, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
So, I obviously think this is the right thing to do, otherwise we wouldn't have brought forward these regulations. You say 'the industry'; that's a sweeping generalisation. Now, I was talking to a farmer on Saturday who said to me, 'This is the right thing to…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Well, I disagree, as I say. NVZs—. And we need to get away from that language. I think it's really important to recognise the challenge we have here. So, up until last Friday, we have had 45 substantiated agricultural pollution incidents this year alone. So…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Yes.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
I'm glad you give me the opportunity very early on to say nitrate vulnerable zones no longer exist in Wales. So, these new regulations, which have replaced NVZs, target not just nitrates, they target a range of pollutants—that includes nitrates, obviously…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
No, I don't think you should read anything into it in the way that you are doing. As I say, the recommendations that were for Welsh Government have all been either fully, or are ongoing actions that we discharge.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
I'll give you an example, Sam. One of the recommendations—because I had a discussion about this last week, so this is why I've remembered this one—one of the main discussions was that, when we're looking at the post common agricultural policy funding scheme…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Well, I think there have been many discussions around that report. As you say, it was several years ago. From my recollection, there were about 45 recommendations; I think that's probably the correct term to use. I think, of those recommendations, a…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Morning.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Well, it depends what you mean by 'flexible'. As I say, there is that clause in the regulations to bring forward alternative measures, so, if that's what you think of as flexible, then yes.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
So, you'll know that the regulations have article 45 in them, a clause in them, which we didn't have to put in, but I thought it was really important that clause was there to bring forward alternative measures. So, you'll be very aware of the history, but…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Thank you. So, obviously, we had to pause at the beginning, when we first had the court's judgment, to make sure—. We didn't know if the National Farmers Union Cymru would appeal, for instance. So, once we knew that, I had informal discussions with some of…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Review of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations
Thank you very much, Chair. Good morning, everyone. I'm Lesley Griffiths, I'm the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd. I'm joined this morning by Vicky Jones, who's head of agriculture, Andrew Chambers, legal development team leader, and…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. With regard to the Wrexham city of culture 2025 bid, as you're aware, Wrexham is shortlisted, along with three other places in England, to become the city of culture. The Welsh Government has offered its wholehearted support to the Wrexham bid…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. I wasn't aware it was ME Awareness Week. We have several 'weeks' and 'months', but I really wasn't aware it was an awareness week for people who suffer from that condition. But I think it's really important that we do have these awareness days…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. I'm concerned to hear about the experience you've had with Rent Smart Wales. They're hosted by Cardiff Council, so complaints about them should, in the first instance, be addressed through their complaints procedure, and that's readily available…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. I think you raise a really important point. Democracy absolutely should be celebrated, and I do join with you in thanking everybody, from whichever political party, for putting themselves forward. Personally, I was at my count in my constituency on…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
I think I disagreed with everything that Darren Millar stated around the issue of Senedd reform. Nothing has been thwarted, nothing has been undermined and nothing has been disrespected. In relation to your question around diagnostics, I think that is a very…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Diolch, Llywydd. There is one change to today's business. The Minister for Finance and Local Government will make a statement on local government elections. Draft business for the next three weeks is set out in the business statement and announcement, which…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you, and I think Delyth Jewell raises a very important point, which affects, obviously, many of our constituents. I know, certainly, with my MS hat on, I've received representations. I think you're quite right, people don't recognise the menopause in…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Again, I think it would be more appropriate if you wrote to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language. It's a very specific concern that you raise.
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
I thank Mike Hedges. I think you make a really important point around UK Government departments, and indeed Welsh Government departments, being outside of the capital. And I think what you're really right to point to is the important stimulus role that…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. There's a great deal of work being undertaken at the current time, as you've referred to, in relation to the south Wales metro and indeed the north Wales metro. You raise some concerns—specific concerns, sorry—from constituents. I think it would be…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. Well, the Member referred to the Logan Mwangi case, which is obviously a tragic case, and our thoughts are absolutely with everyone affected by Logan's death. I think what is really important now is that the child practice review and the planned…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Diolch, Llywydd. There are a few changes to this week's business. Firstly, the Minister for Economy will make a statement on border controls as the next item of business. Secondly, the Business Committee has agreed to reduce the time allocated to questions to…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Thank you. You're quite right: it's a very important sector and, alongside the gross sales you referred to, it also employs 0.25 million people here in Wales. I have to say, my colleagues in Welsh Government are very supportive; they see the food sector as a…
