English

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol CymruNational Assembly for Wales · Cyfarfod llawnPlenary sitting

Dydd Iau 7 Mawrth 2002

Thursday 7 March 2002

DechreuoddMet 09:05 · Daeth i benRose 12:47

Gweld y Cofnod (PDF)View the Record (PDF)

Heb ei wirio â llaw etoNot yet checked by hand

CynnwysContents

  1. 3Datganiad gan y LlywyddStatement by the Presiding Officer
  2. 3Cwestiynau ar Lywodraeth Leol i’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a ChymunedauQuestions on Local Government to the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities
    1. 3Cyllid yr HeddluPolice Funding
    2. 5Trefniadau Etholiadol Llywodraeth Leol yng NghymruLocal Government Electoral Arrangements in Wales
    3. 6Uned Lleihau TroseddauCrime Reduction Unit
    4. 8Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr TudfulMerthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
    5. 10Cyfarfodydd â Chyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr TudfulMeetings with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
    6. 11Treth Fusnes AtodolSupplementary Business Rate
  3. 12Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog dros yr AmgylcheddQuestions to the Minister for Environment
    1. 12Llifogydd yn NhrefynwyFloods in Monmouth
    2. 14Newidiadau yn yr HinsawddClimate Change
    3. 16Mastiau Ffonau SymudolMobile Phone Masts
    4. 19Llosgydd WrecsamWrexham Incinerator
    5. 20Amddiffynfeydd rhag Llifogydd yn y CanolbarthFlood Defences in Mid Wales
  4. 21Datganiad ar Ymateb y Cabinet i Adroddiad y Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ar yr Adolygiad o Addysg UwchStatement on the Cabinet’s Response to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee’s Report on the Review of Higher Education
  5. 41Pwyntiau o DrefnPoints of Order
  6. 46Rheoliadau Cynhyrchion Diogelu Planhigion (Diwygio) 2002Approval of the Plant Protection Products (Amendment) Regulations 2002 1 bleidlais1 vote
  7. 48Pwynt o DrefnPoint of Order
  8. 49Yr Ymgyrch Cyflog CyfartalThe Equal Pay Campaign 1 bleidlais1 vote
  9. 65Tŷ’r ArglwyddiThe House of Lords 2 o bleidleisiau2 votes
  10. 94Dadl FerShort Debate
    1. 94Adferiad i’r Rhai sy’n Gaeth i Gyffuriau: Gwasanaeth a Esgeuluswyd?Drug Rehabilitation: A Neglected Service?

PleidleisiauVotes

PleidlaisVoteO blaidForYmatalAbstainYn erbynAgainstCanlyniadResult
Rheoliadau Cynhyrchion Diogelu Planhigion (Diwygio) 2002Approval of the Plant Protection Products (Amendment) Regulations 2002
Cynnig NDM980Motion NDM9804210DerbyniwydAdopted
Yr Ymgyrch Cyflog CyfartalThe Equal Pay Campaign
Cynnig NDM978Motion NDM9783900DerbyniwydAdopted
Tŷ’r ArglwyddiThe House of Lords
Gwelliant 1Amendment 119421GwrthodwydRejected
Cynnig NDM979Motion NDM9793393DerbyniwydAdopted

TrafodionProceedings

Cyfarfu’r Cynulliad am 9.05 a.m. gyda’r Llywydd yn y Gadair.

The Assembly met at 9.05 a.m. with the Presiding Officer in the Chair.

Datganiad gan y Llywydd

Statement by the Presiding Officer

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 3

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 3

Estynnaf groeso ffurfiol a chynnes i’r ddirprwyaeth o weriniaeth Namibia, yn enwedig yr Anrhydeddus Kandi Nehova, arlywydd Cymdeithas Seneddol y Gymanwlad, ar eu hymweliad swyddogol â’r Cynulliad heddiw. Yr ydym yn ddiolchgar ichi am ein hanrhydeddu, Syr. [Cymeradwyaeth.]

I formally and warmly welcome the delegation from the republic of Namibia, in particular the Honourable Kandi Nehova, president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, on their official visit to the Assembly today. We are grateful to you for honouring us with your presence, Sir. [Applause.]

Cwestiynau ar Lywodraeth Leol i’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau

Questions on Local Government to the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities

Cyllid yr Heddlu

Police Funding

Q1 Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 3

C1 Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

What discussions has the Minister had with the Home Office about police funding in Wales? (OAQ16137)

Pa drafodaethau y mae’r Gweinidog wedi’u cael gyda’r Swyddfa Gartref ynghylch cyllid yr heddlu yng Nghymru? (OAQ16137)

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities spoken in English p. 3

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

As I signalled in our policy statement, ‘Freedom and Responsibility in Local Government’, which was issued on 1 March, I intend to discuss the scope to improve the current arrangements for funding the police authorities in Wales with the UK Government.

Fel y dangosais yn ein datganiad polisi, ‘Rhyddid a Chyfrifoldeb mewn Llywodraeth Leol’, a gyhoeddwyd ar 1 Mawrth, bwriadaf drafod y posibliadau ar gyfer gwella’r trefniadau presennol ar gyfer ariannu awdurdodau’r heddlu yng Nghymru gyda Llywodraeth y DU.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 3

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

Do you agree that, given that the Assembly funds almost half of the police service already, complete responsibility for the service should be transferred to the National Assembly for Wales?

A gytunwch, o gofio bod y Cynulliad yn ariannu bron hanner y gwasanaeth heddlu yn barod, y dylai’r cyfrifoldeb cyfan am y gwasanaeth gael ei drosglwyddo i Gynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 3

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 3

Devolution of police functions is a complex issue. The Assembly has funding responsibilities, as does local government under the precept arrangements. My first priority must be to ensure that police authorities in Wales have proper and fair access to funding arrangements, whether that funding comes via the Home Office or from elsewhere. As a result of representations from the police authorities and the chief constables, I am establishing a working party to consider the police funding formula so that we can make appropriate representations to the Home Office on this issue.

Mae datganoli swyddogaethau’r heddlu yn fater cymhleth. Mae gan y Cynulliad gyfrifoldebau ariannu, fel sydd gan lywodraeth leol o dan y trefniadau presept. Fy mlaenoriaeth gyntaf o reidrwydd yw sicrhau bod gan awdurdodau’r heddlu yng Nghymru fyndediad cywir a theg at drefniadau ariannu, pa un ai a ddaw’r arian hwnnw drwy’r Swyddfa Gartref neu o fan arall. O ganlyniad i sylwadau gan awdurdodau’r heddlu a’r prif gwnstabliaid, yr wyf yn sefydlu gweithgor i ystyried fformiwla ariannu’r heddlu fel y gallwn wneud sylwadau priodol i’r Swyddfa Gartref ar y mater hwn.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 4

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

Recent events in the Tan-y-Lan estate in Colwyn Bay have shown the immense benefit gained from having an effective community beat officer. What discussions have you had with the police on the effect that having more community beat officers throughout Wales would have on their budgets?

Dangosodd digwyddiadau diweddar ar ystâd Tan-y-Lan ym Mae Colwyn y budd enfawr a geir o gael heddwas cymunedol effeithiol. Pa drafodaethau a gawsoch gyda’r heddlu ar yr effaith y byddai cael mwy o swyddogion heddlu cymunedol ar draws Cymru yn ei gael ar eu cyllidebau?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 4

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

We have general discussions about the impact of any policy changes on police budgets, and the police have been particularly concerned about the impact of pensions on their budgets and how these costs detract from front-line services. Those discussions are ongoing, and I will raise your point with the police authorities in our next meeting.

Yr ydym yn cael trafodaethau cyffredinol ar effaith unrhyw newidiadau polisi ar gyllidebau’r heddlu, a bu pryder arbennig gan yr heddlu am effaith pensiynau ar eu cyllidebau a sut mae’r costau hyn yn tynnu oddi wrth wasanaethau rheng flaen. Mae’r trafodaethau hynny’n parhau, a byddaf yn codi eich pwynt gyda’r awdurdodau heddlu yn ein cyfarfod nesaf.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 4

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

Adequate funding is necessary to allow the police to invest in modern equipment. Following last week’s incident in Colwyn Bay, do you agree that plastic bullets provide the police with a non-lethal alternative in difficult situations?

Mae cyllid digonol yn angenrheidiol i ganiatáu i’r heddlu fuddsoddi mewn offer modern. Yn dilyn y digwyddiad ym Mae Colwyn yr wythnos diwethaf, a gytunwch fod bwledi plastig yn rhoi i’r heddlu ddewis amgen nad yw’n lladd mewn sefyllfaoedd anodd?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 4

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

Yes, and we must consider the victims in such highly publicised cases. We must ensure that the police have the equipment necessary to ensure that dangerous situations do not escalate.

Cytunaf, ac mae’n rhaid inni ystyried y dioddefwyr mewn achosion o’r fath sy’n cael cyhoeddusrwydd eang. Rhaid inni sicrhau bod gan yr heddlu yr offer angenrheidiol i sicrhau nad yw sefyllfaoedd peryglus yn datblygu.

Peter Rogers spoken in English p. 4

Peter Rogers siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

If the Government criminalises hunting with hounds in Wales, will rural police forces need extra funding to cope with policing such an unnecessary law?

Os bydd y Llywodraeth yn gwneud hela â chŵn yng Nghymru yn anghyfreithlon, a fydd angen arian ychwanegol ar heddluoedd cefn gwlad i ymdopi â gweithredu cyfraith mor ddiangen?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 4

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

I am sure that any police forces requiring extra funding will make appropriate representations to the Home Office. That is a parliamentary matter.

Yr wyf yn siŵr y gwnaiff unrhyw heddluoedd sydd angen cyllid ychwanegol sylwadau priodol i’r Swyddfa Gartref. Mater seneddol yw hwnnw.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 4

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 4

Question 2 (OAQ16131) has been withdrawn.

Tynnwyd cwestiwn 2 (OAQ16131) yn ôl.

Trefniadau Etholiadol Llywodraeth Leol yng Nghymru

Local Government Electoral Arrangements in Wales

Q3 Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 5

C3 Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

Will the Minister make a statement regarding what measures will be taken to implement the conclusion of the Commission on Local Government Electoral Arrangements in Wales? (OAQ16138)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ynghylch pa fesurau fydd yn cael eu cymryd i weithredu casgliad y Comisiwn ar Drefniadau Etholiadol Llywodraeth Leol yng Nghymru? (OAQ16138)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 5

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

I have asked the commission to report by the end of June 2002. Until the final report is received and the commission has concluded its work, it would be premature to anticipate what measures its conclusions might require. However, I propose that a full consultation be held on the commission’s findings before any final decisions are made.

Gofynnais i’r comisiwn gyflwyno adroddiad erbyn diwedd Mehefin 2002. Hyd nes y derbynnir yr adroddiad terfynol ac i’r comisiwn orffen ei waith, byddai’n rhy gynnar i ragweld pa fesurau y gallai ei gasgliadau ofyn amdanynt. Fodd bynnag, awgrymaf y dylid cynnal ymgynghoriad llawn ar gasgliadau’r comisiwn cyn y gwneir unrhyw benderfyniadau terfynol.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 5

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

How will the Government of Wales take forward the commission’s conclusions where changes to primary legislation will be required?

Sut bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn datblygu casgliadau’r comisiwn lle bydd angen newidiadau i ddeddfwriaeth sylfaenol?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 5

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

I do not know yet what the commission’s conclusions will be. I have already made it clear to the Assembly that I do not intervene in the commission’s discussions nor am I updated on them. I will wait for the commission’s final report, and only at that stage will I be able to advise the Assembly on what actions the Assembly Government will take to implement that report.

Nid wn eto beth fydd casgliadau’r comisiwn. Gwneuthum hi’n glir eisoes i’r Cynulliad nad wyf yn ymyrryd yn nhrafodaethau’r comisiwn nac ychwaith yn cael y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf amdanynt. Byddaf yn aros i gael adroddiad terfynol y comisiwn, a dim ond ar yr adeg honno y gallaf gynghori’r Cynulliad ar ba gamau y bydd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn eu cymryd i roi’r adroddiad hwnnw ar waith.

William Graham spoken in English p. 5

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

Minister, the next local government elections have been deferred until May 2004, allegedly to avoid confusion among voters. Will you indicate, from any preliminary discussions that you may have had, what the cost of a campaign to explain the change to voting arrangements would be?

Weinidog, gohiriwyd yr etholiadau llywodraeth leol nesaf hyd Fai 2004, er mwyn osgoi dryswch ymhlith pleidleiswyr yn ôl y sôn. A ddangoswch, ar sail unrhyw drafodaethau rhag blaen a gawsoch o bosibl, faint fyddai cost ymgyrch i esbonio’r newid yn y trefniadau pleidleisio?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 5

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

I do not have those figures, William, but I would be happy to speak to officials to see whether I can provide you with them.

Nid yw’r ffigurau hynny gennyf, William, ond byddwn yn barod i siarad â swyddogion i weld a allaf eu rhoi i chi.

Janet Davies spoken in English p. 5

Janet Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 5

Following recent events in south Wales, do you have any plans to request a further review in the near future?

Yn dilyn digwyddiadau diweddar yn y De, a oes gennych gynlluniau i i ofyn am adolygiad pellach yn y dyfodol agos?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 6

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

Sorry, a further review of what?

Mae’n ddrwg gennyf, adolygiad o beth?

Janet Davies spoken in English p. 6

Janet Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

Local government electoral arrangements. I thought that this question was about that.

Trefniadau etholiadol llywodraeth leol. Yr oeddwn yn meddwl bod y cwestiwn hwn yn ymwneud â hynny.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 6

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

The commission’s report in ongoing and I will wait to see what will emerge from it.

Mae adroddiad y comisiwn yn parhau i gael ei lunio a byddaf yn aros i weld beth fydd yn deillio ohono.

Ieuan Wyn Jones The Leader of the Opposition spoken in English p. 6

Ieuan Wyn Jones Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

I listened carefully to your response to Eleanor Burnham’s question, which suggested that you will go out to consultation before making your views known. Can you tell us whether your views will be known before the Assembly election in 2003?

Gwrandawais yn ofalus ar eich ymateb i gwestiwn Eleanor Burnham, a awgrymai eich bod yn mynd i ymgynghori yn eang cyn gwneud eich barn yn hysbys. A allwch ddweud wrthym a fydd eich barn yn wybyddus cyn etholiadau’r Cynulliad yn 2003?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 6

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

I do not want to put a timescale on this. I am anticipating that I will have the commission’s report in June, and I hope that it will be available for distribution in July. I will then have to decide about how to consult on it. However, the impact of the report will not affect the 2003 elections, nor any aspect involved with them, nor the 2004 local government elections.

Nid wyf am osod terfyn amser ar hyn. Rhagwelaf y byddaf yn derbyn adroddiad y comisiwn ym Mehefin a gobeithiaf y bydd ar gael i’w ddosbarthu ym mis Gorffennaf. Yna, bydd yn rhaid imi benderfynu sut i ymgynghori yn ei gylch. Fodd bynnag, ni fydd effaith yr adroddiad yn effeithio ar etholiadau 2003 nac unrhyw agwedd sy’n ymwneud â hwy, nac etholiadau llywodraeth leol 2004.

Uned Lleihau Troseddau

Crime Reduction Unit

C4 David Lloyd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 6

Q4 David Lloyd spoken in Welsh p. 6

A yw’r Uned Lleihau Troseddau wedi gweithio i wella’r cymorth sy’n cael ei roi i ddioddefwyr troseddau yng Nghymru? (OAQ16071)

Has the Crime Reduction Unit worked to improve the support given to victims of crime in Wales? (OAQ16071)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 6

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 6

Several of the funding programmes administered by the Crime Reduction Unit benefits victims directly, while others help to prevent victimisation. Since 1999 more than £16 million, provided by the crime reduction programme and Assembly funding, has been targeted at relevant schemes in Wales. These include: £766,928 for projects to tackle domestic violence; £2 million for the Safer Homes this Winter campaign; £500,000 to tackle alcohol related street crime in the Cardiff area; £10.4 million for closed circuit television; and £2.7 million for the communities against drugs initiative, which is aimed at tackling drug related crime and to disrupt the drug markets. In addition, the Assembly provides core funding for Welsh Women’s Aid and the Black Association of Women Step Out Ltd.

