Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
07/07/2021Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Economy
Will the Minister make a statement on support for independent travel agents affected by the coronavirus pandemic?
I recognise the incredibly difficult and uncertain circumstances currently being experienced by travel agencies. Supply chain businesses, including travel agencies, impacted by a greater than 60 per cent downturn in their turnover should consider an application to our economic resilience fund. The fund targets businesses that continue to be affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Climate Change on the impact that the review of road building in Wales will have on the Welsh economy?
The review is in its infancy. Given the obvious crossover, our departments work very closely together. Once the panel has been established and provided its reports, I look forward to discussing the results with the Minister for Climate Change to take full advantage of the economic possibilities.
Will the Minister provide an update on employment rates in Rhondda?
Between 2011 and 2020, the employment rate in Rhondda Cynon Taf increased by 4.8 percentage points and the unemployment rate fell from 10.4 per cent to 5.4 per cent.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to support high-street businesses in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire?
Our £136 million Transforming Towns programme, alongside wider business support, is vital in assisting the economic and social recovery of our town centres. We have ambitious plans for our town/city centres, and our priority is to secure their long-term sustainability by driving footfall and making them attractive places to be.
Questions For - Minister for Health and Social Services
What steps are being taken to improve access to cancer treatment and diagnosis for residents of South Wales Central following the pandemic?
Our approach to improving cancer diagnosis and treatment for the whole of Wales is set out in the quality statement for cancer, published on 22 March 2021, alongside our COVID recovery plan. Health boards will respond to this approach through their annual planning.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve the morale of staff working in the NHS?
Welsh Government continues to work in social partnership with employers and health unions to recognise the amazing hard work of our NHS workforce, and to improve morale. We implemented the bonus payment earlier this year and created positive changes in working practices and environments to allow appropriate rest and recovery time.
What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle patient waiting times in North Wales?
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB has a six-point recovery plan. This includes the facilitation of extra activity and capacity using insourcing and outsourcing. Insourcing will be delivered through weekend working across all three sites and outsourcing will be undertaken via the independent sector. The health board will use recovery funds to support this.
Will the Minister provide an update on routine cancer screening programmes in Wales?
The bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening programmes recommenced last summer after a temporary pause to screening at the start of the pandemic. Public Health Wales, which is responsible for the delivery of the national screening programmes, has prepared, and is implementing, recovery plans for each programme.