Atebion i Gwestiynau Ysgrifenedig y Cynulliad i’w hateb ar 15 Gorffennaf 2011
Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 15 July 2011
Cyhoeddir atebion yn yr iaith y’u darparwyd, gyda chyfieithiad Saesneg o atebion yn y Gymraeg.
Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
[R] yn nodi bod yr Aelod wedi datgan buddiant/signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] yn nodi bod y cwestiwn wedi’i gyflwyno yn Gymraeg/signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
Cynnwys
Contents
Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog Addysg a Sgiliau
Questions to the Minister for Education and Skills
Gofyn i’r Gweinidog Busnes, Menter, Technoleg a Gwyddoniaeth
To ask the Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science
Suzy Davies (Gorllewin De Cymru): Pa drafodaethau y mae’r Gweinidog wedi’u cael gyda Santander ynghylch ail-leoli canolfannau galwadau o’r India i’r DU. (WAQ57693)
Suzy Davies (South Wales West): What discussions has the Minister had with Santander regarding the relocation of call centres from India to the UK. (WAQ57693)
Suzy Davies (Gorllewin De Cymru): A yw’r Gweinidog wedi cynnal trafodaeth â Santander ynghylch y posibilrwydd o symud ei ganolfannau galwadau i Gymru er mwyn lliniaru’r posibilrwydd o golli swyddi yn y canolfannau galwadau sy’n cael eu rhedeg gan Lloyds TSB a Conduit. (WAQ57694)
Suzy Davies (South Wales West): Has the Minister discussed with Santander the possibility of moving its call centres to Wales in order to mitigate the potential job losses at call centres operated by Lloyds TSB and Conduit. (WAQ57694)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 15 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 15 July 2011
The Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science (Edwina Hart): My officials have been in contact with Santander Bank with a proposition to locate operations into Wales.
Gofyn i’r Gweinidog Addysg a Sgiliau
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Pa ganran o ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd sydd â mynediad i ystafell TGCh ac a fyddai’r Gweinidog yn rhoi dadansoddiad fesul AALl. (WAQ57701)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): What percentage of primary and secondary schools have access to an ICT suite and would the Minister provide a breakdown by LEA. (WAQ57701)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
The Minister for Education and Skills (Leighton Andrews): We do not collate the specific information you have requested. However, I can advise that the previous administration commissioned an estate wide survey of all schools in Wales as part of the 21st Century Schools capital programme. The survey report includes suitability of general teaching/ICT provision within primary and secondary schools so that Authorities can manage their estates going forward. Whilst this does not answer your specific question and the information is of a technical nature which in some cases will as yet be un-validated, I would be happy to provide that detail in writing if you would find it helpful.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Faint o ysgolion a cholegau sy’n cymryd rhan yng Nghynllun Menter yr Ifanc ac a wnaiff y Gweinidog roi'r ffigurau fel canran o'r holl ysgolion a cholegau ym mhob AALl yng Nghymru. (WAQ57702)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): How many schools and colleges take part in the Young Enterprise Scheme and will the Minister provide the figures as a percentage of all schools and colleges in each LEA in Wales. (WAQ57702)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews: This information is not held centrally.
In response to WAQ57409 the Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science provided information obtained from Young Enterprise which showed that for 2010/11 academic year there were 96 secondary schools and 10 Further Education Institutions registered as Young Enterprise centres.
This represents 30 per cent of all Welsh secondary schools and 53 per cent of Further Education colleges (a).
(a) including all maintained secondary schools and independent/special schools with children of secondary age in January 2011.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Pa gynlluniau sydd gan y Gweinidog i wella safon adeiladau ysgolion yng Nghymru. (WAQ57703)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): What plans does the Minister have to improve the standard of school buildings in Wales. (WAQ57703)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews: This Government is committed to providing the best learning environments for children in Wales.
Our 21st Century Schools Programme will enable us to work with local authorities to produce a long term programme of investment to improve the condition and suitability of schools in Wales. This is a change for many local authorities as we move away from investment in individual projects to a more strategic approach to capital investment in schools. The 21st Century Programme will also allow local authorities to reduce surplus places, address organisational change and improve efficiency of the estate.
To assist local authorities in the migration towards the 21st Century School strategic programme, transitional funding arrangements have been implemented from 2009-10. The 21st Century Schools Programme will ensure prioritisation and utilisation of capital funds with funding deployed in sequence.