Mae llawer o’r rhaglenni ariannu a weinyddir gan yr Uned Lleihau Troseddau o fudd uniongyrchol i ddioddefwyr, tra bod eraill yn helpu osgoi creu mwy o ddioddefwyr. Ers 1999 mae mwy na £16 miliwn, a ddarparwyd drwy’r rhaglen lleihau troseddau ac arian gan y Cynulliad, wedi cael ei dargedu tuag at gynlluniau perthnasol yng Nghymru. Mae’r rhain yn cynnwys: £766,928 ar gyfer prosiectau i fynd i’r afael â thrais yn y cartref; £2 filiwn i’r ymgyrch Safer Homes this Winter; £500,000 i fynd i’r afael a throseddau stryd sy’n gysylltiedig ag alcohol yn ardal Caerdydd; £10.4 miliwn ar gyfer teledu cylch cyfyng; a £2.7 miliwn ar gyfer y fenter cymunedau yn erbyn cyffuriau, sydd â’r nod o fynd i’r afael â throseddau sy’n gysylltiedig â chyffuriau a tharfu ar y marchnadoedd cyffuriau. Yn ogystal, mae’r Cynulliad yn darparu arian craidd ar gyfer Cymorth i Fenywod Cymru a chwmni Black Association of Women Step Out Ltd.

David Lloyd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 7

David Lloyd spoken in Welsh p. 7

Dengys ymchwil nad yw 96 y cant o bobl sydd wedi dioddef trosedd yn derbyn unrhyw gymorth. Sut mae’r Gweindog am wella’r sefyllfa echrydus hon?

Research shows that 96 per cent of crime victims do not receive any help. How does the Minister intend improving this appalling situation?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 7

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

I have had discussions with Victim Support and I am currently considering a request for financial support to establish a new Welsh office for the organisation. Victim Support is a useful organisation, and we should encourage its work and see to what extent the Assembly can work with it.

Cefais drafodaethau gyda Cymorth i Ddioddefwyr ac yr wyf ar hyn o bryd yn ystyried cais am gymorth ariannol i sefydlu swyddfa newydd yng Nghymru ar gyfer y sefydliad. Mae Cymorth i Ddioddefwyr yn sefydliad defnyddiol, a dylem hybu ei waith a gweld i ba raddau y gall y Cynulliad gydweithio ag ef.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 7

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

The Bobby Van scheme in Gwent is a good example of work carried out by Victim Support. However, do you agree that we must have as few victims of crime in future as possible and that imprisoning more people than almost any other European country only increases crime? Do you support the radical new Home Office proposals to find more constructive and effective ways forward?

Mae’r cynllun Bobby Van yng Ngwent yn enghraifft dda o’r gwaith a wneir gan Gymorth i Ddioddefwyr. Fodd bynnag, oni chytunwch fod yn rhaid inni gael cyn lleied o ddioddefwyr troseddau â phosibl yn y dyfodol ac nad yw carcharu mwy o bobl nag unrhyw wlad arall yn Ewrop bron yn gwneud dim ond cynyddu’r nifer o droseddau? A ydych yn cefnogi cynigion newydd radical y Swyddfa Gartref i ganfod ffyrdd mwy adeiladol ac effeithiol i symud ymlaen?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 7

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

It is important to find more constructive ways forward that actually work. However, we must recognise that people’s fear of crime is not necessarily borne out by the statistics. We must put victims first. Victims must be assured that any changes will make a difference to them in the long term and that it is not just a matter of the Assembly developing policy that makes us feel better about ourselves and the criminal justice system.

Mae’n bwysig canfod ffyrdd mwy adeiladol o symud ymlaen sydd yn gweithio mewn gwirionedd. Fodd bynnag, rhaid cydnabod nad yw ofnau pobl am droseddau, o angenrhaid, yn cael eu cadarnhau gan yr ystadegau. Rhaid inni roi’r dioddefwyr yn gyntaf. Rhaid i ddioddefwyr gael sicrwydd y bydd unrhyw newidiadau yn gwneud gwahaniaeth iddynt hwy yn y tymor hir ac nad dim ond mater o’r Cynulliad yn datblygu polisi sy’n gwneud inni deimlo’n well ynglŷn â’n hunain a’r system droseddol ydyw.

David Melding spoken in English p. 7

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 7

Do you agree that effective witness support is essential? Taking simple measures such as ensuring discrete waiting room facilities for those about to give evidence so that they are not intimidated, as they currently often are, would help.

A gytunwch fod cymorth effeithiol i dystion yn hanfodol? Byddai cymryd camau syml megis sicrhau cyfleusterau ystafell aros dawel i’r rheini sydd ar fin rhoi tystiolaeth, fel na chânt eu brawychu, fe y cânt yn aml ar hyn o bryd, o gymorth.

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 8

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

The issue of witness support has been raised frequently in many discussions that I have had. It is essential that a proper programme is in place. It is important that we support organisations that help witnesses through what is a difficult period. We do not want to underestimate the difficulty that giving evidence poses for individuals in some situations that they face in the court system.

Mae mater cymorth i dystion wedi cael ei godi’n fynych mewn sawl trafodaeth a gefais. Mae’n hanfodol bod rhaglen gywir ar waith. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn cefnogi cyrff sy’n cynorthwyo tystion drwy’r hyn sy’n gyfnod anodd. Nid ydym am ddibrisio pa mor anodd yw hi i unigolion roi tystiolaeth mewn rhai sefyllfaoedd y maent yn eu hwynebu yn system y llysoedd.

Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Q5 Michael German The Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group spoken in English p. 8

C5 Michael German Arweinydd Grŵp Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

What steps is the Minister taking to prevent the recent mistakes that led to the current crisis in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council being repeated? (OAQ16136)

Pa gamau y mae’r Gweinidog yn eu cymryd i geisio sicrhau na fydd y camgymeriadau diweddar a arweiniodd at yr argyfwng presennol yng Nghyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful yn digwydd eto? (OAQ16136)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 8

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

That is not a matter for me to deal with. The duty to comply with legislation is the local authority’s responsibility.

Nid mater i mi ddelio ag ef yw hwnnw. Cyfrifoldeb yr awdurdod lleol yw’r ddyletswydd i gydymffurfio â deddfwriaeth.

Michael German spoken in English p. 8

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Do you agree that the current situation in Merthyr Tydfil is not providing democracy for the local people? In particular, given the recent district auditor’s report on the Highstar development, when will it be possible for the people of Merthyr to expect to have some form of democratic government in place again?

A gytunwch nad yw’r sefyllfa bresennol ym Merthyr Tudful yn rhoi democratiaeth i bobl leol? Yn arbennig, o gofio adroddiad diweddar yr archwiliwr dosbarth ar ddatblygiad Highstar, pryd y bydd yn bosibl i bobl Merthyr ddisgwyl cael rhyw ffurf ar lywodraeth ddemocrataidd ar waith eto?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 8

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

The Merthyr situation is the result of an unfortunate administrative error. The Assembly does not believe that any other principal council is in the same situation. As far as I am aware, Merthyr council has taken this matter to the High Court. I understand that a hearing will be held on Monday. I will not comment on this issue until that has taken place.

Canlyniad camgymeriad gweinyddol anffodus yw sefyllfa Merthyr. Nid yw’r Cynulliad yn credu fod unrhyw brif gyngor arall yn yr un sefyllfa. Hyd y gwn i, mae cyngor Merthyr wedi mynd â’r mater hwn i’r Uchel Lys. Deallaf y cynhelir gwrandawiad ddydd Llun. Ni wnaf sylw ar y mater hwn hyd nes y bydd hwnnw wedi ei gynnal.

Jocelyn Davies spoken in English p. 8

Jocelyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 8

Merthyr council finds itself facing more than one crisis due to mistakes, according to a district auditor’s report published this week. Do you agree that that report states that this Labour controlled council acted incompetently and unlawfully, was ineffective and negligent, and failed to serve the best interests of the taxpayer? Given that the council does not have elected members to address these deficiencies, what action do you intend to take?

Mae cyngor Merthyr yn wynebu mwy nag un argyfwng oherwydd camgymeriadau, yn ôl adroddiad archwiliwr dosbarth a gyhoeddwyd yr wythnos hon A gytunwch fod yr adroddiad hwnnw yn datgan fod y cyngor hwn a reolir gan Lafur wedi gweithredu yn anghymwys ac anghyfreithlon, ei fod yn aneffeithiol ac yn esgeulus, a’i fod wedi methu â gwasanaethu buddiannau gorau’r trethdalwyr? O gofio nad oes gan y cyngor aelodau etholedig i fynd i’r afael â’r diffygion hyn, pa gamau y bwriadwch eu cymryd?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 9

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

As I indicated to the Local Government and Housing Committee yesterday, the district auditor’s report is a matter for the local authorities. There is a set period during within the local authority must respond to a report. I hope that the council will respond positively to the report when matters are resolved in Merthyr. Many district auditor’s reports have been published that are critical of local authorities. However, I assure you that the majority of authorities have dealt positively with any criticisms by district auditors.

Fel y dywedais wrth y Pwyllgor Llywodraeth Leol a Thai ddoe, mater i’r awdurdodau lleol yw adroddiad yr archwiliwr dosbarth. Mae’n rhaid i’r awdurdod lleol ymateb i adroddiad o fewn cyfnod penodol. Gobeithiaf y bydd y cyngor yn ymateb yn gadarnhaol i’r adroddiad pan gaiff y materion eu datrys ym Merthyr. Cyhoeddwyd llawer o adroddiadau gan yr archwiliwr dosbarth sy’n feirniadol o awdurdodau lleol. Fodd bynnag, gallaf eich sicrhau bod y mwyafrif o’r awdurdodau wedi delio’n gadarnhaol gydag unrhyw feirniadaethau gan archwilwyr dosbarth.

Huw Lewis spoken in English p. 9

Huw Lewis siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

Edwina, I know that you agree that, whatever the outcome of these extraordinary events concerning Merthyr council, the people of Merthyr borough should be the last to suffer and that, if possible, they should not pay, for the mistakes of others. I had a meeting with you soon after the news of these events broke. Will you confirm your suggestions at that meeting, namely that you underlined the capability of the council’s chief executive to underwrite new public expenditure of sums up to £50,000, which could help to save a plethora of community projects, in particular, the Treharris Boys and Girls Club development, which is currently reaching crisis point? Will you also confirm that you are prepared to step in to consider any cash flow problems that might result from any late setting of the council tax in Merthyr?

Edwina, gwn y cytunwch, beth bynnag fydd canlyniad y digwyddiadau hynod hyn ynglŷn â chyngor Merthyr, mai pobl Merthyr Tudful ddylai fod yr olaf i ddioddef ac, os yn bosibl, na ddylent orfod talu am gamgymeriadau pobl eraill. Cefais gyfarfod â chi yn fuan wedi i’r newyddion am y digwyddiadau hyn ddod yn hysbys. A wnewch chi gadarnhau eich awgrymiadau yn y cyfarfod hwnnw, sef eich bod wedi tanlinellu gallu prif weithredwr y cyngor i warantu symiau hyd at £50,000 o wariant cyhoeddus newydd, a allai helpu i achub llu o brosiectau cymunedol, yn arbennig datblygiad Clwb Bechgyn a Merched Treharris sydd ar hyn o bryd yn wynebu argyfwng? A wnewch chi hefyd gadarnhau eich bod yn barod i ymyrryd i ystyried unrhyw drafferth gyda’r llif arian a allai ddeillio o bennu’r dreth cyngor yn hwyr ym Merthyr?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 9

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 9

I am pleased to confirm that Assembly officials have considered in detail how we could assist the local authority in this difficult time. The chief executive can make the necessary decision provided that it is within the policy guidelines laid down by the authority. However, more importantly, as the council will be unable to set its council tax, I am more than happy to make the necessary arrangements for the revenue support grant to be paid in advance to ensure that citizens in the Merthyr local authority area can still have the services and benefits provided by the local authority.

Y mae’n dda gennyf gadarnhau bod swyddogion y Cynulliad wedi ystyried yn fanwl sut y gallem gynorthwyo’r awdurdod lleol ar yr adeg anodd hon. Gall y prif weithredwr wneud y penderfyniad angenrheidiol cyhyd â’i fod o fewn y canllawiau polisi a bennwyd gan yr awdurdod. Fodd bynnag, yn bwysicach, gan na fydd y cyngor yn gallu pennu ei dreth gyngor, yr wyf yn fwy na bodlon gwneud y trefniadau angenrheidiol i’r grant cynnal refeniw gael ei dalu ymlaen llaw i sicrhau y gall trigolion awdurdod lleol Merthyr barhau i gael y gwasanaethau a’r manteision a ddarparwyd gan yr awdurdod lleol.

Cyfarfodydd â Chyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful

Meetings with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Q6 Phil Williams spoken in English p. 10

C6 Phil Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

Has the Minister met with elected members or officials from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council during the last three weeks? (OAQ16064)

A yw’r Gweinidog wedi cyfarfod ag aelodau etholedig neu swyddogion Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful yn ystod y tair wythnos diwethaf? (OAQ16064)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 10

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

No.

Naddo.

Phil Williams spoken in English p. 10

Phil Williams siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

I wish to press you on some of your answers this morning. Given the suspension of the elected members and the possibility that there may not be any elected members for another five weeks, will you comment on the expert advice that we have received, namely that in addition to the officials, you, as the Minister for responsible for local government, are now the elected person who can be held responsible for the county borough council’s affairs in the interim period? If you can confirm that, what steps do you intend to take to ensure that work continues on urgent matters such as setting the budget and the response to the Audit Commission report, both of which must be completed within a legal timescale?

Carwn wasgu arnoch ynglŷn â rhai o’ch atebion y bore yma. Yng ngoleuni gwahardd yr aelodau etholedig a’r posibilrwydd na fydd unrhyw aelodau etholedig am bum wythnos arall, a wnewch chi sylwadau ar y cyngor arbenigol a dderbyniwyd gennym, sef, yn ogystal â’r swyddogion, mai chi, fel y Gweinidog â chyfrifoldeb dros lywodraeth leol , yw’r person etholedig y gellir ei ddal yn gyfrifol am weithgareddau’r cyngor bwrdeistref sirol yn y cyfnod interim? Os gallwch gadarnhau hynny, pa gamau y bwriadwch eu cymryd i sicrhau y bydd y gwaith yn parhau ar faterion brys fel pennu’r gyllideb a’r ymateb i adroddiad y Comisiwn Archwilio y materion y mae’n rhaid eu cwblhau o fewn amserlen gyfreithiol?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 10

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

I will address the parts of the question that I think it appropriate to address, given that the matter has gone before the High Court. There is no reason why the council cannot continue to maintain its services for the people of Merthyr Tydfil until these matters have been resolved. The Assembly has no powers to control the council unless it is unable to deliver services. I have received no indication yet that it is unable to deliver services.

Af i’r afael â’r rhannau o’r cwestiwn y teimlaf sy’n briodol o gofio bod y mater wedi mynd gerbron yr Uchel Lys. Nid oes reswm pam na all y cyngor barhau i gynnal ei wasanaethau i bobl Merthyr Tudful hyd nes y bydd y materion hyn wedi eu datrys. Nid oes gan y Cynulliad unrhyw bwerau i reoli’r cyngor oni bai ei fod yn analluog i gyflwyno’r gwasanaethau. Nid wyf wedi cael unrhyw arwydd eto ei fod yn analluog i ddarparu gwasanaethau.

William Graham spoken in English p. 10

William Graham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 10

Minister, I realise that you are not keen to comment because of the pending High Court action. However, I hope that you will bear in mind who will be responsible and have to bear the costs of the action should it fail. Will you suggest that all concerned engage in elections as soon as possible?

Weinidog, deallaf nad ydych yn awyddus i wneud sylw oherwydd penderfyniad arfaethedig yr Uchel Lys. Fodd bynnag, gobeithiaf y cadwch mewn cof pwy fydd yn gyfrifol a phwy fydd yn gorfod dwyn costau’r achos os bydd iddo fethu. A wnewch chi awgrymu y dylai pawb sydd â rhan yn hyn ymgymryd ag etholiadau cyn gynted â phosibl?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 11

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

I am mindful of your points about what would happen if the High Court action were to fail. It is essential that we ensure that the democratic process works quickly and smoothly.

