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To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will make a statement on the winding-up of the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, with particular reference to the main successor bodies and the Corporation's functions, assets and liabilities to be passed on. - (Holding answer 29 March 1999). Includes table,...

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

24 March 1999

For answer on

31 March 1999

Answered on

31 March 1999

Mr. Rhodri Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the winding-up of the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, with particular reference to the main successor bodies and the Corporation's functions, assets and liabilities to be passed on. [79018] Mr. Michael: [holding answer 29 March 1999]: I have given careful consideration to the views of the CBDC Board, the Cardiff and Vale authorities, the Welsh Development Agency and other interested parties and I am able to confirm, as previously announced, that the Corporation shall wind up its activities on 31 March 2000 with dissolution taking place on 30 June 2000. I regard it as essential that the momentum of development within Cardiff Bay is maintained. I have therefore decided that, from March 2000, as with other local authorities in the rest of Wales, Cardiff County Council and the Vale of Glamorgan authority should regain responsibility for the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the whole of their areas. As elsewhere, they will be able to rely on the services available from the WDA and other economic bodies on the basis of partnership. I have also discussed with those authorities the implementation of projects planned by CBDC which may not be completed within the lifetime of the Corporation, including the Penarth Link, Hamadryad Park, a significant environmental upgrade in the Bay area and an access road to the Cardiff Yacht Club. I have also considered the provision necessary for the new responsibilities and liabilities which each authority will inherit: and transitional support for certain local services in South Cardiff. For these purposes, I shall be making available over a period of 3-5 years a total of up to £13 million to Cardiff County Council and up to £8.2 million to the Vale of Glamorgan. Copies of the understandings reached with the local authorities will be placed in the Library of the House. The Corporation's non-development assets and liabilities will be transferred to Cardiff County Council and to the Vale of Glamorgan Council respectively. Development assets and liabilities, including management of the proposed Bute Avenue PFI, will be transferred to the Welsh Development Agency. I shall invite the parties to discuss together and agree with me the timing and terms on which these transfers will take place. Land currently held by CBDC at the Ferry Road Peninsula will be transferred to Cardiff County Council, subject to terms and conditions to be agreed between the Department and the Council and taking into account the relevant provisions of the Development Agreement between CBDC and Associated British Ports. Future sponsorship of the Techniquest organisation will transfer to my Department. Responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Gwent Levels Bird Reserve will pass to the Countryside Council for Wales. I attach particular importance to the efficient and safe operation and maintenance of the Barrage and to the exploitation of the impounded lake for the public benefit. These responsibilities, including groundwater monitoring and control and management of water quality in the Bay, are also of direct and significant interest to the local communities in Cardiff and the Vale. As foreshadowed in the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993, I propose to establish a dedicated body with responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and management of the Barrage, the outer harbour and the inland Bay. I shall enter immediate discussions with the Corporation regarding the purpose, functions and funding of such a body and will also fully explore the opportunities for partnership between the public and private sectors. I shall consult with local authorities and other interests before final decisions are taken. On the basis of a thorough review of Barrage costs, I have decided to increase the financial cap for the project from £191 million to £197 million, subject to settlement of any unresolved and future claims. This is the best available estimate of the final outturn cost, subject to settlement of any unresolved and future contract claims. The increase is mainly attributable to the increased cost of the Bird Reserve on the Gwent Levels and additional costs arising from new legislation. A Budget Review report on the Barrage will also be available shortly and I shall place a copy in the Library of the House. I am also pleased to announce a public consultation on the Corporation's proposal to install a dewatering network in the area of South Cardiff most at risk from rising groundwater. Copies of the Corporation's submission, including a report by Professor Stoner, can be obtained from Mr. D. Lowe at CBDC, Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF1 8DH. Comments should be sent by Friday 30 April to Mr. G. A. Fagan, Regional Development Division, Welsh Office, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NQ. Finally, I should like to place on record my personal admiration for the great achievements of the Chairman, Board and staff of the Corporation, in removing the legacy of dereliction in South Cardiff, transforming it into an area internationally acclaimed as a major development success and in the first rank of investment locations. I am confident that the successor arrangements I have announced today will secure the continued successful regeneration of Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Bay Barrage A breakdown of the costs, including a comparison with the estimates that formed the basis for the previous announcement on 24 April 1995, are in the table. £ million _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Estimated cost 1995 Revised estimate 1999 Change Barrage Structure 134.0 137.6 +3.6 Groundwater 11.0 11.2 +0.2 Birds Reserve 5.7 9.5 +3.8 Environment 6.7 6.2 -0.5 Legal Agreements 7.5 6.4 -1.1 Drainage 10.6 9.4 -1.2 Pre-1993 Expenditure 15.4 15.4 0 Additional Works 0 0.7 +0.7 Total 190.9 196.4 +5.5 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. [Continued in column 733]