Further to my announcement on Wednesday, officials in my department will shortly be writing to local authorities to review their forward outline programmes and will continue to work closely with them to develop a long term national investment programme.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Pa gamau y mae'r Gweinidog yn eu cymryd i gynyddu'r cyfleoedd dysgu ôl 19 i bobl ifanc ag Anawsterau Dysgu Dwys a Lluosog. (WAQ57704)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): What steps is the Minister taking to increase the post-19 learning opportunities for young people with Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties. (WAQ57704)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews: The Welsh Government is preparing to undertake research to identify levels of need and provision of post-19 education for young people with complex learning difficulties living in Wales and to assess how needs can be addressed.
This research will inform development work to take forward recommendations made by the Post-16 Additional Learning Needs Task and Finish Group in November 2010 on future arrangements for funding post-16 additional learning needs in schools and further education. The Task and Finish Group’s recommendations are aimed at greater consistency of approach across Wales, regional collaboration, more attention to value for money in the commissioning process and improved planning to improve local choices for people whose post-school options may currently be limited to a residential college far from home. The Development and Implementation Group set up to take forward these recommendations had a presentation from SCOPE Cymru, at its meeting on 1 July.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddarparu dadansoddiad o lefelau triwantiaeth mewn ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd ar gyfer pob awdurdod lleol yng Nghymru ac ar gyfer pob blwyddyn er 2005. (WAQ57705)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister provide a breakdown of truancy levels at primary and secondary schools for each Local Authority in Wales and for each year since 2005. (WAQ57705)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews: Data on the proportion of half-day sessions missed due to unauthorised absence from maintained primary and secondary schools since 2005, by Local Authority, are in the tables below.
Percentage of unauthorised absence by pupils of compulsory school age in all maintained primary and special schools, by Local Authority
School type |
2004/05 (a) |
2005/06 (a) |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
Isle of Anglesey |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
Gwynedd |
0.3 |
0.5 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
Conwy |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
Denbighshire |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
Flintshire |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
Wrexham |
0.6 |
0.8 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
Powys |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
Ceredigion |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
Pembrokeshire |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
Carmarthenshire |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
Swansea |
0.8 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
Neath Port Talbot |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.5 |
Bridgend |
0.9 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
1.0 |
0.9 |
The Vale of Glamorgan |
1.2 |
1.5 |
1.6 |
1.6 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
Rhondda Cynon Taf |
1.6 |
1.6 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
1.8 |
1.6 |
Merthyr Tydfil |
0.7 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.2 |
0.9 |
Caerphilly |
1.3 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
1.4 |
Blaenau Gwent |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
0.5 |
Torfaen |
0.7 |
1.0 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.4 |
Monmouthshire |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
Newport |
1.2 |
1.1 |
1.3 |
1.4 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
Cardiff |
1.6 |
2.0 |
1.9 |
1.7 |
1.6 |
1.7 |
Wales (b) |
0.8 |
1.0 |
0.9 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
Source: Pupils’ Attendance Record, Welsh Assembly Government
(a) Does not include special schools.
(b) Includes independent and special schools.
Percentage of unauthorised absence of pupils of compulsory school age in all maintained secondary and special schools, Local Authority
School type |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
Isle of Anglesey |
1.9 |
1.6 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.9 |
1.1 |
Gwynedd |
0.8 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1.3 |
1.1 |
Conwy |
2.3 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
2.0 |
2.1 |
1.6 |
Denbighshire |
2.1 |
1.6 |
2.2 |
2.0 |
2.3 |
2.0 |
Flintshire |
0.6 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
Wrexham |
1.6 |
1.4 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.8 |
Powys |
0.9 |
0.8 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
0.4 |
Ceredigion |
1.3 |
1.7 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
Pembrokeshire |
1.8 |
1.7 |
1.3 |
1.5 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
Carmarthenshire |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
1.1 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
Swansea |
2.2 |
2.4 |
2.3 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
2.0 |
Neath Port Talbot |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
Bridgend |
1.4 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
2.0 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
The Vale of Glamorgan |
1.2 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
1.1 |
1.1 |
1.3 |
Rhondda Cynon Taf |
2.7 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.2 |
2.3 |
1.8 |
Merthyr Tydfil |
0.7 |
0.7 |
1.5 |
1.8 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
Caerphilly |
2.2 |
2.3 |
2.4 |
2.1 |
2.0 |
1.9 |
Blaenau Gwent |
1.5 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
2.2 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
Torfaen |
1.8 |
1.8 |
2.5 |
2.6 |
3.6 |
3.0 |
Monmouthshire |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
1.1 |
0.8 |
0.6 |
Newport |
2.1 |
1.9 |
2.3 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
1.9 |
Cardiff |
3.3 |
3.4 |
3.7 |
3.3 |
2.9 |
2.8 |
Wales (a) |
1.7 |
1.7 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
1.7 |
1.6 |
Source: Pupils’ Attendance Record, Welsh Assembly Government
Includes independent schools.