Yr wyf yn ymwybodol o’ch pwyntiau ynglŷn â’r hyn a allai ddigwydd pe bai achos yn yr Uchel Lys yn methu. Mae’n hanfodol ein bod yn sicrhau bod y broses ddemocrataidd yn gweithio’n rhwydd ac yn esmwyth.

Treth Fusnes Atodol

Supplementary Business Rate

Q7 Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 11

C7 Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

What progress is the Minister making in her plans to introduce a supplementary business rate? (OAQ16130)

Pa gynnydd y mae’r Gweinidog yn ei wneud yn ei chynlluniau i gyflwyno treth fusnes atodol? (OAQ16130)

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 11

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

I am presently consulting on a range of options regarding introducing some form of local rate. I will consider all the responses received carefully before I reach a final decision on the best way forward for Wales. I want to ensure that business in Wales remains as competitive as possible.

Yr wyf yn ymgynghori ar hyn o bryd ar ystod o ddewisiadau ynghylch cyflwyno rhyw ffurf ar dreth leol. Byddaf yn ystyried yr holl ymatebion a dderbyniaf yn ofalus cyn dod i benderfyniad terfynol ar y ffordd orau ymlaen i Gymru. Yr wyf am sicrhau bod busnesau yng Nghymru yn parhau mor gystadleuol â phosibl.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 11

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

Does the Minister accept that businesses are opposed to any form of supplementary business rate? The Business Partnership Council meets this afternoon. After its last meeting it made an announcement on its unanimous opposition to any form of supplementary business rate. When will you listen to business? Do you accept that while this threat is hanging over the business community in Wales inhibits inward investment?

A dderbynia’r Gweinidog fod busnesau yn gwrthwynebu unrhyw ffurf ar dreth fusnes atodol? Mae’r Cyngor Partneriaeth Busnes yn cyfarfod y prynhawn yma. Ar ôl ei gyfarfod diwethaf gwnaeth gyhoeddiad ar ei wrthwynebiad unfrydol i unrhyw ffurf ar dreth fusnes atodol. Pa bryd y gwnewch chi wrando ar fyd busnes? A dderbyniwch tra bod y bygythiad hwn yn bodoli i’r gymuned fusnes yng Nghymru ei fod yn llesteirio mewnfuddsoddi?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 11

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 11

I do not think that it inhibits inward investment. My officials have had some discussions with the business community, which outlined all the proposals on which we are currently consulting. It is fully aware that the Government does not wish to do anything to jeopardise business. You should be mindful that business is not our only partner; we also have partnerships with local government and other sectors, which are eager for change in these arrangements. I have issued a consultation document and it is up to business to respond to me. I will take on board the points that it makes.

Ni chredaf ei fod yn llesteirio mewnfuddsoddi. Cafodd fy swyddogion rai trafodaethau gyda’r gymuned fusnes, a amlinellodd yr holl gynigion yr ydym yn ymgynghori arnynt ar hyn o bryd. Mae’n gwbl ymwybodol nad yw’r Llywodraeth yn dymuno gwneud dim i beryglu busnes. Dylech sylweddoli nad busnes yw ein hunig bartner; mae gennym bartneriaethau hefyd â llywodraeth leol a sectorau eraill, sy’n awyddus i gael newid yn y trefniadau hyn. Cyhoeddais ddogfen ymgynghori a chyfrifoldeb byd busnes yw ymateb i mi. Byddaf yn ystyried y pwyntiau a wna.

Brian Hancock spoken in English p. 12

Brian Hancock siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

You have just mentioned that you are having meetings and discussions, will you be bringing together the business and the local government community to discuss business rates?

Yr ydych newydd ddweud eich bod yn cynnal cyfarfodydd a thrafodaethau, a fyddwch yn galw’r gymuned fusnes a llywodraeth leol ynghyd i drafod trethi busnes?

Edwina Hart spoken in English p. 12

Edwina Hart siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

Since you have made that suggestion I will see whether representatives from both the business community and local authorities would like to hold a joint discussion. Both sectors can, of course, respond to the consultation document. It is interesting to consider the relationships that exist across local government and the discussions it already has with the business community, and what participation there is in those meetings.

Gan ichi wneud yr awgrym hwnnw holaf i weld a fyddai cynrychiolwyr y gymuned fusnes a’r awdurdodau lleol yn dymuno cynnal trafodaeth ar y cyd. Gall y ddau sector, wrth gwrs, ymateb i’r ddogfen ymgynghori. Mae’n ddiddorol ystyried y berthynas sy’n bodoli ar draws llywodraeth leol a’r trafodaethau a gafodd eisoes gyda’r gymuned fusnes, a faint o gyfranogiad sydd yn y cyfarfodydd hynny.

Cwestiynau i’r Gweinidog dros yr Amgylchedd

Questions to the Minister for Environment

Llifogydd yn Nhrefynwy

Floods in Monmouth

Q1 David Davies spoken in English p. 12

C1 David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

What is the Minister doing to prevent future flooding in Monmouth? (OAQ16117)

Beth y mae’r Gweinidog yn ei wneud i atal llifogydd pellach rhag digwydd yn Nhrefynwy? (OAQ16117)

Sue Essex The Minister for Environment spoken in English p. 12

Sue Essex Y Gweinidog dros yr Amgylchedd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

I announced 100 per cent grant assistance to local authorities last September to enable them to undertake initial assessment of local flooding problems. Monmouthshire County Council is using this to help assess potential solutions in Monmouth.

Cyhoeddais gymorth grant o 100 y cant i awdurdodau lleol fis Medi diwethaf i’w galluogi i ymgymryd ag asesiad cychwynnol o broblemau llifogydd lleol. Mae Cyngor Sir Fynwy yn defnyddio hwn i’w cynorthwyo i asesu datrysiadau posibl yn Nhrefynwy.

David Davies spoken in English p. 12

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 12

That work is currently underway. Local people believe that the flooding could be prevented by pumping water out of the Drybridge street area of the town—the lower area of the town that you have visited—into the Monnow, whose flood defences held up well. The feasibility study that you mentioned is only considering the possibility of building a soakaway. I know that you are doing your best on this, however, will you urge those undertaking that study to consider the possibility of pumping water rather than simply building a soakaway? Many people feel that that would solve the problem.

Mae’r gwaith hwnnw’n digwydd yn barod. Cred pobl leol y gellid atal y llifogydd drwy bwmpio dŵr o ardal stryd Drybridge yn y dref—ardal isaf y dref yr ymwelsoch â hi—i fewn i afon Mynwy, y daliodd ei hamddiffynfeydd llifogydd yn dda. Ystyried posibilrwydd adeiladu rhewyn yn unig y mae’r astudiaeth dichonoldeb y cyfeiriasoch ati. Gwn eich bod yn gwneud eich gorau ar y mater hwn, fodd bynnag, a wnewch chi bwyso ar y rhai sy’n ymgymryd â’r astudiaeth honno i ystyried y posibilrwydd o bwmpio dŵr yn hytrach na dim ond adeiladu rhewyn? Mae llawer o bobl yn teimlo y byddai hynny’n datrys y broblem.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 13

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

I visited the area at your request. It was a constructive two-hour visit, talking to local people and local councillors. We discussed the problem and I was impressed with the local councillors and the Environment Agency, who have considered the issue and the way forward. I will raise the option that you mentioned. At the time that did not appear to be the way forward. However, we need to ensure that whatever we do is the best means of alleviating the flooding. I was impressed by the people living in that community along Drybridge street: under the circumstances they were remarkably cheerful. Everyone was relieved that the flood alleviation works carried out in 1992 worked for the town.

Ymwelais â’ch ardal ar eich cais. Yr oedd yn ymweliad dwy awr adeiladol, yn siarad â phobl leol a chynghorwyr lleol. Trafodwyd y broblem a gwnaeth y cynghorwyr lleol ac Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd, sydd wedi ystyried y mater a’r ffordd orau i fwrw ymlaen, argraff dda arnaf. Byddaf yn codi’r dewis y cyfeiriasoch ato. Ar y pryd nid ymddangosai mai dyna oedd y ffordd ymlaen. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni sicrhau mai beth bynnag a wnawn yw’r ffordd orau i liniaru’r llifogydd. Gwnaeth y bobl sy’n byw yn y gymuned ar hyd stryd Drybridge argraff arnaf: o dan yr amgylchiadau yr oeddent yn hynod galonnog. Yr oedd yn rhyddhad i bawb fod y gwaith lliniaru llifogydd a wnaed yn 1992 wedi gweithio dros y dref.

Rosemary Butler spoken in English p. 13

Rosemary Butler siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

I am always impressed by your willingness to visit areas with problems so that you have first hand knowledge of the situation. I was pleased when, last October, you and the Minister for Finance visited Isca Road in my constituency—it used to be in the Monmouth constituency, but now abutts that constituency. You came to see the damage caused by the collapse of the flood defence wall. The Environment Agency, the local authority, and your officials, all agreed that the long term solution to the problem was a comprehensive scheme costing about £1.3 million. However, there was a funding shortfall. Following the site visit, I was encouraged when you and Edwina asked officials to consider possibilities for providing that financial support. Disappointingly, there has been no progress to date, and residents continue to live with a daily fear of flooding. As a precaution, the local authority closed the road last year, and the residents still have no vehicle access to the affected houses. It would be a great relief to my constituents if you could instruct your officials to consider this problem as a matter of urgency.

Yr wyf bob amser yn rhyfeddu at eich parodrwydd i ymweld ag ardaloedd sydd yn dioddef problemau er mwyn cael profiad uniongyrchol o’r sefyllfa. Yr oedd yn dda gennyf, fis Hydref diwethaf, pan ymwelasoch chi a’r Gweinidog dros Gyllid â Heol Isca yn fy etholaeth i—a arferai fod yn etholaeth Mynwy, ond yn awr mae’n ffinio â’r etholaeth honno. Daethoch i weld y difrod a achoswyd gan gwymp y wal atal llifogydd. Cytunodd Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd, yr awdurdod lleol, a’ch swyddogion i gyd mai’r ateb hirdymor i’r broblem oedd cynllun cynhwysfawr yn costio tua £1.3 miliwn. Fodd bynnag, yr oedd diffyg o ran ariannu. Yn dilyn yr ymweliad â’r safle, fe’m calonogwyd pan ofynasoch chi ac Edwina i’r swyddogion ystyried posibiliadau ar gyfer darparu’r gefnogaeth ariannol honno. Er mawr siom ni wnaed cynnydd hyd yn hyn, ac mae’r trigolion yn byw gyda’r pryder o lifogydd yn ddyddiol. Er mwyn bod yn ddiogel, caeodd yr awdurdod lleol y ffordd y llynedd, ac nid oes gan y trigolion fynediad cerbydau o hyd i’r tai a effeithiwyd. Byddai’n rhyddhad mawr i’m hetholwyr pe gallech roi cyfarwyddyd i’ch swyddogion i ystyried y broblem ar fyrder.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 13

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 13

I appreciate your local concern and your diligence in fighting for this issue for local residents. It is, as you say, quite complicated and quite large-scale. There is an immediate alleviation scheme that would support the people who live along the road. However, as you rightly say, if we were to consider the long term, the advice of the Environment Agency is that the erosion on the bend of the river needs to be tackled. Edwina and I, you can rest assured, are having urgent discussions about this. If we are to find a way forward, we must ensure the rationale on which the major expenditure—and it would be major expenditure—is delivered. I appreciate your local concerns, and we will treat it as a matter of urgency.

Gwerthfawrogaf eich pryder yn lleol a’ch diwydrwydd yn ymladd dros y mater hwn ar ran y trigolion lleol. Fel y dywedwch, mae’n eithaf cymhleth ac ar raddfa fawr. Mae cynllun lliniaru di-oed a fyddai’n cynorthwyo’r bobl sy’n byw ar hyd y ffordd. Fodd bynnag, fel y dywedwch, a hynny’n gywir, petaem yn ystyried yr hirdymor, cyngor Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd yw bod angen mynd i’r afael â’r erydiad ar y ddolen yn yr afon. Mae Edwina a minnau, gallwch fod yn esmwyth, yn cael trafodaethau brys ynglŷn â hyn. Os ydym i ganfod ffordd ymlaen, rhaid inni sicrhau’r rhesymeg dros wariant sylweddol—ac mi fyddai’n wariant sylweddol. Gwerthfawrogaf eich pryderon yn lleol a byddwn yn ei drin fel mater o frys.

Newidiadau yn yr Hinsawdd

Climate Change

Q2 Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 14

C2 Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

Will the Minister give an update on those measures that she has introduced in regards to climate change following the resolution passed by the Assembly in May 2000? (OAQ16087)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog roi diweddariad ar y mesurau y mae wedi’u cyflwyno mewn perthynas â newidiadau yn yr hinsawdd, a hynny’n dilyn y penderfyniad a basiwyd gan y Cynulliad ym mis Mai 2000? (OAQ16087)

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 14

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

Last July we issued ‘Climate Change Wales: Learning to Live Differently’, which described the policies that the Assembly is pursuing to deliver a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Wales. I believe copies were sent to all Assembly Members.

Fis Gorffennaf y llynedd bu inni gyhoeddi ‘Newid Hinsawdd Cymru: Dysgu Byw’n Wahanol’, sy’n disgrifio’r polisïau y mae’r Cynulliad yn eu dilyn i gyflwyno lleihad mewn allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr yng Nghymru. Credaf i gopïau gael eu hanfon at bob Aelod o’r Cynulliad.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 14

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

One resolution in that debate was that a planning presumption be introduced against further incineration and landfill developments in Wales in the interest of sustainability. Will you join me in congratulating Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council on closing the Nantygwyddon landfill tip yesterday? Can you give an assurance to the Assembly that this will be introduced into the Wales waste strategy, and that planning presumption against further incineration and landfill will be introduced in ‘Planning Policy Wales’?

Un penderfyniad yn y ddadl honno oedd y dylid cyflwyno gwaharddiad cynllunio yn erbyn datblygiadau llosgyddion a thirlenwi yng Nghymru yn enw cynaliadwyedd. A ymunwch â mi i longyfarch Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Rhondda Cynon Taf ar gau safle tirlenwi Nantygwyddon ddoe? A allwch roi sicrwydd i’r Cynulliad y bydd hwn yn cael ei gyflwyno i strategaeth gwastraff Cymru, ac y bydd gwaharddiad cynllunio yn erbyn llosgyddion a thirlenwi pellach yn cael ei gyflwyno yn ‘Polisi Cynllunio Cymru’?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 14

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 14

The closure of Nantygwyddon came on the back of the recommendations of the Assembly investigation. The closure did not remove the landfill problems of Rhondda Cynon Taff and other local authorities in Wales. This is what we are trying to do through the waste strategy. I hope that we will have the final document just after Easter. It is there to show a way forward over many years in Wales, to move away from landfill and the emissions that are associated with landfill—your original question was about climate change—and to put more sustainable practices in place. On planning, the technical advice note on waste practice has been issued. We are working with local authorities, particularly on the regional grouping, to try to ensure that they can get together in a co-ordinated way to get sustainable practices in place.

Daeth cau Nantygwyddon yn sgîl argymhellion ymchwiliad y Cynulliad. Ni chafodd cau’r safle wared ar broblemau tirlenwi Rhondda Cynon Taf ac awdurdodau lleol eraill yng Nghymru. Dyma yr ydym yn ceisio’i wneud drwy’r strategaeth wastraff. Gobeithiwn gael y ddogfen derfynol yn barod yn union wedi’r Pasg. Mae yno i ddangos y ffordd ymlaen yng Nghymru am lawer o flynyddoedd, i symud i ffwrdd o dirlenwi a’r allyriadau sy’n gysylltiedig â thirlenwi—yr oedd eich cwestiwn gwreiddiol yn ymwneud â newid yn yr hinsawdd—ac i roi arferion mwy cynaliadwy ar waith. O ran cynllunio, mae’r nodyn cynghori ar ddulliau arferion gwastraff wedi cael ei ddobarthu. Yr ydym yn gweithio gydag awdurdodau lleol, yn enwedig o ran y grwpiau rhanbarthol, i geisio sicrhau y gallant ddod at ei gilydd mewn ffordd gydlynol i roi arferion cynaliadwy ar waith.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 15

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

As part of the promotion of public transport to reduce damaging road traffic exhaust emissions, will you ensure that we get detailed examinations of the alleged difficulties in extending the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff passenger rail link to Newport? Many informed observers believe that these difficulties are relatively unproblematic, are easily overcome, and are not as serious as some have stated.

