Ken Skates: From the latest information available, programmed expenditure on tourism marketing in nations outside the EU for the 10 months from 1 July 2016 to 30 April 2017 increased by 11% compared to the same period in 2015-16.
 
Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Faint o staff ychwanegol y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'u dyrannu er mwyn cynnal a chynyddu masnach â'r Undeb Ewropeaidd ers mis Mehefin 2016? (WAQ73454)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 17 Mai 2017

Ken Skates: In relation to our response to the EU referendum in June 2016, we have consistently made clear that securing full and unfettered access to the single market is our top priority for the negotiations with the EU on the UK's withdrawal. As such and as indicated in the Welsh Government response to the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee report, there are a range of teams including the European Transition Team, which are contributing to our work to seek to secure this outcome.

More broadly, Welsh Government directorates are prioritising existing resources for dealing with specific Brexit issues. Overall, a wide range of staff are working on issues related to European transition alongside delivery of the overall programme for government, and specific commitments within it, as set out in Taking Wales Forward. In this context, it is not possible to separately identify precise numbers of staff working directly on European transition and supporting trade with the EU.

 
Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): A wnaiff Llywodraeth Cymru gyhoeddi ei dadansoddiad sector-wrth-sector o adael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd ar economi Cymru? (WAQ73456)
 
Ateb i ddilyn.
 
Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Pa wybodaeth ychwanegol y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'u darparu i allforwyr o ran pwysigrwydd ardystio cynnyrch rhyngwladol a safonau rheoli? (WAQ73457)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 17 Mai 2017

Ken Skates: I hosted two export fora in Cardiff and Wrexham earlier this year in order to listen to the concerns of exporters. These included workshops on rules of origin as certification had already emerged as one of the key issues affecting businesses.

Further events will be held on this topic as the impact of Brexit on businesses becomes clearer.

 
Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Sawl gwaith y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi cwrdd â phob ardal fenter i gynghori ar effaith gadael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd? (WAQ73458)

Ken Skates: Since its inception to the end of March 2016 the Wales Enterprise Zone programme has contributed to the Welsh economy by supporting more than 7,000 jobs through a competitive package of financial and other incentives including business rates support, tailored skills support, apprenticeship schemes and bespoke infrastructure projects.

Against the backdrop of uncertainty caused by the vote to leave the European Union, it is important to ensure that the Enterprise Zone programme continues to contribute to the Welsh Government's objectives in our Programme for Government, Taking Wales Forward, to drive improvement in the Welsh economy. The Enterprise Zones have much to contribute to our Prosperous and Secure commitments, in particular those to create new jobs, reduce business rates bills and create apprenticeships. I place great importance on a place-based approach which is tailored to local needs and circumstances and I am reviewing the Enterprise Zone offer to ensure that it will continue to deliver against a more regional approach to economic development.

I met the Chairs of the Anglesey, Deeside and Snowdonia Enterprise Zone Advisory Boards shortly after I was elected last year and the Anglesey Enterprise Zone Board members in March. I have also met a number of the Chairs in the course of project specific activity and other priorities such as the Valleys Task Force. I am looking forward to meeting and engaging further with all Board Chairs again in early July.

We are working closely with our anchor and regionally important companies, and speaking directly to medium sized companies, about the issues they face as a consequence of a UK exit from the EU and about what can be done to support them; workshops have been undertaken with our Anchor and Regionally Important Companies to explore the risks and opportunities arising from Brexit, and my officials continue to review and consider further intensive pieces of engagement with businesses and other stakeholders to complete analysis as issues emerge.

Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Faint o gwmnïau o Gymru y mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi'u nodi fel y rhai sydd fwyaf agored i effaith gadael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd? (WAQ73459)
 
Ateb i ddilyn.
 

Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Faint o swyddi newydd y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu eu creu mewn rhanbarthau gwledig yn ystod tymor y Cynulliad presennol? (WAQ73460)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 18 Mai 2017

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Economi a'r Seilwaith (Ken Skates): We will strive to create prosperity for all and that means reducing national, regional and sub-regional unemployment to an absolute minimum.  

Gofyn i Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Amgylchedd a Materion Gwledig

Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): Pa gymorth ychwanegol sydd wedi cael ei ddarparu gan Lywodraeth Cymru i gefnogi ffermwyr sy'n wynebu anwadalrwydd cyfraddau cyfnewid ers mis Mehefin 2016? (WAQ73450)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 17 Mai 2017

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Amgylchedd a Materion Gwledig (Lesley Griffiths): Whilst appreciating the importance of a stable exchange rate for farming and other businesses this is, of course, something the Welsh Government cannot control. Financial support delivered to farmers over the years, under the Basic Payment Scheme, has seen wide variances both negative and positive as a result of the exchange rate.

It is primarily for individual farm business owners to take measures to ensure their resilience against this issue and to help, income tax averaging was announced in the 2015 budget. This measure enables farmers to average their profits over five years for income tax purposes. It encourages a more efficient, productive and resilient agricultural industry and ensures the tax system supports farmers cope with fluctuating profits.

