Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
10/07/2019Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Counsel General and Brexit Minister
What assurances has the Counsel General received from the UK Government that plans for the shared prosperity fund will respect the devolution settlement?
The UK Government has committed a number of times to respect devolution in developing the Shared Prosperity Fund, but their actions have resolutely not done so. We urgently need certainty that our devolved competences will be respected as well as confirmation of replacement EU funding in full.
How does the Welsh Government intend to safeguard tourism from the EU post-Brexit?
Visit Wales is working closely with VisitBritain and across Welsh Government in preparing for the impact of Brexit on tourism in Wales. We are adopting a proactive yet flexible marketing approach in a number of international markets, including Ireland, and are continually monitoring the situation as it evolves.
What discussions has the Counsel General had with UK Ministers on the role that Wales will play in negotiations on the future relationship with the EU?
I continue to press the UK Government for clarity on our role in the next phase of negotiations. As I set out at the meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations last month, reaching agreement on many areas is a constitutional necessity.
What is the Welsh Government doing to help businesses in Ogmore prepare for a no-deal Brexit?
While the Welsh Government cannot protect all businesses from the wide ranging damaging impacts of Brexit, it is doing all it can to support businesses in preparations for EU exit and this support is available to businesses in all parts of Wales.
Questions For - Minister for Economy and Transport
Will the Minister provide an update on the take up of apprenticeships by small and medium enterprises in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney?
Official statistics are unavailable at this level. However, approximately 57 per cent of around 520 apprenticeship learning programmes started with employers in the parliamentary constituency of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney in the 2017-18 academic year, were identified as being employed by a small or medium enterprise.
How is the Welsh Government ensuring job opportunities are created in the Rhondda?
We are improving the environment for business and decent jobs in the Rhondda and across Wales through the provision of finance and advice to businesses, the delivery of transport, digital and property infrastructure and the broadening and deepening of our skills base.
Will the Minister make a statement on the support available for bus services in North Wales?
Since 2013 the Welsh Government has provided local authorities with £25 million a year to support local bus and community transport services across Wales. Towards the end of 2017-18 we provided an additional £3 million to support the bus network, in addition to other specific grants allocated to support public transport services.