Fel rhan o hyrwyddo trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus i leihau nwyon allyriadau traffig ffordd niweidiol, a wnewch chi sicrhau yr ymchwilir yn fanwl i’r anawsterau honedig o ran ymestyn cyswllt trên teithwyr rhwng Glynebwy a Chaerdydd i Gasnewydd? Mae llawer o sylwedyddion gwybodus yn credu bod yr anawsterau hyn yn gymharol ddi-broblem, ac nad ydynt mor ddifrifol ag y dywedodd rhai.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 15

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 15

I agree with you about the premise of trying to reduce emissions from cars. It is a complicated issue. Investment in public transport is one thing that we are trying to do along with partners. In the Powershift programme, we are encouraging and financially supporting a movement to liquid petroleum gas, and we have a pilot operation in Gwynedd. We must tackle this from a range of angles.

Cytunaf â chi ynglŷn â’r rhagdyb o geisio lleihau allyriadau o geir. Mae’n fater cymhleth. Mae buddsoddi mewn trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus yn un peth y ceisiwn ei wneud ynghyd â’n partneriaid. Yn y rhaglen Powershift, yr ydym yn annog ac yn rhoi cymorth ariannol i symudiad tuag at nwy hylif petrol, ac mae gennym gynllun peilot yng Ngwynedd. Rhaid inni fynd i’r afael â hyn o amryw gyfeiriadau.

I will turn to the Ebbw Vale railway. This is one of the Assembly’s significant decisions and shows that devolution is working. Naturally, we were all disappointed by the problems that materialised quite late in the day regarding the Newport connection. I met with the Transport Integration in the Gwent Economic Region Consortium yesterday afternoon, and we discussed this issue. I am not sure that the problems will be easily resolved; I wish I could say that they were. Clearly, Railtrack has responsibility for them. However, I appreciate what Huw, other local Members, and the local authorities emphasised yesterday, that they wish to see the connection with Newport realised sooner rather than later, which is exactly what we want. We will continue to press Railtrack, or any subsequent body, to speed up the work on this. It is quite complex, but not beyond the wit of man to deliver.

Trof at reilffordd Glynebwy. Hwn yw un o benderfyniadau arwyddocaol y Cynulliad ac mae’n dangos bod datganoli’n gweithio. Yn naturiol, yr oeddem i gyd yn siomedig â’r problemau a ddaeth i’r wyneb yn eithaf hwyr ynglŷn â chyswllt Casnewydd. Cyfarfyddais â Chonsortiwm Integreiddio Trafnidiaeth yn Rhanbarth Economaidd Gwent brynhawn ddoe, a buom yn trafod y mater hwn. Nid wyf yn sicr bod ateb rhwydd i’r problemau; carwn yn fawr pe gallwn ddweud i’r gwrthwyneb. Mae’n glir mai Railtrack sy’n gyfrifol amdanynt. Fodd bynnag, gwerthfawrogaf yr hyn a bwysleisiodd Huw, aelodau lleol eraill, a’r awdurdodau lleol ddoe, eu bod yn dymuno gweld y cyswllt â Chasnewydd yn cael ei wireddu yn gynt yn hytrach nag yn hwyrach, sef yr union beth yr ydym ninnau’n ei ddymuno. Byddwn yn parhau i bwyso ar Railtrack, neu unrhyw gorff a’i dilyna, i brysuro gyda’r gwaith hwn. Mae’n eithaf cymhleth, ond nid yw y tu hwnt i ddyfeisgarwch dyn i’w gyflawni.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 16

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Any response to climate change must involve some form of renewable energy development. How many substantial planning applications for renewable energy developments have you called in? How many of those have you dealt with? A guess will do.

Rhaid i unrhyw ymateb i newid hinsawdd gynnwys rhyw ffurf ar ddatblygiad ynni adnewyddadwy. Sawl cais cynllunio ar gyfer datblygiadau ynni adnewyddadwy a alwyd i mewn gennych? Sawl un yr ydych wedi delio ag ef? Bydd amcan yn unig yn gwneud y tro.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 16

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Sorry?

Mae’n ddrwg gennyf?

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 16

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Guesses or rough figures will do.

Bydd amcan neu ffigurau bras yn gwneud y tro.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 16

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Guesses.

Amcan.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 16

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

I do not want you to say that you do not know.

Nid wyf am i chi ddweud nad ydych yn gwybod.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 16

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Order. When I call Members to ask a supplementary question, I expect them to ask it and then remain silent so that the Minister can reply, Glyn.

Trefn. Pan fyddaf yn galw Aelodau i ofyn cwestiwn atodol, disgwyliaf iddynt ei ofyn ac yna aros yn dawel Glyn, er mwyn i’r Gweinidog allu ateb.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 16

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

I rarely say ‘I do not know’. I cannot give an exact figure of the number that I have called in. However, if you are referring to wind farms, in Wales we currently have 350 wind turbines at 13 major wind farms, which is a substantial number. I think that there are five called-in applications still awaiting a decision. This year, the call-in rate since April 2001 is only four, so there has been a reduction on previous years.

Anaml y byddaf yn dweud ‘Nid wyf yn gwybod’. Ni allaf roi’r union ffigur o’r nifer a elwais i mewn. Fodd bynnag, os ydych yn cyfeirio at ffermydd gwynt, yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd mae gennym 350 o dyrbinau gwynt ar 13 o ffermydd gwynt mawr, sy’n nifer sylweddol. Credaf fod pum cais wedi eu galw i mewn sy’n dal i ddisgwyl am benderfyniad. Eleni, ers Ebrill 2001 pedwar yn unig a alwyd i mewn, felly bu gostyngiad ar flynyddoedd blaenorol.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 16

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Question 3 (OAQ16110) has been transferred for written answer.

Trosglwyddwyd cwestiwn 3 (OAQ16110) i dderbyn ateb ysgrifenedig.

Mastiau Ffonau Symudol

Mobile Phone Masts

Q4 Peter Black spoken in English p. 16

C4 Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

What legislative proposals is the Minister considering on improving consultation with regards to mobile phone masts below 15 meters in height and what is the timetable for the introduction of such legislation? (OAQ16123)

Pa gynigion deddfwriaethol y mae’r Gweinidog yn eu hystyried er mwyn gwella’r ymgynghori ynghylch mastiau ffonau symudol sydd yn llai na 15 metr o uchder, a beth yw’r amserlen ar gyfer cyflwyno deddfwriaeth o’r fath? (OAQ16123)

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 16

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 16

Sorry, is this question 4?

Mae’n ddrwg gennyf, ai cwestiwn 4 yw hwn.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 17

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

Yes.

Ie.

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 17

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

Oh yes, Kirsty is not here to ask question 3. That threw me.

O ie, nid yw Kirsty yma i ofyn cwestiwn 3. Bu i hynny fy nrysu.

Our current legislative proposals will greatly strengthen the existing public consultation requirements for masts of up to 50 metres high so that they will be identical to full planning applications. As a minimum, local planning authorities will have to serve notice on any adjoining owner or occupier, or place a notice on or near a particular site. They can do both, if appropriate. Representations should be made within 21 days and the time available for an authority to consider and reach a decision will be extended to 56 days. The draft legislative timescale has a target that will come into force on 30 May this year.

Bydd ein cynigion deddfwriaethol cyfredol yn cryfhau’r gofynion ymgynghori cyhoeddus presennol ar gyfer mastiau hyd at 50 metr o uchder yn fawr fel eu bod yn union yr un fath â cheisiadau cynllunio llawn. Fel isafswm, bydd yn rhaid i awdurdodau cynllunio lleol roi rhybudd i unrhyw berchennog neu breswylydd ar safle cyfochrog, neu roi rhybudd ar, neu yn agos, at safle arbennig. Gallant wneud y ddau, os yw hynny’n briodol. Dylid cyflwyno sylwadau o fewn 21 diwrnod a chaiff yr amser sydd ar gael i awdurdod ystyried a dod i benderfyniad ei ymestyn i 56 diwrnod. Mae gan yr amserlen ddeddfwriaethol ddrafft darged a fydd yn dod i rym ar 30 Mai eleni.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 17

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

Given the huge variation in local authority practice, and your undertaking during my recent short debate to discover what is happening on the ground, will you indicate when your fact-finding report will be complete and to whom it will be presented?

O gofio’r amrywiad mawr yn arferion awdurdodau lleol, a’ch addewid yn ystod fy nadl fer ddiweddar i ganfod beth sy’n digwydd yn y maes, a wnewch chi roi syniad pryd y bydd eich adroddiad canfod ffeithiau yn cael ei gwblhau ac i bwy y caiff ei gyflwyno?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 17

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

I cannot give an exact date, but officials are working on this. We had a good discussion in that debate. You raised the situation at Porthcawl, of which I am aware. Similarly, I said to all Members that, if they had issues in their constituencies, it would help me to speed up the process. I make the same request again. If people have local issues of concern, forward them to me and we can then follow that up more quickly.

Ni allaf roi dyddiad pendant, ond mae swyddogion wrthi’n gweithio ar hyn. Cawsom drafodaeth dda yn y ddadl honno. Bu ichi godi’r sefyllfa ym Mhorthcawl, yr wyf yn ymwybodol ohoni. Yn yr un modd, dywedais wrth yr holl Aelodau, os oes ganddynt faterion yn eu hetholaethau, byddai’n fy helpu i gyflymu’r broses. Gwnaf yr un cais eto. Os oes gan bobl faterion o bryder lleol, anfonwch hwy ataf ac yna gallwn fynd ar eu trywydd yn gyflymach.

Geraint Davies spoken in English p. 17

Geraint Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

In view of general health concerns that have been raised about mobile phone masts, do you intend to introduce more stringent regulations for the siting of the new, and far more powerful, terrestrial trunked radio masts for the emergency services?

Yn wyneb pryderon iechyd cyffredinol a godwyd am fastiau ffonau symudol, a yw’n fwriad gennych i gyflwyno rheoliadau llymach ar gyfer lleoli mastiau radio rhyngdrefol newydd ar y tir, ar gyfer y gwasanaethau brys sy’n rhai llawer mwy pwerus?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 17

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 17

We are dependent on information following the Stewart report and the subsequent ongoing work. Elin also raised this point during the short debate. In terms of health risks, we will have to depend on the advice that is given to us, which is Jane Hutt’s responsibility.

Yr ydym yn ddibynnol ar wybodaeth yn dilyn adroddiad Stewart a’r gwaith sy’n mynd yn ei flaen. Cododd Elin y pwynt hwn hefyd yn ystod y ddadl fer. O ran peryglon iechyd, bydd yn rhaid inni ddibynnu ar y cyngor a roddir i ni sydd yn gyfrifoldeb i Jane Hutt.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 18

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Many consider that phone masts are intrusive. However, I understand that technology exists to allow phone companies to ‘mast-share’, whereby the network providers can use the same site to promote their networks. Do you agree that this would reduce and consolidate the number of sites in Wales? Will the Minister do everything in her power to encourage and promote mast sharing within telephone companies?

Mae llawer yn ystyried bod y mastiau ffôn yn ymwthiol. Fodd bynnag, deallaf fod y dechnoleg yn bod i ganiatáu i gwmnïau ffôn ‘rannu-mastiau’, fel bod darparwyr rhwydwaith yn gallu defnyddio’r un safle i hyrwyddo eu rhwydweithiau. A gytunwch y byddai hyn yn lleihau ac yn cywasgu’r nifer o safleoedd sydd yng Nghymru? A wnaiff y Gweinidog bopeth o fewn ei gallu i annog a hyrwyddo rhannu mastiau ymhlith y cwmnïau ffôn?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 18

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

I agree. I had a meeting with senior industry representatives some time ago. There is capacity for more mast sharing and that is what they have committed to do. Replying to Peter Black’s short debate, I said that I was still not convinced that mast sharing had gone far enough. That is the point of further work. There has been pressure in my constituency—and I am sure in every constituency—to deliver masts; we all want that communication. However, it makes much more sense if companies work together to minimise the intrusive effect.

Cytunaf. Cefais gyfarfod gydag uwch gynrychiolwyr diwydiant beth amser yn ôl. Mae capasiti i gael mwy o rannu mastiau a dyna beth maent wedi ymrwymo i’w wneud. Wrth ymateb i ddadl fer Peter Black, dywedais nad oeddwn eto wedi fy argyhoeddi bod rhannu mastiau wedi mynd yn ddigon pell. Dyna yw’r rheswm dros waith pellach. Bu pwysau yn fy etholaeth i—ac ymhob etholaeth yr wyf yn siŵr—i gyflwyno mastiau; yr ydym i gyd am gael y cyfathrebu hyn. Fodd bynnag, mae’n gwneud mwy o synnwyr os bydd cwmnïau yn cydweithio i leihau yr effaith ymwthiol.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 18

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

Will you look carefully at a letter I recently sent you, regarding the Waverley Private Care Centre nursing home in Penarth? Several applications have been made for more masts on its roof, which already has at least two other masts. There is a nursery and a playground in the area. When you are examining mast sharing, will you look at multiple applications for sites?

A wnewch chi edrych yn ofalus ar lythyr a anfonais atoch yn ddiweddar, ynglŷn â chartref nyrsio Canolfan Gofal Preifat Waverley ym Mhenarth? Gwnaed sawl cais i roi rhagor o fastiau ar ei do, y mae o leiaf ddau fast yno’n barod. Mae meithrinfa a maes chwarae yn yr ardal. Pan fyddwch yn archwilio rhannu mastiau, a wnewch chi edrych ar aml-geisiadau ar safleoedd?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 18

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 18

You have my commitment that I will consider your letter carefully. I have asked questions, and that is part of examining the scientific accumulation effect on the ground. We must also consider that issue. You represent an urban area that has a proliferation of masts. I have commissioned further work on the accumulated effect.

Rhoddaf fy ymrwymiad y byddaf yn ystyried eich llythyr yn ofalus. Gofynnais gwestiynau, ac mae hynny’n rhan o archwilio’r effaith gronnol wyddonol ar y safle. Rhaid inni hefyd ystyried y mater hwnnw. Cynrychiolwch ardal drefol sydd ag amlder o fastiau. Yr wyf wedi comisiynu gwaith pellach ar yr effaith gronnol.

Llosgydd Wrecsam

Wrexham Incinerator

Q5 Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 19

C5 Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

Will the Minister make a statement in response to the petition recently handed to her in relation to the Wrexham incinerator? (OAQ16091)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad mewn ymateb i’r ddeiseb a gyflwynwyd iddi’n ddiweddar ynghylch llosgydd Wrecsam? (OAQ16091)

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 19

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

The petition called for the application for a resource recovery centre near Wrexham to be called in. I considered the requests received in the context of Assembly policy on calling in planning applications and, on 11 February 2002, I called in the application for determination by the Assembly. Decisions on calling in applications involve consideration of the issues raised by the application, rather than its planning merits. As a result, I cannot say anything today about the planning merits of the application, but will pass the petition to the Planning Division to forward to the Planning Inspectorate with the other papers in due course.

Yr oedd y ddeiseb yn gofyn i gais am ganolfan adennill adnodd ger Wrecsam gael ei alw i mewn. Ystyriais y ceisiadau a dderbyniwyd yng nghyd-destun polisi’r Cynulliad ar alw ceisiadau cynllunio i mewn ac, ar 11 Chwefror 2002, gelwais y cais i mewn i’r Cynulliad benderfynu arno. Mae penderfyniadau ar alw ceisiadau i mewn yn golygu ystyried y materion a godir gan y cais, yn hytrach na’i rinweddau ar sail cynllunio. O ganlyniad, ni allaf ddweud dim heddiw am rinweddau cynllunio’r cais, ond trosglwyddaf y ddeiseb i’r Is-adran Gynllunio i’w anfon ymlaen i’r Arolygiaeth Gynllunio gyda’r papurau eraill maes o law.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 19

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

Thank you for calling in that planning decision to be considered here. To refer to my previous question, you intend to uphold the resolution passed by the Assembly that contained a presumption against incineration. Will you confirm that there is no existing financial or policy commitment by either Wrexham County Borough Council or the Assembly to build this incinerator?

