Answers issued to Members on 17 June 2008
[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
Contents
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): What major road works are planned on trunk roads in Wales during the months of May, June, July, August and September 2008? (WAQ51669)
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): Trnasport Wales issues embargo letters to all three trunk road agency areas in Wales instructing them to minimise road works during holiday periods so that tourism is affected as little as possible. The main 2008 summer holiday period of Friday 18 July to Monday 1 September forms part of the embargo period for the next 12 months.
Ongoing contract of a long duration are exempt from the embargo as are emergency works. Officials consider exceptions on a case by case basis depending on the nature of the route and, where possible, such works are undertaken at night.
Details are attached of road works planned in the North, Mid and South Wales trunk road agency area over the course of the summer.
Alun Cairns (South Wales West): Within the current All Wales rail franchise what accommodation has been made available for passengers to carry pushbikes? (WAQ51850)
The Deputy First Minister: The Wales and Borders franchise agreement states that Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) has to provide as a minimum the same level of bicycle provision that was provided by previous operators. ATW will normally allow two bicycles on their trains, but this is subject to the availability of space. Further details on this policy can be found on ATW's website at: http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/Bicycles2.aspx.
Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services
Mike German (South Wales East): What rationale does the Minister have for withdrawing the Rapid Response Car from Abergavenny Ambulance Station? (WAQ51849)
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Edwina Hart): This was an operational issue decided by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.