Answers issued to Members on 28 February 2008
[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 Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Jonathan Morgan (Cardiff North): What meetings or discussions has the Minister had with Tesco plc regarding job losses at their office at Maes-y-Coed Road, Cardiff? (WAQ51219)
Substantive
answer following holding reply.
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): No meetings have been held to date, however a Welsh Assembly Relationship Manager is due to meet with Norman Reaney, Head of Operations at Tesco, Maes-y-Coed Road, to discuss company strategy, opportunities for expansion and threats in relation to the Cardiff Centre. Discussions will also focus upon local operational issues and opportunities for Welsh Assembly support.
Questions to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement on university top-up fees in Wales and whether she intends to remain committed to the policy once the cap on variable fees is lifted for universities in England? (WAQ51096)
Substantive
answer following holding reply issued on 7 February2008.
The Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (Jane Hutt): The One Wales agreement makes it clear that, as far as this policy area is concerned the Assembly Government will do whatever is possible to mitigate the effect on Welsh-domiciled students if the Westminster government lifts the cap on fees in 2009.
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Alun Cairns (South Wales West): What approach is the Minister taking towards private financing within her portfolio? (WAQ51383)
Alun Cairns (South Wales West): Would the Minister give details about her policies on use of private funds on waste management? (WAQ51384)
Alun Cairns (South Wales West): What approach is the Minister taking towards PFI or PPP in her waste management policies? (WAQ51385)
The
Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson):
I refer to the response provided by the First Minister on behalf of all Cabinet Colleagues to Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales) on 30 January 2008.
In relation to waste management, I am committed to achieving value for money in delivering waste management facilities. Projects to deliver municipal waste management are put out to tender in accordance with the EU public procurement Directive.
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs
Lorraine Barrett (Cardiff South and Penarth): What role do advisory non-departmental public bodies within the Minister's Department have with regard to animal welfare in Wales? (WAQ51297)
Substantive
answer following holding reply.
The Minister for Rural Affairs (Elin Jones): Although not an Assembly Sponsored Public Body (ASPB), the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Steering Group advises the Welsh Assembly Government. Its role is to discuss, advise and agree the priorities for animal health and welfare as well as comment and review progress of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Action Plan.
The Group to date has considered a wide range of issues, including Parasitology, Bovine TB, Bluetongue and Contingency Planning for Animal Disease and Endemic Diseases in Farmed Livestock.