Diolch ichi am alw’r penderfyniad cynllunio hwnnw i mewn i’w ystyried yma. I gyfeirio at fy nghwestiwn blaenorol, bwriadwch gadw at y penderfyniad a dderbyniwyd gan y Cynulliad oedd yn cynnwys rhagdybiaeth yn erbyn llosgi. A wnewch chi gadarnhau nad oes ymrwymiad ariannol na pholisi yn bodoli gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam na’r Cynulliad i godi’r llosgydd hwn?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 19

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 19

On the second point, the private finance initiative aspect, the pathfinder project was dealt with by my colleague Peter Law, I think, and then by Edwina Hart. I cannot comment on the finances.

Ar yr ail bwynt, agwedd y fenter cyllid preifat, deliwyd, mi gredaf, â’r prosiect arloesol gan fy nghyd-Aelod Peter Law, ac yna gan Edwina Hart. Ni allaf wneud sylw ar yr arian.

The presumption against incineration is in the waste hierarchy, because its presumption is for recycling, composting, or general waste minimisation. That was contained in the draft document and, as I said, the revisions will be published after Easter. However, it puts energy from waste above landfill, because all the evidence suggests moving away from landfill. That is certainly the direction from Europe. Over the last few months, we have tried—with much success—to work with local authorities on the ground, encouraging them to consult with local communities, through their waste management plans. If we are to move forward on this tricky area, there must be dialogue with the public. There are no risk-free answers here. Whether we are talking about energy from waste, landfill, or civic amenity sites, the public has views. Everybody must understand the risks and the best way forward for their local communities. I want to emphasise that.

Mae’r rhagdybiaeth yn erbyn llosgi yn yr hierarchaeth gwastraff, oherwydd ar gyfer ailgylchu, compostio, neu leihau gwastraff cyffredinol y mae’r rhagdyb. Cynhwyswyd hwnnw yn y ddogfen ddrafft, ac, fel y dywedais, bydd y diwygiadau yn cael eu cyhoeddi ar ôl y Pasg. Fodd bynnag, mae’n gosod ynni o wastraff yn uwch na thirlenwi, oherwydd mae’r dystiolaeth yn awgrymu symud iddi wrth dirlenwi. Dyna yn sicr y cyfeiriad o Ewrop. Dros yr ychydig fisoedd diwethaf, yr ydym wedi ceisio—gyda chryn lwyddiant—gweithio gydag awdurdodau lleol ar lawr gwlad, gan eu hannog i ymgynghori gyda chymunedau lleol, drwy eu cynlluniau rheoli gwastraff. Os ydym am symud ymlaen yn y maes anodd hwn, mae’n rhaid cynnal deialog gyda’r cyhoedd. Nid oes atebion heb risg yn y maes hwn. Pa un a ydym yn sôn am ynni o wastraff, tirlenwi, neu safleoedd amwynder dinesig, mae gan y cyhoedd farn. Rhaid i bawb ddeall y risgiau a’r ffordd orau ymlaen i’w cymunedau lleol. Yr wyf am bwysleisio hynny.

The call-in will deal with this particular planning application. If you want, I can separate my planning portfolio from my sustainable development and waste portfolio on this matter. The kind of joint-working seen in the waste policy unit, where local government and others have worked together, emphasises that it is down to local communities to discuss how best to deal with their own waste problems with their local authority. Unless we win the hearts and minds of people, unless we really engage people, we will not make those great changes that everyone here wants to see.

Bydd y broses galw i mewn yn delio â’r cais cynllunio arbennig hwn. Os mai dyna’ch dymuniad, gallaf wahanu fy mhortffolio cynllunio o’m portffolio datblygu cynaliadwy a gwastraff ar y mater hwn. Mae’r math o gydweithio a welwyd yn yr uned polisi gwastraff, lle y cydweithiodd llywodraeth leol ac eraill, yn pwysleisio mai mater i gymunedau lleol yw trafod sut orau i ddelio gyda’u problemau gwastraff eu hunain gyda’u hawdurdod lleol. Oni enillwn galon a meddwl pobl, oni chysylltwn â phobl yn wirioneddol, ni wnawn y newidiadau mawr hynny y mae pawb yma am eu gweld.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 20

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

Question 6 (OAQ16090) has been withdrawn.

Tynnwyd cwestiwn 6 (OAQ16090) yn ôl.

Amddiffynfeydd rhag Llifogydd yn y Canolbarth

Flood Defences in Mid Wales

Q7 Mick Bates spoken in English p. 20

C7 Mick Bates siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

Will the Minister make a statement about the discussions she has had with the Environment Agency, regarding the flood defences in mid Wales? (OAQ16115)

A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad ar y trafodaethau y mae wedi’u cael gydag Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd ynghylch amddiffynfeydd rhag llifogydd yn y Canolbarth? (OAQ16115)

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 20

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

I recently met Helen Phillips, the Environment Agency’s new chief executive, and one of the issues I raised was flooding in mid Wales.

Cyfarfûm yn ddiweddar â Helen Phillips, prif weithredwraig newydd Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd, ac un o’r materion a godais oedd llifogydd yn y Canolbarth.

Mick Bates spoken in English p. 20

Mick Bates siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 20

I am pleased that a considerable number of feasibility studies will be undertaken to try to provide more flood defence, particularly in my constituency, Montgomeryshire. However, I am concerned that the Environment Agency has never given its full attention to lowering the level of reservoirs such as Clywedog or Vyrnwy, in order to provide greater capacity to deal with floodwater that comes off the hills. Will you give an assurance that you will raise this point with the Environment Agency so that we have some relief from the persistent flooding in Montgomeryshire?

Mae’n dda gennyf y bydd nifer sylweddol o astudiaethau dichonoldeb yn cael eu cynnal i geisio darparu rhagor o amddiffyniad rhag llifogydd, yn arbennig yn fy etholaeth i, Sir Drefaldwyn. Fodd bynnag, yr wyf yn pryderu nad yw Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd erioed wedi rhoi ei sylw llawn i ostwng lefelau argaeau megis Clywedog a’r Fyrnwy, er mwyn darparu rhagor o gapasiti i ddelio a dŵr llifogydd sy’n dod o’r bryniau. A roddwch sicrwydd y byddwch yn codi’r pwynt hwn gydag Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd er mwyn inni gael rhyw ryddhad o’r llifogydd di-baid yn Sir Drefaldwyn?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 21

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

In terms of the Environment Agency’s response, it commissioned an independent report on the reservoir—I think that was Clywedog. It was concerned that the operating rules had been correctly applied and, in fact, the agency went beyond the rules in some ways to ensure that floods were minimised as much as possible. However, I stated your continued concern about this, and the agency has agreed to look at it again.

O ran ymateb Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd, comisiynodd adroddiad annibynnol ar yr argae—credaf mai Clywedog oedd honno. Yr oedd yn pryderu bod y rheolau gweithredu wedi cael eu rhoi ar waith yn gywir, ac, mewn gwirionedd, aeth yr asiantaeth y tu hwnt i’r rheolau mewn rhai ffyrdd i sicrhau bod y llifogydd yn cael eu lleihau gymaint â phosibl. Fodd bynnag, mynegais eich pryder parhaus ynglŷn â hyn, ac mae’r asiantaeth wedi cytuno i edrych ar y mater eto.

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 21

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

To reinforce Mick Bates’s point, this is crucial. Are you prepared to discuss this issue with local people who have been affected because, one of the big problems is that no-one in the locality understands how this situation exists and causes the problems that it does?

I atgyfnerthu pwynt Mick Bates, mae hyn yn holl bwysig. A ydych yn barod i drafod y mater hwn gyda’r bobl leol sydd wedi dioddef oherwydd, un o’r prif broblemau yw nad oes neb yn y cylch yn deall sut mae’r sefyllfa hon yn bod ac yn achosi’r problemau a wna?

Sue Essex spoken in English p. 21

Sue Essex siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

As I said earlier in the case of Monmouth, if Members request that I speak to their constituents, I would be happy to do so. Another issue that has come to my attention—in fact it was obvious when I travelled up the A470 recently—is flooding on roadways and trunk roads. I know that Mick has had discussions with the agency in mid Wales, but I am following it up. There is no easy solution, but it is a matter of concern as it is affecting strategic trunk roads in mid Wales.

Fel y dywedais yn gynharach yn achos Trefynwy, os gwna’r Aelodau gais imi siarad â’u hetholwyr, byddai’n dda gennyf wneud hynny. Mater arall a ddaeth i’m sylw—mewn gwirionedd yr oedd yn amlwg wrth imi deithio i fyny’r A470 yn ddiweddar—yw’r llifogydd ar ffyrdd a chefnffyrdd. Gwn i Mick gael trafodaethau gyda’r asiantaeth yn y Canolbarth, ond yr wyf yn dilyn y mater. Nid oes ateb hawdd, ond mae’n fater o bryder gan ei fod yn cael effaith ar gefnffyrdd strategol yn y Canolbarth.

Datganiad ar Ymateb y Cabinet i Adroddiad y Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes ar yr Adolygiad o Addysg Uwch

Statement on the Cabinet’s Response to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee’s Report on the Review of Higher Education

Jane Davidson The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning spoken in English p. 21

Jane Davidson Y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 21

I am delighted to announce the publication of my strategy for higher education in Wales. Given higher education’s pivotal role, it is only fitting that the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee dedicated 15 months to an in-depth review of policy. I am grateful to the Committee for its hard work—it has given me a sound and analytical evidence base on which to build this strategy. This strategy fulfils the commitment given in the Government’s partnership agreement to bring forward a long-term strategy for the development of an adequately funded higher education sector. ‘The Learning Country’ set out our comprehensive education and lifelong learning programme up to 2010, and put forward my views on strengthening the higher education sector. This strategy sets out our vision and the conceptual basis on which the sector will be funded in the future.

Mae’n bleser gennyf gyhoeddi fy strategaeth ar gyfer addysg uwch yng Nghymru. O ystyried rôl ganolog addysg uwch, y mae’n iawn bod y pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes wedi neilltuo 15 mis ar gyfer adolygiad manwl o bolisi. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i’r Pwyllgor am ei waith caled—mae wedi rhoi tystiolaeth gadarn a dadansoddol imi y gallaf seilio’r strategaeth hon arni. Mae’r strategaeth hon yn diwallu’r ymrwymiad a roddir yng nghytundeb partneriaeth y Llywodraeth i gyflwyno strategaeth hirdymor ar gyfer datblygu sector addysg uwch wedi’i ariannu’n ddigonol. Nododd ‘Y Wlad sy’n Dysgu’ ein rhaglen addysg a dysgu gydol oes gynhwysfawr hyd at 2010, a chyflwynodd fy safbwyntiau ar gryfhau’r sector addysg uwch. Mae’r strategaeth hon yn nodi ein gweledigaeth a’r sail gysyniadol y caiff y sector ei ariannu arni yn y dyfodol.

Higher education is vital to this Assembly Government’s vision, and central to my vision of Wales as a learning country. I want to see learning establishments the length and breadth of Wales meeting the needs of all. This is why, in the current financial year, we have made an additional £9.6 million available to the sector, including £6 million in recognition of the sector’s performance in the recent research assessment exercise, where the number of 5* rated departments quadrupled, and the number of 5 ratings doubled. Thanks to this commitment, for the first time in five years, the spending per student in Wales is currently better than in England.

Mae addysg uwch yn hanfodol i weledigaeth Llywodraeth y Cynulliad hwn, ac yn ganolog i’m gweledigaeth o Gymru fel gwlad sy’n dysgu. Yr wyf am weld sefydliadau dysgu ar hyd a lled Cymru yn diwallu anghenion pawb. Dyna pam, yn y flwyddyn ariannol bresennol, yr ydym wedi rhyddhau £9.6 miliwn ychwanegol i’r sector, yn cynnwys £6 miliwn mewn cydnabyddiaeth o berfformiad y sector yn yr ymarfer asesu ymchwil diweddar, lle mae nifer yr adrannau gradd 5* wedi cynyddu bedair gwaith, a nifer y graddau 5 wedi dyblu. Diolch i’r ymrwymiad hwn, am y tro cyntaf mewn pum mlynedd, mae’r gwariant fesul myfyriwr yng Nghymru yn well nag yn Lloegr ar hyn o bryd.

However we want to step away from such input-based comparisons. We want our sector to be judged on its achievements and its reputation in the world, not on spreadsheet calculations. I can announce today that, in line with plans in England, I will be lifting the cap on student numbers. This will give institutions the opportunity to take greater control of their planning, and determine critical intake. It will also mean that comparison purely on the basis of funding per student will be increasingly meaningless.

Fodd bynnag yr ydym eisiau symud i ffwrdd o gymariaethau felly sy’n seiliedig ar fewnbwn. Yr ydym am i’n sector gael ei farnu ar ei gyflawniadau a’i enw da yn y byd, nid ar gyfrifiadau taenlenni. Gallaf gyhoeddi heddiw y byddaf, yn unol â chynlluniau yn Lloegr, yn codi’r cyfyngiad ar nifer y myfyrwyr. Bydd hyn yn rhoi cyfle i sefydliadau reoli eu gwaith cynllunio yn well, a phenderfynu ar nifer y myfyrwyr a dderbynnir. Yn ogystal, golyga y daw cymhariaeth sy’n seiliedig yn gyfangwbl ar ariannu fesur myfyriwr yn fwyfwy diystyr.

Our overarching objective is to provide a framework that will enable the higher education sector in Wales to meet the challenges it faces now and in the future. The sector has much to be proud of and many achievements on which to build—not least its performance in the recent research assessment exercise, its track record on widening access, and its success at commercialising knowledge. However, we need to build on these high standards and ensure that the sector continues to be competitive in an increasingly global market. This strategy must be characterised by a pursuit of excellence.

Ein prif nod yw darparu fframwaith a fydd yn galluogi’r sector addysg uwch yng Nghymru i gyflawni’r heriau y mae’n eu hwynebu yn awr ac yn y dyfodol. Mae gan y sector lawer i ymfalchïo ynddo, a nifer o gyflawniadau y gall adeiladu arnynt—yn enwedig ei berfformiad yn yr ymarfer asesu ymchwil diweddar, ei record ar ehangu mynediad, a’i lwyddiant wrth fasnachu gwybodaeth. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni adeiladu ar y safonau uchel hyn a sicrhau bod y sector yn parhau i fod yn gystadleuol mewn marchnad sy’n fwyfwy byd-eang. Rhaid i’r nod o ymgyrraedd at ragoriaeth nodweddu’r strategaeth hon.

We agree with the Committee that the sector cannot face that challenge with its current structure. Reconfiguration is central to promoting the excellence that we seek. Small institutions currently carry disproportionate overhead costs by collaborating on management systems, and vital funds could be reinvested in core functions and focused on improvements. Similarly, if institutions are to compete for research funds, contracts, and students, they must concentrate effort and focus on excellence.

Cytunwn â’r Pwyllgor na all y sector wynebu’r her gyda’i strwythur presennol. Mae ailgyflunio yn ganolog i hyrwyddo’r rhagoriaeth yr anelwn ati. Ar hyn o bryd mae sefydliadau bach yn dwyn gorbenion cyffredinol anghymesur drwy gydweithio ar systemau reoli, a gellid ailfuddsoddi arian hanfodol mewn swyddogaethau craidd a’u canolbwyntio ar welliannau. Yn yr un modd, er mwyn i sefydliadau gystadlu am arian ymchwil, contractau, a myfyrwyr, rhaid iddynt ganolbwyntio ymdrech a ffocws ar ragoriaeth.