For further information please see http://www.statswales.gov.uk
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Sut y mae Sefydliadau Addysg Uwch Cymru’n hybu entrepreneuriaeth. (WAQ57706) Trosglwyddwyd i’w ateb gan y Gweinidog Busnes, Menter, Technoleg a Gwyddoniaeth
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): How are Welsh Higher Education Institutions encouraging entrepreneurship. (WAQ57706) Transferred for answer by the Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 15 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 15 July 2011
The Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science (Edwina Hart): The Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy (YES) Action Plan includes specific actions to encourage entrepreneurship and provide young people with entrepreneurial learning opportunities. Higher Education is a key partner in delivering the Action Plan. Details can be found on www.bigideaswales.com
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Pa gyfran o’r myfyrwyr a dderbynnir ym mhob prifysgol yng Nghymru sy’n fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol ar gyfer pob blwyddyn er 2005. (WAQ57707)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): What proportion of student intake is made up of international students for each university in Wales for each year since 2005. (WAQ57707)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews: Table 1 shows the proportion of HE first year enrolments to Welsh higher education institutions that were domiciled from within the European Union (but outside the UK) and also those domiciled outside the EU from 2005/06 to 2009/10. This includes full-time, part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Table 1: HE first year enrolments at Welsh HEIs by institution, domicile and year (per cent) (a)
European Union domicile |
Non-European Union domicile |
||||||||||
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
||
University of Newport |
1.2 |
1.1 |
1.5 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
2.4 |
2.8 |
4.1 |
6.0 |
5.4 |
|
Glyndwr University |
21.1 |
24.0 |
30.5 |
35.6 |
29.1 |
2.0 |
4.7 |
8.1 |
10.8 |
18.1 |
|
UWIC (b ) |
3.9 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
2.9 |
3.4 |
15.8 |
21.1 |
24.8 |
34.4 |
43.0 |
|
University of Glamorgan |
8.2 |
9.0 |
10.5 |
12.6 |
9.0 |
9.7 |
9.3 |
9.5 |
12.7 |
13.4 |
|
Swansea Metropolitan |
5.8 |
5.1 |
4.1 |
4.0 |
2.9 |
2.3 |
3.1 |
5.9 |
7.3 |
9.7 |
|
Trinity College, Carmarthen |
1.6 |
1.8 |
3.3 |
1.7 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
1.7 |
1.7 |
|
University of Lampeter |
7.2 |
7.4 |
6.0 |
6.2 |
5.9 |
11.0 |
17.8 |
18.0 |
24.3 |
34.4 |
|
Aberystwyth University |
7.1 |
7.9 |
9.2 |
8.4 |
9.9 |
6.0 |
6.3 |
6.1 |
7.0 |
7.2 |
|
Bangor University |
3.5 |
3.7 |
5.6 |
4.6 |
4.1 |
6.5 |
8.9 |
14.4 |
13.6 |
17.4 |
|
Cardiff University |
3.7 |
4.2 |
3.9 |
4.4 |
4.2 |
13.9 |
14.9 |
16.1 |
15.1 |
18.4 |
|
Swansea University |
2.2 |
2.6 |
2.6 |
2.5 |
2.9 |
9.0 |
11.7 |
13.2 |
12.7 |
12.4 |
|
RWCMD (c) |
4.4 |
5.2 |
. |
. |
. |
2.8 |
2.4 |
. |
. |
. |
|
All |
6.1 |
6.6 |
7.5 |
8.0 |
6.8 |
8.7 |
10.3 |
12.3 |
14.2 |
17.2 |
Source: HESA
From 2007/08, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama figures are included within University of Glamorgan.
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Pa gyfran o ddisgyblion ysgolion uwchradd sy’n astudio iaith dramor ar gyfer TGAU, ac a wnaiff y Gweinidog ddarparu dadansoddiad fesul iaith ar gyfer pob blwyddyn er 2005. (WAQ57708)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): What proportion of secondary school pupils study a foreign language at GCSE and will the Minister provide a breakdown per language in each year since 2005. (WAQ57708)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews:
Information on the subjects pupils study is not available centrally. We only collect information on the examinations pupils enter.
