Agenda and minutes

This meeting was held in a hybrid format, with some Members in the Senedd Chamber and others joining by video-conference.

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

View Questions

The item started at 13.30

The first 8 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after question 2.

 

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

View Questions

The item started at 14.19

The first 7 questions were asked. The Presiding Officer invited party spokespeople to ask questions to the Cabinet Secretary after question 2.

 

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice

Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central): What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of National Museum Wales possibly closing National Museum Cardiff due to deteriorating conditions?

To ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care

Altaf Hussain (South Wales West): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the coroner's findings in the death of Dr Kim Harrison which highlighted serious failings at Swansea Bay University Health Board?

The item started at 15.12

Answered by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice

Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central): What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of National Museum Wales possibly closing National Museum Cardiff due to deteriorating conditions?

Answered by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care

Altaf Hussain (South Wales West): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the coroner's findings in the death of Dr Kim Harrison which highlighted serious failings at Swansea Bay University Health Board?

 

The item started at 15.32

Alun Davies made a statement on - Jess Fishlock wins 150 caps for Wales.

Sian Gwenllian made a statement on - Tribute to Zonia Bowen, founder of Merched y Wawr.

Llyr Gruffydd made a statement on - Wrexham AFC are promoted for the second consecutive year.

 

The item started at 15.38

NNDM8542 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 17.14, elects Jane Hutt (Welsh Labour) as a member of the Business Committee in place of Lesley Griffiths (Welsh Labour).

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

The item started at 15.38

NNDM8543 Elin Jones (Ceredigion)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 7.9, appoints Hefin David (Welsh Labour) as a Member of the Senedd Commission.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM8536 Sam Rowlands (North Wales)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 26.11:

Agrees to the general principles of the Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill.

The Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill and Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd on 24 November 2023.

Supporting documents

Report of the Children, Young People and Education Committee

Report of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

Report of the Finance Committee

Response from Sam Rowlands MS to the Children, Young People and Education Committee

Response from Sam Rowlands MS to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

Response from Sam Rowlands MS to the Finance Committee

The item started at 15.38

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

NDM8536 Sam Rowlands (North Wales)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 26.11:

Agrees to the general principles of the Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill.

The Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill and Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd on 24 November 2023.

The result was as follows:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
25	0	26	51

The motion was not agreed.

NDM8535 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the report of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, ‘Nuclear energy and the Welsh economy’, which was laid in the Table Office on 21 February 2024.

Note: The response of the Welsh Government to the report was laid in the Table Office on 10 April 2024. The response from the UK Government was also published on 10 April 2024.

The item started at 16.40

NDM8535 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

To propose that the Senedd:

Notes the report of the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, ‘Nuclear energy and the Welsh economy’, which was laid in the Table Office on 21 February 2024.

Note: The response of the Welsh Government to the report was laid in the Table Office on 10 April 2024. The response from the UK Government was also published on 10 April 2024.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM8537 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

2. Expresses its concern that the political impartiality of the Office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has been compromised.

3. Notes that:

a) the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations of political impartiality; and

b) the person appointed is James Goudie KC.

4. Does not believe that the appointment is appropriate given that James Goudie KC is a former Labour parliamentary candidate, a former chairman of the Society of Labour Lawyers, a former Labour spokesman for Legal Affairs in the House of Lords, and a former Labour leader of Brent Council.

5. In accordance with Standing Order 17.2, instructs the Finance Committee to urgently review the operations, processes and investigations carried out by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to ensure:

a) that impartiality and fairness are present throughout the employment of the former Head of Investigations; and

b) that the Senedd can have confidence that the office is able to undertake future investigations with impartiality and fairness.

6. Calls upon the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to disclose the terms of the departure of the former Head of Investigations, in the interest of public scrutiny.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes:

a) the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales;

b) that the Ombudsman has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations;

c) that as a ‘listed authority’ subject to the supervision of the Ombudsman, it would not be appropriate for the Welsh Government to comment on the investigation; and

d) the expectation of the Senedd for the Ombudsman to report back to the Senedd in due course with the outcome of the investigation.