Reconfiguration is about making the best use of what we have by cherishing the diversity that the sector offers, and ensuring that there is no wasteful duplication or dilution of excellence. The sector’s future does not lie with 13 institutions with similar missions; it must become diverse, with functional clusters pursuing excellence in chosen fields. Competition can be healthy, but collaboration is healthier. Effective collaboration is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for the sector. I will not be prescriptive about the form that those clusters will take, but a commitment to long-term collaborative working must be a reality. I will expect the sector to bring forward substantive proposals in the next financial year.

Mae ailgyflunio yn golygu gwneud y defnydd gorau o’r hyn sydd gennym drwy goleddu’r amrywiaeth y mae’r sector yn ei gynnig, a sicrhau nad oes dyblygu gwastraffus na gwanhau rhagoriaeth. Nid yw dyfodol y sector mewn 13 o sefydliadau â chenadaethau tebyg. Rhaid iddo amrywio, gyda chlystyrau swyddogaethol yn mynd ar drywydd rhagoriaeth mewn meysydd dewisol. Gall cystadleuaeth fod yn beth iach, ond mae cydweithio yn iachach. Mae cydweithio effeithiol yn hanfodol i sicrhau dyfodol cynaliadwy i’r sector. Ni nodaf yn benodol ar ba ffurf y bydd y clystyrau hyn, ond rhaid i ymrwymiad i gydweithio yn yr hirdymor fod yn realiti. Disgwyliaf i’r sector gyflwyno cynigion gwirioneddol yn y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf.

By 2010, I expect to see the sector transformed from being narrow and institutionally based, to being characterised by a series of networks of excellence. We will make an additional £3 million available in the coming year to support institutions working towards collaboration and reconfiguration. Added to the money we have already provided to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, this will amount to a £5 million investment in reconfiguration.

Erbyn 2010, disgwyliaf weld y sector yn newid o fod yn gul ac yn seiliedig ar sefydliadau, i fod yn un a nodweddir gan gyfres o rwydweithiau rhagoriaeth. Byddwn yn rhyddhau £3 miliwn ychwanegol yn y flwyddyn sydd i ddod i gefnogi sefydliadau sy’n gweithio tuag at gydweithio ac ailgyflunio. Ynghyd â’r arian a ddarparasom eisoes i Gyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru, golyga hyn gyfanswm o £5 miliwn o fuddsoddiad mewn ailgyflunio.

The future of the University of Wales in a reconfigured sector has been much debated. This is not primarily a matter for the Assembly Government, but for the constituent members. We recognise the value of the internationally recognised common degree structure, and, where it adds genuine value to our vision of networks of excellence, neither the sector nor the Assembly would want to take that away. However, an objective assessment of its continuing value and relevance is essential. We look forward to the outcome of the review being undertaken by Sir David Williams.

Bu dadlau mawr am ddyfodol Prifysgol Cymru mewn sector wedi’i ailgyflunio. Nid yw hwn yn fater i Lywodraeth y Cynulliad yn bennaf, ond i’r sefydliadau unigol. Cydnabyddwn werth y strwythur graddau cyffredin a gydnabyddir yn rhyngwladol, a, lle mae’n ychwanegu gwerth gwirioneddol at ein gweledigaeth o rwydweithiau rhagoriaeth, ni fyddai’r sector na’r Cynulliad yn dymuno ei ddileu. Fodd bynnag, mae asesiad gwrthrychol o’i werth a’i berthnasedd parhaus yn hanfodol. Edrychwn ymlaen at ganlyniad yr adolygiad a gynhelir gan Syr David Williams.

The Government’s key mission focus will be on continuing the drive to extend access to higher education. We are pleased that the performance of the sector has been recognised in this area, not least by The Times Higher Education Supplement in its access elite survey, which showed six Welsh higher education institutions in the top 18 in the UK. We want to continue this work and maintain the focus and pressure on recruitment and retention.

Prif ffocws cenhadaeth y Llywodraeth fydd parhau â’r ymgyrch i ehangu mynediad i addysg uwch. Yr ydym yn falch bod yr hyn a gyflawnwyd yn y sector wedi ei gydnabod yn y maes hwn, yn enwedig gan The Times Higher Education Supplement yn ei arolwg Access Elite, a ddangosodd chwech o sefydliadau addysg uwch yng Nghymru yn y 18 uchaf yn y DU. Yr ydym am barhau â’r gwaith hwn a chynnal y ffocws a’r pwysau ar recriwtio a chadw.

I have already announced this Government’s plans to introduce a new student support scheme that is unique to Wales. The Assembly learning grant, with its £41 million investment in 2002-03, shows our commitment to removing barriers to further and higher education. We need to build on our experience of widening access and extending the reach of higher education into communities so that there is a systematic presence in schools and further education. We must remove artificial barriers between further education and higher education to ensure that there is a seamless progression between the two sectors. We will act to realise the planned credit-based qualification and transfer framework to secure clear and straightforward options for learners who wish to transfer between providers.

Yr wyf eisoes wedi cyhoeddi cynlluniau’r Llywodraeth hon i gyflwyno cynllun cymorth i fyfyrwyr newydd sy’n unigryw i Gymru. Dengys grant dysgu’r Cynulliad, gyda’i fuddsoddiad o £41 miliwn yn 2002-03, ein hymrwymiad i ddileu rhwystrau i addysg bellach ac uwch. Rhaid inni adeiladu ar ein profiad o ehangu mynediad ac ymestyn addysg uwch i gyrraedd cymunedau fel bod presenoldeb systematig mewn ysgolion ac addysg bellach. Rhaid inni ddileu rhwystrau artiffisial rhwng addysg bellach ac addysg uwch i sicrhau bod modd symud yn ddidrafferth rhwng y ddau sector. Gweithredwn i wireddu’r cymhwyster arfaethedig sy’n seiliedig ar gredyd a throsglwyddo fframwaith i sicrhau opsiynau clir a syml i ddysgwyr sy’n dymuno trosglwyddo rhwng darparwyr.

I am pleased to announce that I will be making an additional £2 million available in the next financial year in support of pilot initiatives to recruit and retain those who have no history of higher education. This money will be available to those institutions embracing the reconfiguration agenda.

Mae’n bleser gennyf gyhoeddi y byddaf yn rhyddhau £2 filiwn ychwanegol yn y flwyddyn ariannol nesaf i gefnogi mentrau peilot i recriwtio a chadw’r rheini na chafodd addysg uwch. Bydd yr arian hwn ar gael i’r sefydliadau hynny sy’n ymgoroffori’r agenda ailgyflunio.

This strategy represents a long-term commitment. We must begin by laying the foundations for long-term success. I therefore intend to focus on reconfiguration and collaboration in the first instance. Additional funding beyond these central thrusts will be considered in successive budget planning rounds, and in the light of the sector’s early achievements. We are clear, however, that additional funding will only be available on a something-for-something basis. We will support and reward excellence; we will not offer incentives for average performance.

Mae’r strategaeth hon yn cynrychioli ymrwymiad hirdymor. Rhaid inni ddechrau drwy osod y seiliau ar gyfer llwyddiant hirdymor. Felly bwriadaf ganolbwyntio ar ailgyflunio a chydweithio yn y lle cyntaf. Caiff ariannu ychwanegol y tu hwnt i’r ysgogiadau canolog hyn eu hystyried mewn cylchoedd cynllunio cyllideb dilynol, ac yng ngoleuni cyflawniadau cynnar y sector. Yr ydym yn glir, fodd bynnag, y bydd ariannu ychwanegol ond ar gael ar sail rhywbeth-am-rywbeth. Byddwn yn cefnogi ac yn gwobrwyo rhagoriaeth; ni chynigiwn gymhellion ar gyfer perfformiad cymhedrol.

In future years of the strategy, we will seek to support the pursuit of excellence in other areas. We will require the sector to make a step change in its performance on commercialising knowledge created in higher education institutions. We have already made £34 million available over four years through the knowledge exploitation fund. We will continue to review this and consider the case for providing a single funding stream for third mission work. The sector can make very visible contributions to the economy in this area.

O ran y strategaeth, yn y blynyddoedd i ddod, ceisiwn gefnogi’r gwaith o fynd ar drywydd rhagoriaeth mewn meysydd eraill. Byddwn yn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i’r sector wneud newid sylweddol yn ei berfformiad ar fasnachu gwybodaeth a grëir mewn sefydliadau addysg uwch. Yr ydym eisoes wedi rhyddhau £34 miliwn dros bedair blynedd drwy’r gronfa defnyddio gwybodaeth. Parhawn i adolygu hyn ac ystyried y ddadl dros ddarparu ffrwd ariannu sengl ar gyfer gwaith trydedd genhadadaeth. Gall y sector wneud cyfraniadau amlwg iawn i’r economi yn y maes hwn.

We must build on research performance. We will examine whether there is a case for reassessing funding mechanisms to ensure that we support excellence as well as improvements and new developments.

Rhaid inni adeiladu ar berfformiad ymchwil. Byddwn yn archwilio a oes dadl dros ailasesu dulliau ariannu i sicrhau ein bod yn cefnogi rhagoriaeth yn ogystal â gwelliannau a datblygiadau newydd.

We must not underestimate higher education institutions’ role in producing a skilled workforce and we want to ensure that the sector maintains its reputation for excellence in teaching standards. We will consider how to reward innovative teaching approaches and success in that area.

Ni ddylem danbwysleisio rôl sefydliadau addysg uwch o ran cynhyrchu gweithlu medrus a dymunwn sicrhau bod y sector yn cadw ei enw da am ragoriaeth mewn safonau addysgu. Ystyriwn sut i wobrwyo dulliau dysgu arloesol a llwyddiant yn y maes hwnnw.

We want to increase the numbers of students studying through the medium of Welsh. Currently only 3 per cent of students undertake some element of their degree through Welsh. We will look to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to commission a report into levels of demand and projected trends, bearing in mind the inter-relationship between supply and demand.

Yr ydym am gynyddu nifer y myfyrwyr sy’n astudio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Ar hyn o bryd dim ond 3 y cant o fyfyrwyr sy’n ymgymryd â rhyw elfen o’u gradd drwy’r Gymraeg. Yr ydym yn disgwyl i Gyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru gomisiynu adroddiad ar lefelau’r galw a thueddiadau a ragwelir, gan gadw mewn cof y rhyngberthynas rhwng cyflenwad a galw.

This is a challenging agenda. Higher education must build on its successes and continue to be responsive to its stakeholders. It needs to demonstrate that it is willing to adapt, modernise, and help meet the Government’s strategic priorities for Wales. In turn, we will support the sector to achieve our joint objective: a successful and flourishing higher education sector in Wales. I look forward to working closely with HEFCW and the sector in delivering this strategy.

Mae hon yn agenda heriol. Rhaid i addysg uwch adeiladu ar ei llwyddiannau a pharhau i fod yn ymatebol i’w rhanddeiliaid. Rhaid iddi ddangos ei bod yn barod i addasu, moderneiddio a helpu i gyflawni blaenoriaethau strategol y Llywodraeth ar gyfer Cymru. Yn ei dro, byddwn yn cefnogi’r sector i gyflawni ein nod ar y cyd: sector addysg uwch lwyddiannus a ffyniannus yng Nghymru. Edrychaf ymlaen at gydweithio agos â CCAUC a’r sector wrth gyflwyno’r strategaeth hon.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 26

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 26

Diolchaf i’r Gweinidog am y datganiad hwn ac am gopi o’r strategaeth a gefais ychydig funudau’n ôl, nad wyf wedi cael cyfle eto i’w ddarllen. Cymeraf y cyfle hwn, Lywydd, i ddweud ei bod yn anodd rhoi adwaith ystyrlon i ddogfennau o bwys fel hyn gan mai ychydig o funudau sydd gennym i’w darllen. Bai y system, nid y Gweinidog, yw hynny. Mae hyn hefyd yn golygu fy mod yn gofyn am ddadl ar y math hwn o gyflwyniad. Mae’r datganiad hwn o bwys tyngedfennol i sefydliadau addysg uwch Cymru ac i’r genedl gyfan. Yr wyf yn siŵr y byddech yn cytuno y dylem gael cyfle i drafod y strategaeth a’r cychwyn a wnaethoch arni. Apeliaf am hynny.

I thank the Minister for this statement and for the copy of the strategy which I received a few minutes ago and which I have not had time to read. I would like to take this opportunity, Presiding Officer, to say that it is difficult to give a considered response to such important documents because we only have a few minutes to read them. That is the system’s fault, not the Minister’s. It also means that I am requesting a debate on this type of announcement. This statement is vitally important to Wales’s higher education establishments and to the whole nation. I am sure that you will agree that we should be given an opportunity to discuss the strategy and the start you have made on it. I make an appeal for that.

Mae adroddiad y Pwyllgor, fel y gwyddom, wedi cael derbyniad da yn gyffredinol ond mae agweddau arno sydd wedi peri cryn bryder ac ansicrwydd. Mae hynny’n ofid mawr a bydd cynrychiolwyr y sefydliadau addysg uwch yn edrych ar y datganiad hwn ac yn ceisio gweld pa negeseuon sy’n deillio ohono.

The Committee’s report, as we know, has generally been received well but there are aspects of it which have caused considerable concern and consternation. That is a great worry and the representatives of the higher education institutions will examine this statement and try to discern what messages stem from it.

Ar ran Plaid Cymru—the Party of Wales, croesawaf yr ariannu ychwanegol hwn am eleni a’r addewid bod rhagor o arian i ddod os yw’r sefydliadau yn mynd â’r maen i’r wal. Mae hynny’n golygu cydweithrediad a datblygu ac, os ydynt yn dderbyniol, bydd cymhelliant iddynt symud ymlaen; y gair y bu ichi ei ddefnyddio oedd ‘moderneiddio’, beth bynnag mae hynny’n ei olygu. Fodd bynnag, mae’n rhaid inni groesawu’r arian ychwanegol hwnnw.

On behalf of Plaid Cymru—the Party of Wales, I welcome the additional funding for this year and the promise of more money to come if the institutions deliver. That requires collaboration and development and, if they are acceptable, there will be an incentive for them to move forward; the word you used was ‘modernisation’, whatever that means. However, we must welcome that additional money.

Hefyd croesawaf y ffaith ichi ddweud bod y gymhariaeth rhwng Cymru a Lloegr yn ffafriol erbyn hyn. Er hynny, yr wyf yn mawr obeithio yr ystyriwch yr holl flynyddoedd o danfuddsoddiad a fu yn sefydliadau addysg uwch Cymru.

I also welcome your assertion that Wales now compares favourably with England. However, I sincerely hope that you will consider all the years of underinvestment suffered by higher education establishments in Wales.

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 27

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in Welsh p. 27

Y Torïaid oedd mewn grym bryd hynny.

The Tories were in power then.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 27

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 27

A oes gan y Prif Weinidog gyfraniad i’w wneud? Gwelaf nad oes.

Does the First Minister have a contribution to make? I see that he does not.

Mae’n rhaid ystyried hyn oherwydd y tanfuddsoddiad sydd wrth wraidd y trafferthion mawr a wynebwn. Dyna pam mae’n rhaid cael adolygiad a pham yr ydym am symud pethau ymlaen. Fodd bynnag, nid yw’n fater o’i roi ar waith eleni a bod cymhariaeth deg am eleni. Cafwyd tanfuddsoddi, ac arweiniodd hynny at anfanteision dybryd ymhlith yr holl sefydliadau.

This must be taken into account because the underinvestment is the root of the terrible problems that we now face. That is why there must be a review and why we want to progress matters. However, it is not an issue of just putting it in place for this year and there being a favourable comparison for this year. There has been underinvestment, which has led to severe disadvantages for each and every institution.

Wedi dweud hynny, yr wyf yn siŵr y byddai pawb am ymuno â mi i dalu teyrnged i’r sefydliadau am eu gwaith da ar hyd y blynyddoedd, serch yr holl broblemau ariannol. Yr wyf yn mawr obeithio y gwelwn welliannau yn y dyfodol agos.

That said, Iam sure that everyone here would join me in paying tribute to the institutions for their good work over the years, despite all the funding problems. I sincerely hope that we will see improvements in the near future.