The table below shows the percentage of pupils aged 15 entering GCSE examinations in a modern foreign language, by subject, since 2005
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(a) Pupils entering a GCSE in more than one modern foreign language will be counted more than once.
(b) Other includes Dutch, Modern Greek, Portugese, Arabic, Polish, Russian, Persian and Modern Hebrew and Turkish.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Faint o ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd ym mhob AALl sy’n gweithio gan ragweld diffyg ar gyfer y flwyddyn ariannol hon. (WAQ57709)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): How many primary and secondary schools in each LEA are working on a predicted deficit for this financial year. (WAQ57709)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews: The Welsh Government does not hold this information. The latest data we have on the level of reserves held by schools in Wales is for the financial year 2009-10. Detailed datasets, including selected information at school level, are available on the StatsWales website.
http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/ReportFolders/ReportFolders.aspx?IF_ActivePath=P,324,332,5780
If you require data for the current financial year you will need to contact local authorities.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Sawl ymosodiad a fu ar athrawon mewn ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd yng Nghymru ym mhob blwyddyn er 2005, ac a all y Gweinidog ddarparu’r ffigurau hyn mewn ardaloedd AALl. (WAQ57710)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): How many assaults on teachers have taken place in primary and secondary schools in Wales in each year since 2005, and can the Minister provide these figures in LEA areas. (WAQ57710)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 18 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 18 July 2011
Leighton Andrews:
An assault on a member of staff is recorded by the Welsh Government only if it leads to an exclusion from the school (either a permanent or a fixed term exclusion). The number of exclusions due to assault or violence against staff is shown in the table below.
Permanent and fixed-term exclusions due to assault or violence towards staff (a) (b)
Number of exclusions
Local Authority |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
Isle of Anglesey |
* |
7 |
* |
7 |
20 |
6 |
Gwynedd |
0 |
* |
* |
10 |
17 |
14 |
Conwy |
36 |
39 |
23 |
23 |
15 |
24 |
Denbighshire |
27 |
20 |
51 |
29 |
35 |
61 |
Flintshire |
40 |
43 |
34 |
39 |
55 |
44 |
Wrexham |
41 |
54 |
40 |
32 |
35 |
91 |
Powys |
26 |
22 |
28 |
28 |
19 |
49 |
Ceredigion |
* |
17 |
8 |
9 |
11 |
7 |
Pembrokeshire |
73 |
42 |
42 |
56 |
46 |
32 |
Carmarthenshire |
0 |
* |
20 |
40 |
56 |
9 |
Swansea |
35 |
60 |
56 |
43 |
69 |
62 |
Neath Port Talbot |
44 |
42 |
58 |
36 |
49 |
73 |
Bridgend |
32 |
42 |
46 |
26 |
34 |
19 |
The Vale of Glamorgan |
21 |
21 |
22 |
30 |
39 |
21 |
Rhondda Cynon Taf |
21 |
55 |
51 |
40 |
41 |
64 |
Merthyr Tydfil |
7 |
14 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
15 |
Caerphilly |
66 |
77 |
115 |
173 |
83 |
135 |
Blaenau Gwent |
7 |
6 |
9 |
9 |
16 |
11 |
Torfaen |
35 |
76 |
52 |
49 |
62 |
58 |
Monmouthshire |
28 |
39 |
51 |
52 |
71 |
72 |
Newport |
66 |
108 |
82 |
34 |
76 |
112 |
Cardiff |
181 |
195 |
199 |
141 |
177 |
207 |
Wales |
793 |
982 |
1000 |
913 |
1032 |
1186 |
Source: Exclusions monitoring return
(a) Data relate to the number of permanent and fixed term exclusions due to assault or violence towards staff, not the number of pupils being excluded for these reasons. A pupil being excluded for assault or violence towards staff twice during an academic year will be counted twice.
(b) Includes exclusions from maintained primary and secondary schools as well as special schools and Pupil Referral Units.
*means that the data item is disclosive. This symbol is used to cover numbers between 1 and 4 to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information. In the event that the covered data items could be identified by subtraction from the Wales total and extra data item is covered to prevent this from happening.
