Answers issued to Members on 18 September 2008

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

Questions to the First Minister

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Questions to the First Minister

Peter Black (South Wales West): Will the First Minister confirm whether the UK civil service guidelines entitled 'principles for participation online’ found at http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/iam/codes/social_media/participation.asp applies to Welsh Assembly Government civil servants? (WAQ52397)

Substantive answer following holding reply.

The First Minister (Rhodri Morgan): All civil servants are subject to the requirements of the Civil Service Code. Separate Codes exist in Wales, Scotland and England, reflecting the different legal position of civil servants in relation to their respective ministerial accountability. A Welsh Assembly Government Civil Service Code was introduced in July 2007 reflecting the legal position of civil servants in relation to Welsh Ministers. The provision within the Assembly Government Code are the same as those that apply to Whitehall Departments and other devolved administrations.

The 'principles for participation online’ are published by the Cabinet Office as guidance for all civil servants with reference to how they relate to the Civil Service Code. Work is underway to supplement the Assembly Government ICT Usage Policy with a social network and blogging policy to ensure that the principles are reflected in the new policy.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): How many days are the Welsh Assembly Government premises on the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society showground in Builth Wells actually occupied and used by the Welsh Assembly Government? (WAQ52425)

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What is the annual cost of the Welsh Assembly Government premises (lease/rental and running costs) on the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society showground in Builth Wells? (WAQ52426)

Substantive answer following holding reply.

The First Minister: The former Welsh Development Agency pavilion alongside the main arena is currently leased for one month each year, and used for various Welsh Assembly Government events for the duration of the Royal Welsh Show. Away from the main arena, the Welsh Assembly Government has 2 other smaller property interests at the Showground, held on long term leases. The former Wales Tourist Board (WTB) pavilion was occupied by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) during this year’s Royal Welsh Show. The Welsh Assembly Government currently has a 3 year agreement with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), whereby RWAS is permitted to let the pavilion to another party for periods up to 12 months and the Welsh Assembly Government does not pay rental for this pavilion during the agreement period. The original Welsh Assembly Government property (prior to ASPB merger) is used throughout the year for conferences, meetings and training purposes as its central location makes it well placed for pan-Wales gatherings. This property is also made available for use by the Assembly Commission for the duration of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society concerning the rationalisation of Welsh Assembly Government property holdings at the site.

Total annual cost of the Welsh Assembly Government property interests at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Showground is £73, 554.

Leanne Wood (South Wales Central): What representations has the First Minister made to the HMRC and the UK Government about the enforcement of the minimum wage? (WAQ52472)

The First Minister: None, although I engage with the Low Pay Commission in respect of its annual review of National Minimum Wage rates.

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): When will the proposed National Energy Efficiency & Saving Plan for Wales be published? (WAQ52449)

The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): We aim to issue the plan for consultation by the end of 2008.

Irene James (Islwyn): Will the Minister provide details of Environment Wales Grants awarded in the Islwyn constituency since April 2003, as well as the names and locations of projects that have received this grant? (WAQ52468)

The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): As well as a considerable  range of all-Wales projects which have been working in the Islwyn constituency, a grant has been made to the Troed Y Rhiw work and care  project in Cross Keys. This project supports adults with severe learning disabilities on a variety of environmental projects, including a walkway, footpath creation, building bridges to enable wheelchair and push chair access, environmental education, picnic areas, and post and rail fencing.

Environment Wales has also provided development officer support to the following projects in this period. Parc Penallta in Penallta and Cefn Fforest & Fairview Ecopark Project and Community Spaces Network, both in Blackwood.