Wrth sôn am foderneiddio, derbyniaf, o’r datganiad, fod dyfodol i Brifysgol Cymru, ond bod y sefydliad hwnnw’n gorfod moderneiddio hefyd. Credaf fod Prifysgol Cymru wedi clywed y neges honno hefyd. Gwyddoch i bryder gael ei ddatgan ynghylch dyfodol Prifysgol Cymru. Dehonglaf o’ch datganiad fod dyfodol i Brifysgol Cymru, ac yr wyf yn falch o ddarllen hynny yn yr adroddiad. Fodd bynnag, cyfeiriwch at hynny wrth gyfeirio at ‘reconfiguration and collaboration’, sef yr ailgyflunio a chydweithio. Yn yr un cyd-destun, soniwch am orbenion sefydliadau bach. Drwy gyfeirio at hynny, yr ydym yn creu mwy o ansicrwydd ynghylch dyfodol y sefydliadau hynny. A wnewch chi egluro beth a olygwch pan gyfeiriwch at ‘reconfiguration and collaboration’? Nid yw’n glir ar hyn o bryd, a dyna pam yr wyf yn galw eto am gyfle i drafod hyn mewn dadl. A oes bygythiad i’r sefydliadau hyn yng Nghymru? A ddylent bryderu ynghylch eich datganiad a’ch strategaeth?

In mentioning modernisation, I take it from the statement that there is a future for the University of Wales, but that that institution must also modernise. I believe that the University of Wales has also taken that message on board. You will know that concern has been voiced over the future of the University of Wales. I infer from your statement that there is a future for the University of Wales, and I am pleased to see that in the report. However, you refer to that while also referring to ‘reconfiguration and collaboration’. In the same context, you mention the overheads of small institutions. In referring to that, we are creating more uncertainty about the future of those institutions. Will you explain what you mean by ‘reconfiguration and collaboration’? It is not clear at the moment, and that is why I repeat the call for this to be discussed in a debate. Are these institutions under threat in Wales? Should they be concerned about your statement and your strategy?

Yn olaf, croesawaf y cyfeiriad at ehangu mynediad. Croesawaf y ffaith ichi ailsefydlu grantiau, ac hefyd eich bod yn rhoi mwy o ryddid i’r colegau o ran niferoedd myfyrwyr. Fodd bynnag, rhaid cael buddsoddiad ariannol digonol i gyd-fynd â hynny. Fel y gwyddoch, un o’r materion—

Finally, I welcome the reference to extending access. I welcome the fact that you have re-established grants, and also that you are giving colleges more freedom in terms of student numbers. However, that must be accompanied by adequate financial investment. As you know, one of the issues—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 28

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 28

Trefn. Bu ichi ddweud sawl gwaith, Gareth, eich bod yn tynnu tua’r terfyn. Datganiad yw hwn, ac nid yw’n briodol i Aelodau wneud areithiau yn ystod datganiadau.

Order. You have said several times, Gareth, that you are on your final point. This is a statement, and it is not appropriate for Members to make speeches during statements.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 28

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 28

A gawn ddadl ar hyn? Mae cymaint o bethau i’w trafod. Fy nghwestiwn olaf yw: faint o fuddsoddiad a fydd mewn addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg? Cyfeiriad gwan oedd at hynny yn y datganiad.

Will we have a debate on this? There are so many issues to discuss. My last question is: how much investment will there be in Welsh-medium education? The reference to that was vague in the statement.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 28

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 28

I am keen that we have a debate on our approach to delivering wider opportunities in further and higher education in Wales. I have already talked to the Minister for Assembly Business to ensure that that debate is included in the forward plan.

Yr wyf yn awyddus i gynnal dadl ar ein hymagwedd tuag at gyflwyno cyfleoedd ehangach mewn addysg bellach ac uwch yng Nghymru. Yr wyf eisoes wedi siarad â’r Trefnydd i sicrhau y caiff y ddadl honno ei chynnwys yn y blaengynllun.

I am pleased that you welcome the additional funding and that you support the fact that it will be on a ‘something for something’ basis. We must operate in the real world in terms of higher education. Higher education works on an international stage and operates in a global market. We compete with institutions not just in other parts of the UK but in other parts of Europe and the world. Lifting the cap on numbers, as I have just done—and as is also happening in England—is a major challenge. It is also a major opportunity for the sector to actively promote Wales in other areas to attract additional numbers of students to join their courses. It is a challenge, because we have so many higher education institutions just across the border. We are acutely conscious that we have 13 institutions in Wales. There are only 14 in Scotland, where the population is nearly double that of Wales, and there are only two in Northern Ireland, where the population is half that of Wales, although it has multiple campuses. There are different configurations in Britain, and we must find the right one for us.

Yr wyf yn falch eich bod yn croesawu’r ariannu ychwanegol a’ch bod yn cefnogi’r ffaith y bydd ar sail ‘rhywbeth am rywbeth’. Rhaid inni weithredu yn y byd go iawn yn nhermau addysg uwch. Mae addysg uwch yn gweithio ar lwyfan rhyngwladol ac yn gweithredu mewn marchnad fyd-eang. Yr ydym yn cystadlu â sefydliadau mewn rhannau eraill o’r DU yn ogsytal â rhannau eraill o Ewrop a’r byd. Mae codi’r cyfyngiad ar niferoedd, fel yr wyf newydd ei wneud—ac fel sydd hefyd yn digwydd yn Loegr—yn her fawr. Yn ogystal, mae’n gyfle mawr i’r sector hyrwyddo Cymru yn weithredol mewn meysydd eraill i ddenu niferoedd ychwanegol o fyfyrwyr i ymuno â’u cyrsiau. Mae’n her, gan fod gennym gymaint o sefydliadau addysg uwch dros y ffin. Yr ydym yn ymwybodol iawn bod gennym 13 o sefydliadau yng Nghymru. Dim ond 14 sydd yn yr Alban, lle mae’r boblogaeth bron ddwywaith poblogaeth Cymru, a dau yn unig sydd yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, lle mae’r boblogaeth hanner poblogaeth Cymru, er bod ganddi sefydliadau aml-gampws. Ceir gwahanol gyfluniadau ym Mhrydain, a rhaid inni ddod o hyd i’r un cywir inni.

I decided not to recommend specific clusters, although I am sure that the sector will give serious consideration to the Committee’s recommendations, not least because the institutions themselves are autonomous. They need to improve their delivery and make it more effective. There is no threat to institutions that fully engage with this agenda. However, you acknowledged that we have small institutions, which is spelt out in the strategy—Members will receive copies later this afternoon—and we must be acutely aware that some of those institutions have much higher overhead costs. We must focus on ensuring that the money we invest is delivered in programmes. We are taking the same approach as ELWa—which has been endorsed by the Assembly—namely to focus on the learner to ensure that the money reaches places where it is needed.

Penderfynais beidio ag argymell clystyrau penodol, er fy mod yn siŵr y rhydd y sector ystyriaeth ddifrifol i argymhellion y Pwyllgor, yn enwedig gan fod y sefydliadau unigol yn hunanlywodraethol. Rhaid iddynt wella eu cyflwyniad a’i wneud yn fwy effeithiol. Nid oes bygythiad i sefydliadau sy’n ymrwymo’n llawn i’r agenda hon. Fodd bynnag, gwnaethoch gydnabod bod gennym sefydliadau bach, a nodir yn glir yn y strategaeth—bydd yr Aelodau’n derbyn copïau yn ddiweddarach y prynhawn yma—a rhaid inni fod yn ymwybodol iawn bod gan rai o’r sefydliadau hynny orbenion uwch o lawer. Rhaid inni ganolbwyntio ar sicrhau y cyflwynir yr arian a fuddsoddwn mewn rhaglenni. Mabwysiadwn yr un ymagwedd ag ELWa—a gymeradwywyd gan y Cynulliad—sef canolbwyntio ar y dysgwr i sicrhau bod yr arian yn cyrraedd y lleoedd lle mae ei angen.

I hope that higher education in Wales will be encouraged by today’s statement, which builds on the prime recommendations of the Committee’s report, emphasises the voluntary nature and participation of University of Wales institutions, and acknowledges the different relationships between those institutions. It also welcomes Sir David Williams’s review of the way in which we can enhance strength and tackle weaknesses. That is something that we must do. I know—particularly from my recent visit to Cuba where I spoke to representatives from America and Europe—that the University of Wales degree has international kudos. If we want to ensure that that is supported, we must be robust about quality assurance and external validation because, if there were any issues in relation to that, they would not only affect institutions, they would affect Wales. It is therefore in our interest that the collaborative approach encourages the use of the University of Wales degree, but it must be solidly banked in quality assurance. I am sure that everyone in this Chamber would support that.

Gobeithiaf y caiff addysg uwch yng Nghymru ei chalonogi gan y datganiad heddiw, sy’n adeiladu ar y prif argymhellion yn adroddiad y Pwyllgor, sy’n pwysleisio natur wirfoddol a chyfranogiad sefydliadau Prifysgol Cymru, ac sy’n cydnabod y gwahanol gysylltiadau rhwng y sefydliadau hynny. Yn ogystal, mae’n croesawu adolygiad Syr David Williams o’r modd y gallwn wella cryfder a mynd i’r afael â gwendidau. Mae hynny’n rhywbeth y mae’n rhaid inni ei wneud. Gwn—yn enwedig yn dilyn fy ymweliad diweddar â Cuba lle y siaradais â chynrychiolwyr o America ac Ewrop—fod gan radd Prifysgol Cymru fri rhyngwladol. Os ydym am sicrhau y caiff hynny ei gefnogi, rhaid inni fod yn gadarn ynglŷn â sicrwydd ansawdd a dilysu allanol oherwydd, pe bai unrhyw faterion mewn perthynas â hynny, byddent nid yn unig yn effeithio ar sefydliadau, byddent yn effeithio ar Gymru hefyd. Felly mae o fudd inni bod yr ymagwedd gydweithredol yn annog defnyddio gradd Prifysgol Cymru, ond rhaid i sicrwydd ansawdd fod yn sail gadarn iddi. Yr wyf yn siŵr y byddai pawb yn y Siambr hon yn cefnogi hynny.

Christine Chapman spoken in English p. 29

Christine Chapman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 29

I welcome this statement and your commitment to the future of higher education in Wales. I particularly welcome the fact that the statement highlights the vital importance of universities to the economic, social, and cultural regeneration of Wales. Bearing in mind that, historically, the lack of trust between higher education and the business sector—small businesses in particular—has been to the detriment of Wales, what commitment can you give to ensure that business partnerships made with universities are consistent and reach a quality standard that we are now witnessing in some institutions?

Croesawaf y datganiad hwn a’ch ymrwymiad i ddyfodol addysg uwch yng Nghymru. Croesawaf yn arbennig y ffaith fod y datganiad yn amlygu pwysigrwydd prifysgolion i adfywiad economaidd, cymdeithasol a diwylliannol Cymru. Gan gadw mewn cof, yn hanesyddol, y bu’r diffyg ymddiriedaeth rhwng y sector addysg uwch a’r sector busnes—busnesau bach yn arbennig—yn anfanteisiol i Gymru, pa ymrwymiad y gallwch ei roi i sicrhau bod partneriaethau busnes a wneir â phrifysgolion yn gyson ac yn cyrraedd safon ansawdd a welwn yn awr mewn rhai sefydliadau?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 30

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

It is interesting that the recent Knowledge Summit, attended by the First Minister, looked at ways in which Wales should focus more selectively on areas in which it could excel. We are taking a similar approach. We have invested £34 million in knowledge exploitation, and we are committed to looking further at a separate stream for third-mission funding. We need to establish full and absolute engagement between our institutions and business in driving this agenda forward. If you were to sum up our strategy in three strap-lines, they would be: collaboration for greater success; knowledge exploitation; and widening access so that everyone who has the ability to enter further and higher education can do so. That is the purpose of our grant mechanism.

Mae’n ddiddorol nodi bod yr Uwchgynhadledd Gwybodaeth, a fynychwyd gan Brif Weinidog Cymru, wedi edrych ar y ffyrdd y dylai Cymru ganolbwyntio’n fwy detholedig ar feysydd y gallai ragori ynddynt. Mabwysiadwn ymagwedd debyg. Yr ydym wedi buddsoddi £34 miliwn mewn defnyddio gwybodaeth, ac yr ydym yn ymrwymedig i edrych ymhellach ar ffrwd ar wahân ar gyfer ariannu’r drydedd genhadaeth. Rhaid inni sefydlu ymrwymiad llawn ac absoliwt rhwng ein sefydliadau a busnes wrth hyrwyddo’r agenda hon. Pe baech yn crynhoi ein strategaeth mewn tair llinell, y tair fyddai: cydweithio er mwyn llwyddo’n well; defnyddio gwybodaeth; ac ehangu mynediad fel y gall pawb sydd â’r gallu i fanteisio ar addysg bellach ac uwch wneud hynny. Dyna yw diben ein dull rhoi grantiau.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 30

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 30

On behalf of the Welsh Conservative Party, I welcome this statement. As Members have already mentioned, we would also have welcomed a debate. When you present a detailed strategy such as this, a full Plenary debate would be useful. I hope that we will have an opportunity to discuss it in Committee, and to bring it back to Plenary for debate. We welcome the increased funding to encourage collaboration, which was a central theme of the Committee’s inquiry. We recognise that this will enable us to harness the excellence that exists throughout Wales and assist departments within university institutions to bring higher ratings to those colleges.

Ar ran Plaid Geidwadol Cymru, croesawaf y datganiad hwn. Fel y crybwyllodd Aelodau eisoes, byddem wedi croesawu dadl hefyd. Pan fyddwch yn cyflwyno strategaeth fanwl fel hon, byddai dadl mewn Cyfarfod Llawn yn ddefnyddiol. Gobeithiaf y cawn gyfle i’w thrafod yn y Pwyllgor, a’i hailgyflwyno i’r Cyfarfod Llawn i’w thrafod. Croesawn y cynnydd yn yr ariannu i annog cydweithio, a oedd yn thema ganolog yn ymchwiliad y Pwyllgor. Sylweddolwn y bydd hyn yn ein galluogi i harneisio’r rhagoriaeth sy’n bodoli ledled Cymru a chynorthwyo adrannau o fewn sefydliadau prifysgol i ddod â graddau uwch i’r colegau hynny.

We must realise what the starting point of this inquiry was: we wanted to create a world-class higher education system in Wales and see more young people from Wales access higher education, whether in this country or elsewhere. I am sure that many of the strategy’s details will do much to help achieve those aims. I hope that, in future, funding will be far more strategic in what we aim to achieve. I have looked briefly at some of the strategy’s recommendations and I hope that our intention to be strategic in assisting the higher education sector to achieve much of the report’s recommendations will be seen as a policy theme.

Rhaid inni ddeall man cychwyn yr ymchwiliad hwn: yr oeddem am greu system addysg uwch o’r radd flaenaf yng Nghymru a gweld mwy o bobl ifanc o Gymru yn cael mynediad i addysg uwch, yn y wlad hon neu yn rhywle arall. Yr wyf yn siŵr y gwnaiff llawer o fanylion y strategaeth lawer i helpu i gyflawni’r amcanion hynny. Gobeithiaf, yn y dyfodol, y bydd yr ariannu yn llawer mwy strategol yn yr hyn yr ydym yn ceisio ei gyflawni. Yr wyf wedi edrych yn fras ar rai o argymhellion y strategaeth a gobeithiaf yr ystyrir ein bwriad i fod yn strategol wrth gynorthwyo’r sector addysg uwch i gyflawni llawer o argymhellion yr adroddiad fel thema polisi.

I am particularly interested in some points. The first relates to the economic impact of higher education. You will be aware that the Committee’s report recommended many specific points. I will refer to two, namely the third mission funding stream to promote regeneration activities and initiative funding to promote the development of centres that can produce high-quality research. There is a reference to the latter in your strategy, which I briefly examined this morning. Those are two core recommendations. We need to implement them as quickly as possible. We also need to see a tight timetable put in place to show how you, as Minister, intend to achieve those aims. Although there is much in the report that we agree with, we need to see tight timetables put in place so that the higher education sector can do the job that is expected of it.

