Written Assembly Questions tabled on 22 July 2015 for answer on 29 July 2015
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
Simon Thomas: What discussions has the First Minister had regarding the UK Government's proposals to close courts in Carmarthen and other locations across Wales, which will affect access to justice? (WAQ69039)
Derbyniwyd ateb ar 5 Awst 2015
First Minister (Carwyn Jones):
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Shailesh Vara, wrote to me following his statement to Parliament on 16 July about the UK Government's consultation on the provision of courts and tribunals services in England and Wales.
We have made clear to the UK Government our deep concern at the proposed closures of so many court premises in Wales, which will make access to justice more difficult for citizens in Wales, particularly the most vulnerable in society and those living in rural areas, deprived areas and the valleys. I am working closely with my Ministers to prepare a full and substantive response to the UK Government on the impacts of its proposals for the future provision of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service in Wales.
To ask the Minister for Natural Resources
Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales): Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government's position on the habitats directive fitness check, which comes to an end in July? (WAQ69036)
Answer received on 5 August 2015
The Minister for Natural Resources (Carl Sargeant):
The European Commission is undertaking a Fitness Check (REFIT) of the EU nature legislation (specifically, the Directive on the conservation of wild birds; and the Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora).
The UK submitted its response to the European Commission's consultants in April 2015.The Welsh Governments response together with Natural Resources Wales views was included.
Both Directives are considered to have been critical in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in the UK and in raising the profile of Special Protection Areas for Birds and Special Areas of Conservation (as part of a broader EU network of sites). This has been crucial in setting a level playing field for nature conservation across Member States.
There are areas where additional European Commission guidance would be welcome, in particular on ensuring that the costs of implementing the Directives continues to be proportionate and are outweighed by the benefits.
Particular issues of concern for Wales relates to the difficulties of designating sites to support the conservation of mobile habitats and species; the costs of gathering data and evidence; the need for connectivity between different habitats whilst promoting a broader ecosystem approach to the management of sites in line with the requirements set out in the Environment (Wales) Bill and in our developing Natural Resources Management policies.
To ask the Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport
Nick Ramsay (Monmouth): Will the Minister outline what the Welsh Government is going to do to support those people who will be looking for jobs following the recent announcement of the closure of the renewables Section at Mabey Bridge in Chepstow? (WAQ69037)
Nick Ramsay (Monmouth): Will the Minister make a statement on the announcement of the loss of over 150 jobs at Mabey Bridge in Chepstow with the closure of the renewables section? (WAQ69038)
Answer received on 24 July 2015
The Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport (Edwina Hart):
Since the announcement, my officials have been working with the company and the prospective buyer of the business to try and overcome the issues that caused the original deal to collapse. These efforts are still ongoing and a number of proposals have been made to Mabey Group. I have written to the chairman of Mabey Group to encourage him to seek a solution that retains employment on the site. In the meantime, a staff consultation process is underway and we will ensure appropriate support is provided to employees, as we did when the company announced the separate closure of it's Infrastructure division in Chepstow at the end of last year.
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What consideration has the Minister given to the harm caused by indoor air pollutants from air fresheners/cleaning products to those with lung conditions, and what action does the Welsh Government intend to take regarding this matter? (WAQ69040)
Answer received on 29 July 2015
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Mark Drakeford):
These are matters for the UK Government. The manufacture of cleaning products, their chemical composition and labelling in the UK are regulated through EU-wide legislation, notably the 2006 Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation and the 2008 Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acts as the competent authority for these regulations on behalf of the Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers. Proposals for any additional controls on specific uses of chemicals would be taken forward by the UK at an EU level.
In all workplaces, cleaning products used are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, which sits alongside REACH. This applies to their storage, use and disposal to ensure protection of both staff and the public. Workplace health and safety is the responsibility of the HSE and is not devolved to the Welsh Government.
From a public health perspective, perfumes can be a trigger for asthma and allergies for some individuals but there are many other triggers which can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions not related to indoor chemical exposure or perfume. In all cases, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using each product. Regardless of circumstances, it is always important, from a public health perspective, to ensure good ventilation in any building where people may be present.
Detailed information about REACH, CLP and COSHH is available from the HSE's website.