The item started at 17.28

NDM8537 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

2. Expresses its concern that the political impartiality of the Office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has been compromised.

3. Notes that:

a) the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations of political impartiality; and

b) the person appointed is James Goudie KC.

4. Does not believe that the appointment is appropriate given that James Goudie KC is a former Labour parliamentary candidate, a former chairman of the Society of Labour Lawyers, a former Labour spokesman for Legal Affairs in the House of Lords, and a former Labour leader of Brent Council.

5. In accordance with Standing Order 17.2, instructs the Finance Committee to urgently review the operations, processes and investigations carried out by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to ensure:

a) that impartiality and fairness are present throughout the employment of the former Head of Investigations; and

b) that the Senedd can have confidence that the office is able to undertake future investigations with impartiality and fairness.

6. Calls upon the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to disclose the terms of the departure of the former Head of Investigations, in the interest of public scrutiny.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose.

2. Regrets the north and south transport divide in Wales, with £50 million allocated to the North Wales Metro, and over £1 billion to the South Wales Metro.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to urgently:

a) undertake a review of the current road-building tests with a view to implementing all previously scrapped schemes that will boost economic growth or enhance road safety;

b) reverse the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 and adopt a targeted approach to 20mph speed limits in Wales; and

c) invest in public transport to make buses and trains more competitive with travelling by car.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes:

a) the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose;

b) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales is a regrettable consequence of the fact that decisions about transport are made and controlled by people outside Wales;

c) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales stems from historical and current failures to invest in intra-Wales journeys; and

d) resolving issues within the Welsh transport network will only be possible by devolving all powers over transport to Wales.

2. Calls on Welsh Government to:

a) reconsider its decision not to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government’s decision to designate HS2 an England and Wales project;

b) act with haste to implement the continuous review of the impact of the new speed limits, as previously agreed by the Senedd’s vote in favour of NDM8347 as amended, on 13 September 2023;

c) prioritise fair funding for buses that places bus funding on an equitable basis to rail funding; and

d) work with the UK Government to devolve all powers over transport to Wales.

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

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.

The item started at 17.52

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

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose.

2. Regrets the north and south transport divide in Wales, with £50 million allocated to the North Wales Metro, and over £1 billion to the South Wales Metro.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to urgently:

a) undertake a review of the current road-building tests with a view to implementing all previously scrapped schemes that will boost economic growth or enhance road safety;

b) reverse the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 and adopt a targeted approach to 20mph speed limits in Wales; and

c) invest in public transport to make buses and trains more competitive with travelling by car.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
15	0	36	51

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes:

a) the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose;

b) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales is a regrettable consequence of the fact that decisions about transport are made and controlled by people outside Wales;

c) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales stems from historical and current failures to invest in intra-Wales journeys; and

d) resolving issues within the Welsh transport network will only be possible by devolving all powers over transport to Wales.

2. Calls on Welsh Government to:

a) reconsider its decision not to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government’s decision to designate HS2 an England and Wales project;

b) act with haste to implement the continuous review of the impact of the new speed limits, as previously agreed by the Senedd’s vote in favour of NDM8347 as amended, on 13 September 2023;

c) prioritise fair funding for buses that places bus funding on an equitable basis to rail funding; and

d) work with the UK Government to devolve all powers over transport to Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
10	0	41	51

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
27	9	15	51

Amendment 2 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.

For	Abstain	Against	Total
27	9	15	51

The motion as amended was agreed.

The item started at 18.24

NDM8534 James Evans (Brecon and Radnorshire)

The impact of renewable energy infrastructure on rural communities

The item started at 18.28

NDM8534 James Evans (Brecon and Radnorshire)

The impact of renewable energy infrastructure on rural communities