National Assembly Committee puts questions from the public to the First Minister
16 July 2013
A National Assembly for Wales Committee will be putting questions from members of the public to the First Minister at a meeting in North Wales on Friday 19 July.
The Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister has been asking people to submit their own questions concerning future major infrastructure projects in North Wales, including those affecting the road and rail networks as well as energy generation.
It is the first time a National Assembly Committee has used a twitter hashtag (#FMWQT) to encourage people to take part in a formal meeting.
The questions will be asked, along with others from the Committee, during the meeting at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhosllanerchrugog near Wrexham at 09.45 on Friday 19 July.
“I would like to thank all of those who took part and submitted questions for our meeting,” said David Melding AM, Chair of the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister.
“Social networks are a powerful tool for talking to and exploring ideas with people and the Committee is keen to use these channels to involve the Welsh public in our work.
“My fellow Committee Members and I were struck by the detail and depth of interest in this particular area from the people of Wales and we are looking forward to hearing what the First Minister has to say.”
The questions selected came from a number of people and organisations across Wales:
What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure that communities receive some benefits from infrastructure developments (for example through direct financial payments, support for wildlife projects or the ownership of community based renewable energy schemes)?
What is the Welsh Government doing to improve road and rail transport links between north and south Wales?
Why isn’t it possible for Wales to have its own energy national grid and for the country ultimately to be energy self sufficient?
What is the Welsh Government doing to encourage other forms of renewable energy as an alternative to wind - such as tidal power and micro-hydro schemes?
What is the long-term legacy for Wales from the wind and nuclear power industries including the whole ‘lifetime’ carbon footprint of these industries (including manufacture, construction, operation, decommissioning)?
The meeting is open to the public and there will be an open mic session at the end of formal proceedings for attendees to ask questions of, or put comments to, the Committee.
Anyone wishing to attend the meeting should contact the National Assembly booking line on 0845 010 5500 or email assembly.bookings@wales.gov.uk.