Through Farming Connect, bespoke, one to one and group advice on a range of strategic business and technical issues is available to improve the sustainable management and the economic and environmental performance of farming and forestry businesses. Farming Connect has also held a number of events across Wales covering exchange rate volatility, the likely impacts of Brexit and the importance of business planning.

Steffan Lewis (Dwyrain De Cymru): A yw Llywodraeth Cymru wedi nodi marchnadoedd newydd posibl ar gyfer sector bwyd Cymru fel rhan o'i pharatoadau gadael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd? (WAQ73455)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 15 Mai 2017

Lesley Griffiths: Potential new markets for the Welsh food sector depend on the outcome of Brexit, in particular the trading arrangements agreed with the EU, and any trading agreements in development or agreed between the UK and non-EU countries. Trade tariffs and non-tariff barriers are expected to have a significant impact on market viability and therefore the potential markets for Welsh products.
In the meantime the Welsh Government continues its successful programme of international events to support businesses export. In March we welcomed the global food and drink industry to Wales for BlasCymru/TasteWales – our first ever national and international trade event for the food and drinks industry in Wales. Over 150 trade buyers attended, including from key overseas markets across Europe, North America, Middle East and Far East. Taste Wales raised the profile and reputation of Welsh food and drink on the world stage.
A calendar for 2017 onwards is available at:
https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/sites/fooddrink/files/30681_Food%20%26%20Drink_Trade%20Event%20Calendar%202017-18_E_FINAL_0.pdf
 

Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru):  Pa asesiad y mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet wedi'i wneud o effaith tanau diweddar ar gyflenwadau sglodion coed ledled de-ddwyrain Cymru, ac a yw Llywodraeth Cymru yn bwriadu cyflwyno ardal eithrio isafswm cyfreithiol ar gyfer datblygiadau sy'n bell o gartrefi a busnesau? (WAQ73461)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 18 Mai 2017

Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros yr Amgylchedd a Materion Gwledig (Lesley Griffiths): An assessment is made by the relevant authorities at the time of the incidents to determine what action to take to extinguish the fire, putting measures in place to reduce the risks to local environment and surrounding communities, and allowing business continuity. For example, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) would assess the potential impact on watercourses and work with the Fire & Rescue Service to try to minimise any risk from fire water. In the case of a recent fire at a wood chip site in South Wales, a multiple agency response, which include the Fire & Rescue Service, NRW, the Wales Air Quality Technical Advisor, Local Authority and Public Health Wales, worked together to assess and minimise impacts of fire on the nearby communities and local environment.

National planning policy in Planning Policy Wales and TAN 21 Waste provides a robust framework for decision making in relation to waste facilities, which ensures adverse environmental impacts are minimised, risks to human health are avoided and the amenity of residents is protected. The impact of proposals for waste management facilities on the amenity of local people and the environment must be fully assessed to determine whether a planning application is acceptable and if adverse impacts on amenity or the environment cannot be mitigated, planning permission should be refused.  Work is underway between Planning Officer’s Society Wales, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales to provide good practice guidance in relation to planning and permitting on waste sites.

Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru):  A oes gan Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru bŵer i orchymyn Asesiad o Effaith Amgylcheddol y llosgydd biomas arfaethedig yn y Barri, yn dilyn methiant cyngor Bro Morgannwg i ddynodi'r cais fel Atodlen 1? (WAQ73462)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 18 Mai 2017

Lesley Griffiths: Natural Resources Wales does not have the power to order an Environmental Impact Assessment for the purposes of town and country planning.
 
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru):  A wnaiff Llywodraeth Cymru adolygu'r rheolau iechyd a diogelwch sy'n gymwys i losgyddion i fynd i'r afael â phryderon am ronynnau-nano a gaiff eu creu gan losgydd tymheredd uchel?  (WAQ73463)

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 18 Mai 2017

Lesley Griffiths:  Stringent and protective regulatory requirements are already in place in relation to incineration.  Where an environmental permit from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is necessary for the operation of an incinerator, the detailed requirements of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 apply.  Amongst those requirements are obligations upon the regulator to exercise their permitting functions in a manner which ensures Best Available Techniques (BAT) are applied for the purposes of preventing and, where this is not practicable, reducing emissions and impact on the environment as a whole, and which also ensures no significant pollution is caused. ‘Pollution’ in this context includes any emissions which may be harmful to human health or the quality of the environment, such as particulates.  In each case NRW will require the applicant to provide evidence the necessary requirements will be met, including a suitable assessment of emissions against environmental quality standards, before any decision is made by the regulator to grant or refuse an environmental permit.

 
Andrew RT Davies (Canol De Cymru):  A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet orchymyn Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru i gyfeirio at 'nwyeiddio' fel math o losgydd ym mhob dogfen swyddogol, er mwyn mynd i'r afael â dryswch ac ansicrwydd y cyhoedd? (WAQ73464

Derbyniwyd ateb ar 18 Mai 2017

Lesley Griffiths:  Incineration-specific environmental permitting guidance makes explicit reference to 'gasification', as does the definition of waste incineration plant set out in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  In addition, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) publicises permit applications for incineration plant on its website and where a 'gasification' process forms part of a waste incineration plant, this will be clearly expressed.  At the same place NRW describes how the public can access the application documents and submit comments for consideration by the regulator.