Agenda and minutes

Venue: Y Siambr - Y Senedd. View directions

Expected timing: 148(v5) 

Media

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Transcript: Transcript for 27/06/2018 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Items
Expected timing No. Item

(45 mins)

1.

Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Education

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

Questions 1- 6 and 9 -11 were asked. Question 7 was not asked. Question 8 was withdrawn. Question 2 was answered by the Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary and Minister after question 2.

 

(45 mins)

2.

Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services

The Presiding Officer will call Party Spokespeople to ask questions without notice to the Cabinet Secretary after Question 3.

View Questions

Minutes:

The item started at 14.15

Questions 2-7, 9 and 10 were asked. Questions 1 and 8 were withdrawn. Question 7 was answered by the Minister for Children, Older People and Social Care. The Deputy Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary and the Minister after question 3.

 

(0 mins)

3.

Topical Questions

No Topical Questions were accepted.

Minutes:

The item started at 14.59

No Topical Questions were accepted

 

(5 mins)

4.

90 Second Statements

Minutes:

The item started at 14.59

Mike Hedges made a statement on Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Town and Country Planning Act

 

Motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow the next item of business to be considered

The item started at 15.00

In accordance with Standing Order 12.44, the bell was rung at 15.02 and the meeting suspended and reconvened at 15.07.

NDM6754 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Orders 33.6 and 33.8:

Suspends Standing Order 12.20(i), 12.22(i) and that part of Standing Order 11.16 that requires the weekly announcement under Standing Order 11.11 to constitute the timetable for business in Plenary for the following week, to allow NNDM6753 to be considered in Plenary on Wednesday, 27 June 2018.

The result was as follows:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

35

4

9

48

As two thirds of the Members voting supported the Motion, the Motion was agreed.

 

(60 mins)

5.

Debate on NNDM6753 - The Secretary of State for Wales

NNDM6753 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. No longer has confidence in the Secretary of State for Wales to deliver major infrastructure projects, following the decision of the Westminster government not to support the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.

2. Has no confidence in the post of the Secretary of State for Wales and believes it should be abolished and replaced with a properly constituted UK council of Ministers with shared and equal decision-making powers.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete all after National Assembly for Wales and replace with:

1. Regrets the UK Government’s failure to invest in major infrastructure projects in Wales, including the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and electrification of the mainline between Cardiff and Swansea.

2. Regrets the Secretary of State for Wales’ failure to stand up for Wales and to support the need for greater UK Government investment in major infrastructure projects in Wales.

3. Believes:

a) there must be deeper and more sustained co-operation between the UK Government and the devolved governments;

b) the UK’s inter-governmental machinery must be reformed with a new UK council of Ministers, served by an independent secretariat, to strengthen decision making and collaboration.

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

Amendment 2 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

 1. Notes the significant achievements of the Secretary of State for Wales including:

a) the agreement with the Welsh Government of a historic fiscal framework; b) the abolition of the Severn bridge tolls;c) significant investment in city and regional growth deals across Wales; andd) the recent announcement of advanced negotiations to develop and construct a new nuclear power station at Wylfa Newydd.

2. Notes the inability of the Welsh Government to deliver progress on major infrastructure projects across Wales, following its rejection of the Circuit of Wales and its continued failure to deliver improvements to the M4, A40 and A55.

3. Believes the post and office of the Secretary of State for Wales is vital in representing Wales's interests at a UK-Government level.

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 15.07

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NNDM6753 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. No longer has confidence in the Secretary of State for Wales to deliver major infrastructure projects, following the decision of the Westminster government not to support the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.

2. Has no confidence in the post of the Secretary of State for Wales and believes it should be abolished and replaced with a properly constituted UK council of Ministers with shared and equal decision-making powers.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

9

0

40

49

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete all after National Assembly for Wales and replace with:

1. Regrets the UK Government’s failure to invest in major infrastructure projects in Wales, including the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and electrification of the mainline between Cardiff and Swansea.

2. Regrets the Secretary of State for Wales’ failure to stand up for Wales and to support the need for greater UK Government investment in major infrastructure projects in Wales.

3. Believes:

a) there must be deeper and more sustained co-operation between the UK Government and the devolved governments;

b) the UK’s inter-governmental machinery must be reformed with a new UK council of Ministers, served by an independent secretariat, to strengthen decision making and collaboration.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

30

1

18

49

Amendment 1 was agreed

As amendment 1 was agreed, amendment 2 was de-selected

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NNDM6753 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Regrets the UK Government’s failure to invest in major infrastructure projects in Wales, including the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and electrification of the mainline between Cardiff and Swansea.

