Agenda and minutes

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd. View directions

Expected timing: 102(v3) 

Media

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Transcript: Transcript for 22/11/2017 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport

The Presiding Officer will call Party Spokespeople to ask questions without notice to the Cabinet Secretary after Question 2.

View Questions

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The item started at 13.30

The first 7 questions were asked. Question 1 was answered by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after question 2.

(45 mins)

2.

Questions to the Counsel General

Minutes:

The item started 14.21

The 7 questions were asked.

(20 mins)

3.

Topical Questions

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Further to reports of spending on celebrity speakers by GwE, will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on accountability arrangements for regional education consortia in Wales?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport

Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr): Will the government make a statement on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road enlargement scheme, following reports that the long term cost of the project could soar from £428m to more than £1.2bn?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services

Leanne Wood (Rhondda): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the impact of the UK Budget on public sector pay in Wales?

Minutes:

The item started 14.45

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Education

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Further to reports of spending on celebrity speakers by GwE, will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on accountability arrangements for regional education consortia in Wales?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport (answered by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance)

Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr): Will the government make a statement on the A465 Heads of the Valleys road enlargement scheme, following reports that the long term cost of the project could soar from £428m to more than £1.2bn?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services (answered by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance)

Leanne Wood (Rhondda): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the impact of the UK Budget on public sector pay in Wales?

(5 mins)

4.

90 Second Statements

Minutes:

The item started at 15.02

David Melding made a statement on the final judgment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in the case of General Ratko Mladic.

(5 mins)

Motions to elect Members to committees

The item started at 15.05

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24 it was agreed to group the following motions for debate, and in accordance with Standing Order 12.40 it was agreed to group the votes on the motions.

NDM6575 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.3, elects Mick Antoniw (Labour) as a Member of the Scrutiny of the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister in place of Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour).

NDM6582 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Jane Hutt (Labour) as a Member of the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee in place of Eluned Morgan (Labour).

NDM6583 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Jenny Rathbone (Labour) as a Member of the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee in place of Jeremy Miles (Labour).

NDM6584 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Jane Hutt (Labour) as a Member of the Finance Committee in place of Eluned Morgan (Labour).

NDM6585 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Dawn Bowden (Labour) as a Member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee in place of Jenny Rathbone (Labour).

NDM6586 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Mick Antoniw (Labour) as a Member of the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee in place of Joyce Watson (Labour).

NDM6587 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Joyce Watson (Labour) as a Member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee in place of Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour).

NDM6588 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Mick Antoniw (Labour) as a Member of the  Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee in place of Hannah Blythyn (Labour).

NDM6589 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Joyce Watson (Labour) as a Member of the  Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee in place of Jeremy Miles (Labour).

NDM6590 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Lee Waters (Labour) as a Member of the  Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee in place of Hannah Blythyn (Labour).

NDM6591 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Jenny Rathbone (Labour) as a Member of the  Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee in place of Dawn Bowden (Labour).

NDM6592 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Rhianon Passmore (Labour) as a Member of the  Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee in place of Jeremy Miles (Labour).

The motions were agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(60 mins)

5.

Debate on the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee report: Digital Infrastructure in Wales

NDM6558 Russell George (Montgomeryshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee on its inquiry, 'Digital Infrastructure in Wales', which was laid in the Table Office on 20 September 2017.

Note: The response by the Welsh Government was laid on 15 November 2017.

Minutes:

The item started at 15.05

NDM6558 Russell George (Montgomeryshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee on its inquiry, 'Digital Infrastructure in Wales', which was laid in the Table Office on 20 September 2017.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

(60 mins)

6.

Welsh Conservatives debate

NDM6571 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets's inquiry into the impact of the armed forces covenant in Wales and notes its recommendations.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to consider the recommendations put forward by the inquiry to ensure all available support is provided for military personnel, veterans and their families in Wales.

Cross-Party Group on Armed Forces and Cadets – Inquiry into the impact of the Armed Forces Covenant in Wales

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 Julie James (Swansea West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes the Welsh Government support that is provided for military personnel, veterans and their families in Wales, including:

a) The collaborative approach of the multi-agency expert group to considering issues affecting the Armed Forces community and collective means of addressing these issues;

b) the additional £100k a year funding for the Veterans' NHS Wales service, to enhance its capacity and improve its ability to help veterans in need;

c) clarity on the wide range of services available through delivery of its key policy documents Package of Support, Welcome to Wales and the Housing Referral Pathway; and

d) appointment of pan-Wales Armed Forces Liaison Officers to ensure a consistent approach in the delivery of the Covenant.

Giving and Receiving – Package of Support

Welcome to Wales

Housing Referral Pathway

Amendment 2 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to update the National Assembly for Wales on the implementation of the National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel.

Amendment 3 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes the decision to include questions about service in the armed forces in the National Rough Sleeping Count and calls on the Welsh Government to publish the data collected.

Minutes:

The item started at 15.56

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6571 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets's inquiry into the impact of the armed forces covenant in Wales and notes its recommendations.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to consider the recommendations put forward by the inquiry to ensure all available support is provided for military personnel, veterans and their families in Wales.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

15

0

32

47

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Julie James (Swansea West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes the Welsh Government support that is provided for military personnel, veterans and their families in Wales, including:

a) The collaborative approach of the multi-agency expert group to considering issues affecting the Armed Forces community and collective means of addressing these issues;

b) the additional £100k a year funding for the Veterans' NHS Wales service, to enhance its capacity and improve its ability to help veterans in need;

c) clarity on the wide range of services available through delivery of its key policy documents Package of Support, Welcome to Wales and the Housing Referral Pathway; and

d) appointment of pan-Wales Armed Forces Liaison Officers to ensure a consistent approach in the delivery of the Covenant.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

47

0

0

47

Amendment 1 was agreed.