Date

31 March 1999

Reference

328 c730-2W;328 c730-1W; 79018

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, If he will make a statement on progress on obtaining EU structural funds for Wales. (Failed OPQ).

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

31 March 1999

Reference

78076; 328 c722W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to (a) encourage greater openness in the public sector and (b) prepare for legislation on freedom of information. - List of membership in Library Dep 99/574. - Includes ref to Advisory Group on Openness in the...

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

11 March 1999

For answer on

12 March 1999

Answered on

12 March 1999

Mr. Rhodri Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to (a) encourage greater openness in the public sector and (b) prepare for legislation on freedom of information. [77107] Mr. Straw: The Government's programme of constitutional reform seeks to involve people more closely in the decisions which affect their lives. Freedom of Information is a fundamental part of that process and should significantly transform the relationship between citizens and the state. The Government hope to publish a draft bill on Freedom of Information in May. It will allow for a period of public consultation, as well as appropriate pre-legislative scrutiny by the Public Administration Committee of the House of Commons. Legislation while necessary is, in itself, not sufficient. There is a substantial programme of work needed to create a culture of openness in all public services and lay the foundations for the implementation of a future Freedom of Information Act. I have, therefore, established the Advisory Group on Openness in the Public Sector to advise me on the steps needed to be taken ahead of legislation. The group, which has already had an informal meeting to discuss its programme of work, is being chaired by Lord Williams and the membership is drawn from a variety of backgrounds. Some bring a specialist knowledge of an area of public service to the Group's work, while others have a particular interest in Freedom of Information. Details of the membership of the Group are being placed in the Library. The Group's terms of reference are: "To advise the Home Secretary on proposals for promoting cultural change in the public sector to foster a culture of greater openness. To assist in the development of training and education programme for public servants to promote cultural change and facilitate the introduction of Freedom of Information. To undertake other tasks related to the implementation of Freedom of Information as directed by the Home Secretary". Copies of papers considered by the Group and the minutes of its meetings will be available through my Department's web site on the Internet. I expect the Group to submit a report to me before the end of the year making recommendations on how I might facilitate an increase in openness in the public sector as a whole. In the meantime, the Government are taking action now to extend openness and accountability. On 10 February, Her Majesty in Council approved an Order extending the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration to an additional 111 executive non departmental public bodies and 47 advisory non departmental public bodies, with effect from 15 March. By bringing these bodies within the Ombudsman's jurisdiction, this Order has the effect of bringing them within scope of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The Code of Practice commits public bodies to: give facts and analysis with major policy decisions; open up internal guidelines about dealings with the public; and give reasons with administrative decisions; and provide information about their service to the public (their costs targets and performance and information about complaints and redress). The Code also sets out how public bodies should respond to specific requests for information from members of the public. The approach to the release of information is based on the assumption that information should be released except where disclosure would not be in the public interest. In the period before a Freedom of Information Act comes into force, the Government are committed to using the flexibility and discretion available under the Code to release as much information as possible.

Date

12 March 1999

Reference

327 c378-9W; 77107

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office;Welsh Grand Committee

Supplementary on possible reform of education for those aged 16 to 19.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Grand Committee

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

22 February 1999

Reference

WGC c9

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

Supplementary on Secretary of State for Wales also being First Minister of the National Assembly.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

27 January 1999

Reference

324 c323-4

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will place a copy in the Library of the letter from the Head of European Division concerning the recent appointment of the Chief Executive of the Wales European Centre.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