2. Regrets the Secretary of State for Wales’ failure to stand up for Wales and to support the need for greater UK Government investment in major infrastructure projects in Wales.

3. Believes:

a) there must be deeper and more sustained co-operation between the UK Government and the devolved governments;

b) the UK’s inter-governmental machinery must be reformed with a new UK council of Ministers, served by an independent secretariat, to strengthen decision making and collaboration.

 

For

Abstain

Against

Total

31

0

18

49

The motion as amended was agreed

 

(30 mins)

6.

Debate on a Member's Legislative Proposal - Leasehold residential houses

NDM6671 Mick Antoniw (Pontypridd)

To propose the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill to:

a) abolish the building of leasehold residential houses in Wales; and

b) improve consumer awareness of the implications of leasehold tenure.

2. Notes that the purpose of the Bill would be to:

a) place a duty on local authorities in Wales to reject all planning applications for leasehold residential housing developments; and

b) place a duty on sales and management agents to provide potential purchasers of existing leasehold properties with information on the implications of leasehold contracts.

Supporters:
Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)
Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central)
Mike Hedges (Swansea East)
Vikki Howells (Cynon Valley)

 

Minutes:

The item started at 16.04

NDM6671 Mick Antoniw (Pontypridd)

To propose the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill to:

a) abolish the building of leasehold residential houses in Wales; and

b) improve consumer awareness of the implications of leasehold tenure.

2. Notes that the purpose of the Bill would be to:

a) place a duty on local authorities in Wales to reject all planning applications for leasehold residential housing developments; and

b) place a duty on sales and management agents to provide potential purchasers of existing leasehold properties with information on the implications of leasehold contracts.

Supporters:
Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)
Jenny Rathbone (Cardiff Central)
Mike Hedges (Swansea East)
Vikki Howells (Cynon Valley)

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

 

(60 mins)

7.

Debate on Petitions P-04-472 Make the MTAN law and P-04-575 Call in all opencast mining applications

NDM6747 David J. Rowlands (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Petitions Committee on petition P-04-472, 'Make the MTAN law and P-04-575 Call in all opencast mining applications - Summary of consideration', which was laid in the Table Office on 27 April 2018.

 

Minutes:

The item started at 16.29

NDM6747 David J. Rowlands (South Wales East)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Notes the report of the Petitions Committee on petition P-04-472, 'Make the MTAN law and P-04-575 Call in all opencast mining applications - Summary of consideration', which was laid in the Table Office on 27 April 2018.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

 

(30 mins)

8.

Plaid Cymru debate - Hydrogen energy

NDM6750 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the report, 'The Potential of Hydrogen in the Decarbonisation of Transport in Wales', which was published by Simon Thomas AM.

2. Notes the Welsh Government's stated intention to build on existing skills and expertise to lead in the UK in hydrogen research and development and investment.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to hold discussions with businesses, researchers and bodies about holding a key event to convey Wales's ambition in relation to the hydrogen economy to a worldwide audience and to trigger the development of a comprehensive hydrogen economy strategy.

The Potential of Hydrogen in the Decarbonisation of Transport in Wales

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

In point 1, after ‘Simon Thomas AM’, insert:

‘, and further notes:

a) the potential of hydrogen as an alternative form of fuel;

b) the importance of hydrogen fuel to the diversification of our energy portfolio;

c) the important distinction between green and brown hydrogen fuel;

d) that green hydrogen fuel is only viable as a by-product of surplus electricity generation, and therefore its limitations should be recognised; and

e) that improvements to Wales’s grid infrastructure are required by the Welsh Government in order to ensure that both electricity and hydrogen can be utilised as green alternatives to fossil fuels.’

Amendment 2 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete points 2 and 3 and replace with:

Notes the Welsh Government’s commitment through the new Economic Action Plan to decarbonise traditional models of business, public services and infrastructure in Wales and shift towards a low-carbon future in a way that can support our economy to diversify and grow.

Notes the Welsh Government’s work to decarbonise the Welsh transport network, including the recent commitment to a 25 per cent reduction in emissions across the Wales and Borders rail network by 2023.

Notes that work to decarbonise the Welsh transport system must be broad based, with the need for creative research and development in alternative infrastructure solutions and across a range of innovative fuels and traction systems, including hydrogen.