Amendment 2. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to update the National Assembly for Wales on the implementation of the National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

47

0

0

47

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes the decision to include questions about service in the armed forces in the National Rough Sleeping Count and calls on the Welsh Government to publish the data collected.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

47

0

0

47

Amendment 3 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6571 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets's inquiry into the impact of the armed forces covenant in Wales and notes its recommendations.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to consider the recommendations put forward by the inquiry to ensure all available support is provided for military personnel, veterans and their families in Wales.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government support that is provided for military personnel, veterans and their families in Wales, including:

a) The collaborative approach of the multi-agency expert group to considering issues affecting the Armed Forces community and collective means of addressing these issues;

b) the additional £100k a year funding for the Veterans' NHS Wales service, to enhance its capacity and improve its ability to help veterans in need;

c) clarity on the wide range of services available through delivery of its key policy documents Package of Support, Welcome to Wales and the Housing Referral Pathway; and

d) appointment of pan-Wales Armed Forces Liaison Officers to ensure a consistent approach in the delivery of the Covenant.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to update the National Assembly for Wales on the implementation of the National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel.

5. Welcomes the decision to include questions about service in the armed forces in the National Rough Sleeping Count and calls on the Welsh Government to publish the data collected.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

47

0

0

47

The motion as amended was agreed.

(60 mins)

7.

United Kingdom Independence Party debate

NDM6566 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that:

a) introducing new Welsh taxes without the consent of the electorate, and treating Wales as an experimental tax laboratory, will damage the reputation of both the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales; and

b) UK and Welsh taxes are high enough already, stifling entrepreneurship and growth and squeezing the budget of those on low incomes.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government not to prioritise research into new Welsh taxes but, instead, to pursue policies to improve economic growth and the creation of well paid jobs, which neither place extra tax burdens on individuals and businesses, nor punish individuals for their lifestyle choices.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that tax devolution to Wales provides an opportunity to enhance the accountability of Welsh Government to the people of Wales.

2. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s consultation on the possibility of introducing an innovative tax to support environmental and public health policy objectives.

3. Supports the introduction of a tax on disposable expanded polystyrene packaging.

4. Calls on the UK Government to devolve air passenger duty and corporation tax to Wales.

[If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 2 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the Wales Act 2014 and the Wales Act 2017, which devolve more powers to the National Assembly for Wales and provide greater accountability in relation to the day-to-day workings of the Welsh Government.

2. Believes that a comprehensive tax base encourages greater prosperity.

3. Regrets the Welsh Government’s proposal to introduce a tax on the tourism industry in Wales.

Wales Act 2014

Wales Act 2017

[If amendment 2 is agreed, amendment 3 will be de-selected]

Amendment 3 Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes it unanimously voted in favour of the decision to test the Wales Act mechanism to propose new taxes in a debate on 4 July 2017.

Minutes:

The item started at 16.45

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6566 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that:

a) introducing new Welsh taxes without the consent of the electorate, and treating Wales as an experimental tax laboratory, will damage the reputation of both the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales; and

b) UK and Welsh taxes are high enough already, stifling entrepreneurship and growth and squeezing the budget of those on low incomes.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government not to prioritise research into new Welsh taxes but, instead, to pursue policies to improve economic growth and the creation of well paid jobs, which neither place extra tax burdens on individuals and businesses, nor punish individuals for their lifestyle choices.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

5

0

42

47

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that tax devolution to Wales provides an opportunity to enhance the accountability of Welsh Government to the people of Wales.

2. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s consultation on the possibility of introducing an innovative tax to support environmental and public health policy objectives.

3. Supports the introduction of a tax on disposable expanded polystyrene packaging.

4. Calls on the UK Government to devolve air passenger duty and corporation tax to Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

8

0

39

47

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the Wales Act 2014 and the Wales Act 2017, which devolve more powers to the National Assembly for Wales and provide greater accountability in relation to the day-to-day workings of the Welsh Government.

2. Believes that a comprehensive tax base encourages greater prosperity.

3. Regrets the Welsh Government’s proposal to introduce a tax on the tourism industry in Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

10

8

29

47

Amendment 2 was not agreed.

Amendment 3. Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes it unanimously voted in favour of the decision to test the Wales Act mechanism to propose new taxes in a debate on 4 July 2017.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

42

0

5

47

Amendment 3 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6566 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes it unanimously voted in favour of the decision to test the Wales Act mechanism to propose new taxes in a debate on 4 July 2017.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

42

0

5

47

The motion as amended was agreed.

8.

Voting Time

Minutes:

The item started at 17.38

Votes Summary

Supporting documents:

(30 mins)

9.

Short Debate – Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

NDM6567 Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

A call for help: Safeguarding missing children in Wales.

Minutes:

The item started at 17.42

NDM6567 Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

A call for help: Safeguarding missing children in Wales.

(30 mins)

10.

Short Debate – Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales) – Postponed from 15 November

NDM6570 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

Business post-Brexit and the opportunities for Wales.

Minutes:

The item started at 18.09

NDM6570 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

Business post-Brexit and the opportunities for Wales.