Written Assembly Questions tabled on 16 March 2017 for answer on 23 March 2017
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
Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr): Will the Cabinet Secretary outline the rules the Welsh Government has in place relating to making policy announcements during the 2017 local government pre-election period? (WAQ73205)
Answer received on 22 March 2017
The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): The Welsh Government has issued guidance for staff during the local government pre-election period which begins on 13th April 2017, which is in line with guidance issued by the UK and Scottish Governments. This can be found at: http://gov.wales/about/cabinet/localgovelectionguidance/?lang=en
Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr): Has the Circuit of Wales been designated as a matter that will fall under the rules regarding purdah for the 2017 local government pre-election period? (WAQ73207)
Answer received on 22 March 2017
Carwyn Jones: The routine business of the Welsh Government will continue during the pre-election period and it should not be necessary to delay all decisions and announcements. However, the Government will be mindful of making major decisions or announcements that may directly affect one or more local authorities. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on figures released by the House of Commons Library which show that areas of north Wales have the worst internet speeds in the UK? (WAQ73206)
Answer recieved on 23 March 2016.
Minister for Science and Skills (Julie James): As a result of the Superfast Cymru project, 196,732 premises across North Wales now have access to superfast broadband, delivering average speeds of 72Mbps. Roll-out completion to eligible properties across the region currently sits at over 80%.
Many parts of North Wales wouldn’t have access to superfast broadband without Superfast Cymru intervention. Roll out continues this year bringing high speed broadband to more homes and businesses.