Prosperity for All: economic action plan

Amendment 3 - Caroline Jones (South Wales West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government and the UK Government to ensure that any forms of alternative energy that they explore meet the tests of affordability, which include not placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.

 

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 17.13

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6750 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the report, 'The Potential of Hydrogen in the Decarbonisation of Transport in Wales', which was published by Simon Thomas AM.

2. Notes the Welsh Government's stated intention to build on existing skills and expertise to lead in the UK in hydrogen research and development and investment.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to hold discussions with businesses, researchers and bodies about holding a key event to convey Wales's ambition in relation to the hydrogen economy to a worldwide audience and to trigger the development of a comprehensive hydrogen economy strategy.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

10

2

37

49

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

In point 1, after ‘Simon Thomas AM’, insert:

‘, and further notes:

a) the potential of hydrogen as an alternative form of fuel;

b) the importance of hydrogen fuel to the diversification of our energy portfolio;

c) the important distinction between green and brown hydrogen fuel;

d) that green hydrogen fuel is only viable as a by-product of surplus electricity generation, and therefore its limitations should be recognised; and

e) that improvements to Wales’s grid infrastructure are required by the Welsh Government in order to ensure that both electricity and hydrogen can be utilised as green alternatives to fossil fuels.’

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

16

0

32

48

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete points 2 and 3 and replace with:

Notes the Welsh Government’s commitment through the new Economic Action Plan to decarbonise traditional models of business, public services and infrastructure in Wales and shift towards a low-carbon future in a way that can support our economy to diversify and grow.

Notes the Welsh Government’s work to decarbonise the Welsh transport network, including the recent commitment to a 25 per cent reduction in emissions across the Wales and Borders rail network by 2023.

Notes that work to decarbonise the Welsh transport system must be broad based, with the need for creative research and development in alternative infrastructure solutions and across a range of innovative fuels and traction systems, including hydrogen.

Prosperity for All: economic action plan

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

25

0

24

49

Amendment 2 was agreed

Amendment 3 - Caroline Jones (South Wales West)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government and the UK Government to ensure that any forms of alternative energy that they explore meet the tests of affordability, which include not placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.

A vote was taken on amendment 3:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

15

0

33

48

Amendment 3 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6750 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the report, 'The Potential of Hydrogen in the Decarbonisation of Transport in Wales', which was published by Simon Thomas AM.

2. Notes the Welsh Government’s commitment through the new Economic Action Plan to decarbonise traditional models of business, public services and infrastructure in Wales and shift towards a low-carbon future in a way that can support our economy to diversify and grow.

3. Notes the Welsh Government’s work to decarbonise the Welsh transport network, including the recent commitment to a 25 per cent reduction in emissions across the Wales and Borders rail network by 2023.

4. Notes that work to decarbonise the Welsh transport system must be broad based, with the need for creative research and development in alternative infrastructure solutions and across a range of innovative fuels and traction systems, including hydrogen.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

26

0

23

49

The motion as amended was agreed.

 

(30 mins)

9.

Plaid Cymru debate - Head and neck cancers

NDM6751 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Notes the increase in incidence of head and neck cancers among men.

2. Notes the evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in protecting against these cancers.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to extend its HPV vaccination programme to all adolescent boys.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

3. Notes that the Welsh Government is awaiting advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on whether to extend the HPV vaccination programme to adolescent boys.

 

 

Minutes:

The item started at 17.41

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6751 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Notes the increase in incidence of head and neck cancers among men.

2. Notes the evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in protecting against these cancers.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to extend its HPV vaccination programme to all adolescent boys

For

Abstain

Against

Total

23

1

25

49

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1 - Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete point 3 and replace with:

3. Notes that the Welsh Government is awaiting advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on whether to extend the HPV vaccination programme to adolescent boys.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

27

0

22

49

Amendment 1 was agreed

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM6751 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.  Notes the increase in incidence of head and neck cancers among men.

2. Notes the evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in protecting against these cancers.

3. Notes that the Welsh Government is awaiting advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on whether to extend the HPV vaccination programme to adolescent boys.

For

Abstain

Against

Total

35

13

0

48

The motion as amended was agreed

 

10.

Voting Time

Minutes:

The item started at 18.07

 

Votes Summary

Supporting documents:

(30 mins)

11.

Short Debate

NDM6749 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

The Welsh Baccalaureate: education or indoctrination?

 

Minutes:

The item started at 18.12

NDM6749 Neil Hamilton (Mid and West Wales)

The Welsh Baccalaureate: education or indoctrination?