Answers issued to Members on 28 April 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 Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Nerys Evans (Mid and West Wales): What are the criteria for the safe routes to school budget and how much has been spent in Pembrokeshire? (WAQ51633)
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): Bids for safe routes to school schemes have been invited annually from local authorities as part of the Transport Grant capital programme allocation process.
Successful projects must encourage and enable children and young people to walk and cycle to school through a combined package of practical and educational measures. They also need to demonstrate co-operation between schools, parents, teachers and local authorities so that a strategic approach to reducing car journeys to school can be developed.
This year a new Safe Routes in Communities Programme replaced the Safe Routes to School initiative. The main focus of this new programme continues to be on schools but also aims to improve accessibility and encourage walking and cycling more generally within communities.
To date Pembrokeshire County Council has received over £1.5 million for safe routes to school schemes at various locations across the County. This year, under the new Safe Routes in Communities Programme, the local authority was awarded £797,000 for schemes in Milford Haven and Tenby.
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales): What is the total estimated cost of return travel, accommodation, subsistence and other allowances and expenses for the whole period of secondment of the Manager of Waste Awareness Wales to Australia in this financial year? (WAQ51631)
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): The total cost (excluding salary) of the project 'Researching community engagement in the zero waste culture in Australia’ being carried out by Waste Awareness Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government and WLGA is estimated at £25,000 as follows:
• Air fare to Australia (return ticket) = £1,000
• 2 return flights = £2,000
• Public transport in UK and Australia = £8,000
• Accommodation = £14,000
In addition, subsistence costs will be paid whilst work is carried out away from the Sydney base up to a maximum of £35 per day.
Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales): What was the advertised pay scale for the post of Manager of Waste Awareness Wales during the most recent recruitment process for the position? (WAQ51632)
Jane Davidson: The advertised pay scale for the post of Manager of Waste Awareness Wales during the most recent recruitment by the Welsh Local Government Association was £33, 009-£38, 010 when it was advertised in late 2004.