Gofyn i’r Gweinidog Cyllid ac Arweinydd y Ty
To ask the Minister for Finance and Leader of the House
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu polisi Llywodraeth Cymru mewn perthynas ag adeiladu prosiectau adeiladwaith. (WAQ57696)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government’s policy in relation to the building of construction projects. (WAQ57696)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
The Minister for Finance and Leader of the House (Jane Hutt): The Welsh Government’s interest in construction is wide ranging. In addition to direct investment in construction projects we are working with the construction industry on skills development and the needs of a more resource efficient, low carbon and economically sustainable industry. We are committed to ensuring Welsh companies have access to public sector procurement opportunities and to deliver improved value for the Welsh pound.
In addition to individual departments’ capital programmes, of the £105m Centrally Retained Capital Fund allocated for 2011/12, £80m will be spent on construction projects. The 21st Century Schools Programme, valued at £173m for 2011/12, is aimed at delivering efficiencies and improved standards as we replace and reorganise provision, whilst the Welsh NHS will be investing £307m in the NHS Estate in Wales this year. Procurement Frameworks support supply chain development and performance and value improvement as well as added community value, and to date 89% of the contracts let have gone to Welsh companies.
In terms of transport, contracts let in 2011/12 amount to an investment programme of £330m delivered through a combination of direct investment and local authorities, and also in 2011/2012 £62 million is being made available for the construction of affordable housing in Wales. Consortia framework arrangements include local training and employment, as does investment by Housing authorities to meet WHQS.
A Construction Procurement Strategy is being developed responding to the recommendations of the 2010 Constructing Excellence in Wales' (CEW) 'No Turning Back’ report, which pointed to limited progress in adopting more efficient procurement arrangement aimed at delivering continuous improvement. Through CEW we continue to work to break down cultural barriers, convince through demonstration projects and self help networks and measure progress to show how the ways in which quality, value and environmental performance can be improved.
We are also developing a Construction Supplier Qualification Information Database (Squid) which is a standardised pre-qualification process that will reduce waste, time and expense and help remove the barriers faced by Welsh SMEs in winning business.
Following the publication last year of the Economic Renewal Programme we have commissioned a review of the way we engage with the range of interests and disciplines that make up the construction industry, both strategically and in relation to specific policy areas. I expect the work of the Built Environment Forum Review to be complete within the next few months.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Yn dilyn yr ateb i WAQ57533, a wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu pa gwmnïau Cymreig a gafodd y 22 o’r 39 contract mawr dros y 18 mis diwethaf. (WAQ57697)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): Further to the answer to WAQ57533, will the Minister outline which Welsh firms were awarded the '22 out of 39 major contracts in the last 18 months’. (WAQ57697)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Jane Hutt: Some of the 39 major contracts referred to are frameworks with a number of suppliers appointed. In total 84 businesses with headquarters in Wales have been appointed in the last 18 months.
I will provide you with their names under cover of a separate letter.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Yn dilyn yr ateb i WAQ57533, a wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu sut caiff cwmnïau Cymreig eu diffinio wrth ddarparu’r wybodaeth hon. (WAQ57698)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): Further to the answer to WAQ57533, will the Minister outline how 'Welsh Firms’ are defined when providing this information. (WAQ57698)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Jane Hutt: Welsh firms are defined as those that, according to Companies House, have their headquarters located in Wales.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu’r hyn sy’n cael ei wneud, yn ychwanegol at yr wybodaeth a amlinellir yn yr ateb i WAQ57533, i gefnogi cwmnïau adeiladu cynhenid Cymreig i ymgeisio am gontractau yng Nghymru. (WAQ57699)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister outline what is being done, further to the information outlined in the answer to WAQ57533, to support indigenous Welsh construction companies to bid for contracts in Wales. (WAQ57699)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Jane Hutt: From a procurement perspective, significant progress has been made in simplifying processes and improving transparency of contract opportunities.
The SQuID approach to pre-qualification is now widely used across the public sector. This is enabling smaller, more local contractors to access and win public contracts, as evidenced by the 22 out of 39 awards that you have referred to.
In addition, lower value contract opportunities advertised via sell2wales increased by 24% last year. These are the contracts most frequently sought by smaller, indigenous companies.