18 January 1999

For answer on

21 January 1999

Answered on

21 January 1999

Mr. Rhodri Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place a copy in the Library of the letter from the Head of European Division concerning the recent appointment of the Chief Executive of the Wales European Centre. [66878] Mr. Michael: No. The head of the European Division is not a member of the Board of the Wales European Centre but attends as an observer. He was unable to attend the meeting of the Board at which the appointment of a new director was under consideration. He therefore sent a letter on a personal and confidential basis to the Secretary of the Board of the Wales European Centre. It was made quite clear that it did not present a view on behalf of my Department. The letter did not express a view on the proposed appointment but (a) conveyed points that had been raised with us by certain members of the wider partnership and (b) set out a number of questions which he suggested should be considered by the Board in deciding whether they should accept the recommendations of the appointments panel. I understand that each of these questions were fully considered by the Board in reaching a conclusion. I am sure that my hon. Friend would be the first to criticise any official who failed to pass on pertinent views in this way or who failed to suggest questions to which such a Board should seek answers. That he did so strengthens the appointment procedure and public confidence that the Board sought to appoint the best person for the job, in the best interests of Wales. The Wales European Centre is an independent body, headed by a Board which includes representatives of the partners who fund and support its work. Neither I nor my officials will interfere with its work but I strongly support the Centre as a partner in promoting the people of Wales in Europe and for that reason I visited the Centre two weeks ago to discuss how best to cooperate and complement each other's work. I hope my hon. Friend and all Welsh members will join in this endeavour.

Date

21 January 1999

Reference

66878; 323 c549-50W

House

House of Commons

Cabinet Office

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, When he expects to publish the Better Government White Paper. - Including ref to 21 October 1998, 317 c1267-68. (Failed OPQ).

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Cabinet Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

13 January 1999

Reference

63734; 323 c227W

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what consultations he has had with the Chairman of the Sports Council for Wales concerning the receipt by the Football Association of Wales of a grant from the English Football Association and the conditions attached thereto; and if he will make a...

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

12 January 1999

Reference

64987; 323 c132W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what consultations he has undertaken in relation to the criteria for restructuring assistance under the European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund and other funds.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

11 January 1999

Reference

323 c107W; 64988

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office;Welsh Grand Committee

Supplementary on minimum wage in Wales and attracting inward investment.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Grand Committee

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

16 December 1998

Reference

WGC c8

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Statement on the progress of the BSE offspring cull.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

10 December 1998

Reference

63771; 322 c279W

House

House of Commons

Cabinet Office

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, What consultations he is undertaking on the proposed Better Government White Paper. (Failed OPQ). - Includes ref to 21 October 1998 at 317 c1267-8.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Cabinet Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

18 November 1998

Reference

58923; 319 c598W

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, to comment on progress in securing European structural funds support for Wales. (Failed OPQ).

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

4 November 1998

Reference

56585; 318 c609W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, What arrangements he proposes to improve communication between his Department and local authorities in relation to the payment of (a) income support, (b) council tax benefit and (c) housing benefit when claimants move between welfare and work. (Failed OPQ)

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c959W; 53505

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the Parliamentary Under-Secretarys letter of 30 June, if he will list the other paediatric cardiac surgery units with which the University Hospital of Wales unit will be linked pending the replacement of the current paediatric cardiac surgeon and cardiologist.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

30 July 1998

Reference

317 c545W; 53610

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Chairman of the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation in relation to the switching of corporation funds from developing Hamadayad Park, Cardiff to the Gwent Wetland Reserve, Newport. - None.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

30 July 1998

Reference

317 c545W; 53584

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to comment on the appointments procedure for senior posts in the National Assembly; if he will list the membership of the appointing panels, indicating external assessors and grades of civil servants.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

30 July 1998

Reference

317 c543W; 53607

House

House of Commons

Treasury

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will list the dates and circumstances on which consent (a) before the event and (b) retrospectively in the past five years has been sought for land acquisition and sales involving (i) the Welsh Development Agency, (ii) the Scottish Development Agency and...

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Treasury

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

28 July 1998

Reference

51223; 317 c206W

House

House of Commons

Treasury

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his Answer of 13th July, Official Report, 316 c61W on the Bank of England, what is the length of the lease and the amount of passing rent expressed in £ per square foot per annum for the Bank of England Office...

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Treasury

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

23 July 1998

Reference

51231; 316 c654W

House

House of Commons

Welsh Office

Supplementary on need for heart transplant surgery centre in the University hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Asked by

Rhodri Morgan (Labour)

Answering body

Welsh Office

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

22 July 1998

Reference

316 c1109-10

House

House of Commons

Librarians' tools

Type

House

Session

Year

Department

Member

Primary member

Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

Subject

Publisher