to the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government

To ask the Minister for the Economy and Transport

Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on the job losses in Wales announced by Fujitsu Services. (WAQ55002)

Answer issued on 22 October 2009

Fujitsu has entered into a three month consultation process at UK level where labour issues will be discussed with the respective unions. The proposed reductions are expected to be complete by the end of 2009 and all affected employees will be offered guidance and support.

To ask the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): When does the Minister expect to make an announcement regarding the way forward with 'Supporting People’ funding. (WAQ54997)

Answer issued on 23 October 2009

The Deputy Minister for Housing (Jocelyn Davies): I have not yet reached a decision on the handover of Supporting People Revenue Grant. I have asked the WLGA and Cymorth Cymru to work with my officials to consider the way forward, taking into account the issues and concerns that have been expressed. I wish to ensure that any decision made around the handover does not affect the delivery of services to vulnerable people.  

To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister make a statement on progress in developing not-for-profit nursing homes built in Wales since the introduction of the One Wales Agenda. (WAQ54998)

Answer issued on 23 October 2009

The Deputy Minister for Housing (Jocelyn Davies): We have been considering a range of options to identify the best approach and are now developing a "Resource Centre Model” model in partnership with local authorities and Local Health Boards to meet this commitment.  This will provide a single facility for local services including nursing home provision which is particularly relevant for rural communities.

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister make a statement on the number of nurses available to write prescriptions. (WAQ54999)

Answer issued on 20 October 2009

This information is not held centrally.

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Who will check the standards proposed in the One Wales Agenda to improve hospital food and hospital cleanliness, and who will decide whether or not these improvements have been made. (WAQ55000)

Answer issued on 20 October 2009

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales carries out reviews of hospital cleanliness.  Where improvements are required, an action plan is drawn up by the NHS organisation and monitored by officials through health regional offices.  The quality of hospital food is monitored at ward level and is an element of the "Fundamentals of Care”.

To ask the Minister for Rural Affairs

Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): What support does the Minister plan to provide to Welsh fishermen prevented from scallop fishing in Cardigan Bay until 1 March 2010. (WAQ55003)

Answer issued on 23 October 2009

To protect the fishery in the short-term and to seek the long-term viability of the fishery I took the very difficult decision to extend the closed season until the 28th February 2010 under the Prohibition of Fishing for Scallops (Wales) Order 2009 and I recognise the burden that the scallop fishermen face as a result of this extension. I have no fund available to me to offer compensation in such circumstances. However, my officials are seeking to find the best solution possible to secure the long term sustainability of the fishery as part of a healthy marine ecosystem. I hope shortly to announce the details of a new Welsh Scallop Order to be introduced as of 1 March 2010.

To ask the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister make a statement on the level of prescription drug abuse since the publishing date of the One Wales Agenda. (WAQ55001)

Answer issued on 22 October 2009

The Welsh National Database for Substance Misuse reports that there have been 1931 referrals for treatment as a result of the misuse of prescription drugs since July 2007. The Welsh Assembly Government Substance Misuse strategy 'Working Together to Reduce Harm’ three year implementation plan sets out the Assembly’s commitments in relation to prescription only and over the counter medicines. These actions include supporting research into prescribing patterns for benzodiazepines, consulting with relevant professional bodies to encourage responsible prescribing and dispensing; and reviewing service provision to ensure that services are available for those dependent on prescription only and over the counter medicines.