Last October I also announced the formation of the Construction Procurement Steering Group. This group is now established and the public and private sector members are now working together for the first time to jointly agree approaches to procurement that address concerns that have previously been highlighted by Welsh contractors.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog amlinellu (a) y rhesymau cyffredin pam nad yw cwmnïau cynhenid Cymreig yn llwyddo i ennill contractau caffael, a (b) beth sy’n cael ei wneud i sicrhau bod y cwmnïau hyn yn cael eu cefnogi er mwyn goresgyn y materion hyn. (WAQ57700)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister outline (a) the common reasons why indigenous Welsh companies are not successful in winning procurement contracts, and (b) what is being done to ensure these companies are supported in order to overcome these issues. (WAQ57700)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Jane Hutt: Research illustrates that Welsh companies win around 50% of the annual £4.3bn public procurement expenditure in Wales. However, the Barriers to Procurement Opportunity research identified that pre-qualification practices and lack of visibility of contract opportunities were the key issues that prevented Welsh companies from winning an even larger share of our expenditure.
I advised you on 27 June of the progress that had been achieved to date in addressing these issues. The SQuID approach to pre-qualification is now widely used across Wales and coupled with the adoption of SME friendly procurement strategies for construction, this has seen Welsh firms secure in 22 of 39 major contracts in the last 18 months. Advertisement of lower-value opportunities on sell2wales increased by 24% last year, for the first time exceeding the number of full EU contract notices.
Portfolio responsibility for directly supporting Welsh businesses lies with the Minister for BETS.
Gofyn i’r Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): Yn dilyn ateb y Gweinidog i WAQ56111, a yw Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Caerdydd a’r Fro yn dal yn methu cydymffurfio â’r Gyfarwyddeb Oriau Gwaith Ewropeaidd. (WAQ57692)
Andrew Davies (South Wales Central): Further to the Minister’s answer to WAQ56111, is Cardiff and Vale University Health Board still failing to comply with the European Working Time Directive. (WAQ57692)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Lesley Griffiths): The Health Board is 99% compliant with the Directive and I have received assurances from the Board they will achieve full compliance on 3 August 2011. The current failure to fully comply is a result of difficulties in recruiting to posts.
Darren Millar (Gorllewin Clwyd): Pa drafodaethau y mae’r Gweinidog wedi’u cael â Gwasanaeth Ambiwlans Cymru ynghylch yr oedi cyn cyflwyno 21 cerbyd Mercedes 519 ac a wnaiff y Gweinidog egluro pryd y disgwylir y bydd yr ambiwlansys hyn yn dechrau cael eu defnyddio. (WAQ57695)
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What discussions has the Minister had with the Welsh Ambulance Service regarding the delayed introduction of 21 Mercedes 519 models and will the Minister clarify when these ambulances are expected to the brought into service. (WAQ57695)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 15 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 15 July 2011
Lesley Griffiths: I have received regular briefings from my officials and the Wales Ambulance Services NHS Trust on the modifications required to 21 new ambulances, and these are expected to be in service by 31 July.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau bod yr holl gleifion a gafodd eu symud o’r rhestri aros orthopedig yn 2007/08 yn Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Caerdydd a’r Fro ac wedyn eu rhoi yn ôl yn 2008/09 wedi cael eu trin. (WAQ57711)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister confirm that all patients moved from the orthopaedic waiting lists in 2007/08 in Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and subsequently reinstated in 2008/09 have been treated. (WAQ57711)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Lesley Griffiths: There are no patients on the waiting list in Cardiff who have been waiting since 2008 for the procedure for which they were originally listed. There are however, some patients from 2008 who are now waiting for revisions or different orthopaedic surgery.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ddibyniaeth Gwasanaeth Ambiwlans Cymru ar Wasanaeth Ambiwlans Sant Ioan yng Nghanol De Cymru. (WAQ57712)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister make a statement on the Welsh Ambulance Service’s reliance on St John’s Ambulance Service in South Wales Central. (WAQ57712)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Lesley Griffiths: The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust works closely with St John Ambulance and other charities where clinically appropriate and in the interests of patients. Routine working arrangements exist between the Trust and a number of charities.
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru): A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am warchodaeth ambiwlans 24 awr yng Nghanol De Cymru. (WAQ57713)
Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): Will the Minister make a statement on 24 hour ambulance cover in South Wales Central. (WAQ57713)
Derbyniwyd ateb i’w gyhoeddi ar 19 Gorffennaf 2011
Answer received for publication on 19 July 2011
Lesley Griffiths: I expect the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to provide a sufficient level of cover at all times in order to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Wales. South Wales Central is not an exception to this expectation and performance standards are being delivered routinely in this area.