Mae gennyf ddiddordeb arbennig mewn rhai pwyntiau. Mae’r cyntaf yn ymwneud ag effaith economaidd addysg uwch. Byddwch yn ymwybodol bod adroddiad y Pwyllgor wedi argymell nifer o bwyntiau penodol. Cyfeiriaf at ddau, sef ffrwd ariannu’r drydedd genhadaeth i hyrwyddo gweithgareddau adfywio ac ariannu mentrau i hyrwyddo datblygu canolfannau a all gynhyrchu ymchwil o ansawdd uchel. Mae cyfeiriad at yr olaf yn eich strategaeth, yr astudiais yn fras y bore yma. Mae dau argymhelliad craidd. Rhaid inni eu rhoi ar waith cyn gynted â phosibl. Yn ogystal rhaid inni weld amserlen dynn yn cael ei rhoi ar waith i ddangos sut yr ydych chi, fel Gweinidog, yn bwriadu cyflawni’r amcanion hynny. Er bod llawer yn yr adroddiad y cytunwn ag ef, mae angen inni weld amserlenni tynn yn cael eu rhoi ar waith fel y gall y sector addysg uwch wneud y gwaith y disgwylir iddo ei wneud.

I welcome the pragmatic approach of your statement today on the issue of the future of the federal University of Wales. The print and broadcast press in Wales has spread a misconception about this issue, namely that the report suggests the end of the University of Wales—it does not. In fact, it leaves it to the constituent institutions to decide on its future. I am pleased that you have recognised the value of the University of Wales degree and the university’s contribution to promoting Welsh higher education around the world.

Croesawaf ymagwedd bragmatig eich datganiad heddiw tuag at fater dyfodol Prifysgol ffederal Cymru. Mae’r wasg a’r cyfryngau yng Nghymru wedi lledu camdybiaeth am y mater hwn, sef bod yr adroddiad yn awgrymu diwedd Prifysgol Cymru—nid yw’n awgrymu hynny. Mewn gwirionedd, mae’n rhoi’r cyfrifoldeb ar y sefydliadau sy’n rhan ohoni i benderfynu ar ei dyfodol. Yr wyf yn falch eich bod wedi cydnabod gwerth gradd Prifysgol Cymru a chyfraniad y brifysgol i hyrwyddo addysg uwch yng Nghymru ledled y byd.

I support the recommendations in terms of student participation rates in Wales and your strategy to encourage participation in further higher education, as well as in higher education. However, is it still the Government of Wales’s intention to argue in favour of altering the student tuition fees base from up-front tuition fees to end-loaded income contingencies? That issue was included in the Committee’s report, although I dissented from that particular part. Do you intend to lobby the UK Government to make that change?

Cefnogaf yr argymhellion o ran cyfraddau cyfranogi myfyrwyr yng Nghymru a’ch strategaeth i annog y rheini mewn addysg bellach, yn ogystal ag addysg uwch. Fodd bynnag, ai bwriad Llywodraeth Cymru o hyd yw dadlau o blaid addasu sail ffioedd dysgu myfyrwyr o ffioedd dysgu a delir ar y cychwyn i ffioedd a ad-delir ar y diwedd yn ddibynnol ar incwm? Cafodd y mater hwnnw ei gynnwys yn adroddiad y Pwyllgor, er yr anghytunais â’r rhan arbennig honno. A fwriadwch lobïo Llywodraeth y DU i wneud y newid hwnnw?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 32

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 32

I welcome your support. You are correct in that we need to make funding more strategic, which is why funding must be on a ‘something for something’ basis. We need to consider the relationship between higher education and the economy. That is why you will find, when you have a chance to consider the strategy, that the key themes of knowledge exploitation, transfer, and business enterprise, which have been of interest to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee and the Economic Development Committee, appear throughout the document.

Croesawaf eich cefnogaeth. Yr ydych yn gywir i ddweud bod angen inni wneud ariannu yn fwy strategol, a dyna pam bod yn rhaid i ariannu fod ar sail ‘rhywbeth am rywbeth’. Rhaid inni ystyried y berthynas rhwng addysg uwch a’r economi. Dyna pam y gwelwch, pan gewch gyfle i ystyried y strategaeth, fod y themâu allweddol o ddefnyddio gwybodaeth, trosglwyddo a menter busnes, a fu o ddiddordeb i’r Pwyllgor Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes a’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Economaidd, yn ymddangos drwy’r ddogfen.

I also agree that a misconception exists about the Committee’s report. I commended the report when it was published and I am happy to do so again. The Committee undertook a considered piece of work over a long time and interviewed a wide range of people in reaching the deliberations, which have informed our strategy.

Cytunaf hefyd fod camddealltwriaeth yn bodoli ynghylch adroddiad y Pwyllgor. Cymeradwyais yr adroddiad pan gafodd ei gyhoeddi ac yr wyf yn fodlon gwneud hynny eto. Ymgymerodd y Pwyllgor â darn o waith ystyriol dros gyfnod hir gan gyfweld ystod eang o bobl er mwyn dod i’r casgliadau, sydd wedi llywio ein strategaeth.

Regarding models for collaboration and configuration for the future, I spoke about networks of excellence. Despite much discussion about collaboration during the Committee’s evidence-taking period, there was only one example of collaboration in the research assessment exercise, namely that between the University of Wales, Bangor, and the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education. I have commended those institutions on many occasions for their collaboration. Exciting ideas are coming out of that group of north Wales institutions, namely its promotion of a community university model and a strategic alliance between the University of Wales, Bangor, and NEWI, which may well be useful in terms of how other institutions consider relating to each other.

O ran modelau ar gyfer cydweithio a chyflunio ar gyfer y dyfodol, siaredais am rwydweithiau rhagoriaeth. Er gwaethaf llawer o drafodaeth am gydweithio yn ystod cyfnod cymryd tystiolaeth y Pwyllgor, dim ond un enghraifft yn unig o gydweithio oedd yn yr ymarfer asesu ymchwil, sef yr un rhwng Prifysgol Cymru, Bangor, ac Athrofa Addysg Uwch Gogledd Ddwyrain Cymru. Yr wyf wedi cymeradwyo’r sefydliadau hynny ar sawl achlysur am gydweithio. Mae’r grŵp hwnnw o sefydliadau’r Gogledd yn creu syniadau cyffrous, sef ei hyrwyddiad o fodel prifysgol cymunedol a chynghrair strategol rhwng Prifysgol Cymru Bangor, ac Athrofa Addysg Uwch Gogledd Ddwyrain Cymru, a allai fod yn ddefnyddiol o ran sut mae sefydliadau eraill yn ystyried eu perthynas â’i gilydd.

On cluster proposals, this agenda does not state that A must merge with B. It states that functional clusters should be established based on skills in different institutions and how they can be capitalised upon. We only have 80 education researchers in Wales, for example. Apart from the researchers based at the 5* department in Cardiff, the rest are scattered among the other institutions. That is fewer researchers than in the University of Exeter’s research department. We should be capitalising on people’s skills across many other disciplines also.

Ar gynigion clystyru, nid yw’r agenda hon yn nodi y dylai A uno â B. Mae’n nodi y dylid sefydlu clystyrau swyddogaethol yn seiliedig ar sgiliau mewn gwahanol sefydliadau a sut y gellir manteisio arnynt. Dim ond 80 o ymchwilwyr addysg sydd gennym yng Nghymru, er enghraifft. Ar wahân i’r ymchwilwyr a leolir yn yr adran 5* yng Nghaerdydd, mae’r gweddill wedi’u gwasgaru ymhlith y sefydliadau eraill. Mae hynny’n llai o ymchwilwyr nag sydd yn adran ymchwilio Prifysgol Caerwysg. Dylem fod yn manteisio ar sgiliau pobl ar draws nifer o ddisgyblaethau eraill hefyd.

We are also considering geographical relationships, which are how we build higher and further education into the community. The relationship between higher and further education and schools is dear to the hearts of many Members, namely the idea of compacts operating throughout Wales in terms of encouraging people to go on to higher and further education.

Yn ogystal, yr ydym hefyd yn ystyried cysylltiadau daearyddol, a dyna sut yr ydym yn ymgorffori addysg uwch ac addysg bellach yn y gymuned. Mae’r berthynas rhwng addysg uwch ac addysg bellach ac ysgolion yn agos at galonnau nifer o Aelodau, sef y syniad o gompactau yn gweithredu ledled Cymru o ran annog pobl i fynd ymlaen i addysg uwch ac addysg bellach.

We also need administrative arrangements to tackle issues around overheads and ensure that higher education in Wales continues to be distributed across the country. However, higher education must be more selective in what it focuses on, so that we can achieve excellence. That can also be driven, in terms of knowledge exploitation, by the economic development agenda.

Yn ogystal mae angen trefniadau gweinyddol arnom i fynd i’r afael â materion yn ymwneud â gorbenion cyffredinol a sicrhau y parheir i ddosbarthu addysg uwch yng Nghymru ledled y wlad. Fodd bynnag, rhaid i addysg uwch fod yn fwy detholedig o ran yr hyn y mae’n canolbwyntio arno, fel y gallwn gyflawni rhagoriaeth. Gall hynny gael ei hyrwyddo hefyd, o ran defnyddio gwybodaeth, gan yr agenda datblygu economaidd.

On timescales, as I said in my statement, our priority is to focus on reconfiguration. That is why we expect plans from all institutions this year, with £5 million of preparatory funding attached, on how they propose to reconfigure to deliver this agenda, as well as plans on widening access. Having lifted the cap on student numbers, we want as many people as possible to go on to further and higher education. The Assembly learning grant is opportune.

Ar amserlenni, fel y dywedais yn fy natganiad, ein blaenoriaeth yw canolbwyntio ar ailgyflunio. Dyna pam yr ydym yn disgwyl cynlluniau gan bob sefydliad eleni, gyda £5 miliwn o arian paratoadol ynghlwm wrtho, ar sut y bwriadant ailgyflunio i gyflwyno’r agenda hon, yn ogystal â chynlluniau ar ehangu mynediad. Ar ôl codi’r cyfyngiad ar niferoedd myfyrwyr, yr ydym eisiau cymaint o fyfyrwyr â phosibl i fynd ymlaen i addysg bellach ac uwch. Mae grant dysgu’r Cynulliad yn amserol.

Finally, regarding tuition fees, as I said when I first responded to the Rees report, I took the Assembly’s views—and I made it clear that they were the views of three parties—to the Government. I did so immediately after the publication of the Rees report, as I had undertaken to do.

I gloi, o ran ffioedd dysgu, fel y dywedais pan ymatebais i adroddiad Rees am y tro cyntaf, cyflwynias safbwyntiau’r Cynulliad—a phwysleisiais mai safbwyntiau tair plaid oeddent—i’r Llywodraeth. Gwneuthum hynny yn union wedi cyhoeddi adroddiad Rees, fel yr oeddwn wedi addo gwneud.

Mick Bates spoken in English p. 34

Mick Bates siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 34

Thank you for your statement, which has been made in good time after the Committee’s full report. I joined the Committee later on and I would also like to say that the method used was good and that the collection of evidence was thorough. I pay tribute to the leadership of the Chair, Cynog Dafis, in that process.

Diolch am eich datganiad, a wnaed mewn amser da ar ôl adroddiad llawn y Pwyllgor. Ymunais â’r Pwyllgor yn ddiweddarach a hoffwn ddweud hefyd bod y dull a ddefnyddiwyd yn dda ac y casglwyd tystiolaeth yn drylwyr. Talaf deyrnged i arweiniad y Cadeirydd, Cynog Dafis, yn y broses honno.

I am sure that you agree that partnership working is the key to success. As you put it,

Yr wyf yn siŵr y cytunwch mai gweithio mewn partneriaeth yw’r allwedd i lwyddiant. Fel y dywedasoch,

‘competition can be healthy but collaboration is healthier’.

‘gall cystadleuaeth fod yn iach ond mae cydweithio yn iachach’.

I would like to hear more about how you, in your role as Minister, propose to undertake discussions with higher education establishments in Wales, particularly the University of Wales, to achieve an appropriate conclusion. I agree with Jonathan that there was no hint in the report that we should abolish the University of Wales; there was an examination of the appropriateness of the present structure. Therefore, will you confirm what your role will be in that and when the conclusions are likely to be announced?

Hoffwn glywed mwy am y modd yr ydych chi, yn eich rôl fel Gweinidog, yn bwriadu ymgymryd â thrafodaethau â sefydliadau addysg uwch yng Nghymru, yn enwedig Prifysgol Cymru, i ddod i gasgliad priodol. Cytunaf â Jonathan nad oedd awgrym yn yr adroddiad y dylem ddiddymu Prifysgol Cymru; yr oedd yno astudiaeth o briodolrwydd y strwythur presennol. Felly, a gadarnhewch beth fydd eich rôl yn hynny a phryd mae’n debygol y caiff y casgliadau eu cyhoeddi?

This review has demonstrated that knowledge exploitation is crucial. It provides us in Wales with a vision of how we—through the Rees report and through expanding access for disabled people and the spin out and development of companies—will build a word-class example of the economic value of higher education. I would like to hear more detail, if you have it, about how we propose to help these institutions, particularly in terms of disabled access. I am aware that many institutions need considerable funding to achieve that.

Dangosodd yr adolygiad hwn fod defnyddio gwybodaeth yn hanfodol. Mae’n darparu gweledigaeth i ni yng Nghymru o’r modd y byddwn—drwy adroddiad Rees a thrwy ehangu mynediad i bobl anabl ac ymestyn a datblygu cwmnïau—yn creu enghraifft wych o werth economaidd addysg uwch. Hoffwn glywed mwy o fanylion, os ydynt gennych, ynglŷn â sut y bwriadwn helpu’r sefydliadau hyn, yn enwedig o ran mynediad i’r anabl. Yr wyf yn ymwybodol bod angen ariannu sylweddol ar nifer o sefydliadau er mwyn cyflawni hynny.

On broadening access, I am pleased that we have a commitment to doubling the number of Welsh language graduates by 2010. I would welcome more clarity about the funding and structures that we will put in place to achieve that target. In terms of the impact of this review, I would also like to hear what discussions you propose to have with the representatives of those who work in this sector, as some people may be anxious about their future role and jobs.

O ran ehangu mynediad, yr wyf yn falch bod gennym ymrwymiad i ddyblu nifer y graddedigion yn yr iaith Gymraeg erbyn 2010. Byddwn yn croesawu mwy o eglurder o ran yr ariannu a’r strwythurau y byddwn yn eu rhoi ar waith i gyflawni’r targed hwnnw. O ran effaith yr adolygiad hwn, hoffwn glywed hefyd pa drafodaethau y bwriadwch eu cynnal â chynrychiolwyr y rheini sy’n gweithio yn y sector hwn, oherwydd efallai fod rhai pobl yn bryderus am eu rôl a’u swyddi yn y dyfodol.

As a graduate of the Open University, I am acutely aware that there is no mention of how you propose to use the Open University in Wales and what collaborative measures may be undertaken to include that area.

Fel un a raddiodd o’r Brifysgol Agored, yr wyf yn ymwybodol iawn nad oes sôn am sut yr ydych yn bwriadu defnyddio’r Brifysgol Agored yng Nghymru a pha fesurau cydweithio y gellid ymgymryd â hwy er mwyn cynnwys y maes hwnnw.

There is massive potential for research. I would like to hear how, in terms of the spin out of companies and the £34 million made available through the knowledge exploitation fund, you propose to ensure an ongoing evaluation with the Welsh Development Agency, for example, of the effectiveness of that process.

Mae potensial mawr ar gyfer ymchwil. Hoffwn glywed yn awr, o ran ymestyn cwmnïau a’r £34 miliwn a ryddhawyd drwy’r gronfa defnyddio gwybodaeth, sut yr ydych yn bwriadu sicrhau gwerthusiad parhaus gydag Awdurdod Datblygu Cymru er enghraifft, o ran effeithiolrwydd y broses honno.

Overall, the Liberal Democrats welcome this process. We must build on the good practice that we have and find mechanisms that will maximise the contribution of our education, not only economically but socially and culturally. The Liberal Democrats look forward, over the next 10 years, to seeing Wales’s higher education institutions leading the way and providing benefits for many disadvantaged people in our communities.

Ar y cyfan, mae’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn croesawu’r broses hon. Rhaid inni adeiladu ar yr arferion da sydd gennym a dod o hyd i ddulliau a fydd yn sicrhau cyfraniad mwyaf posibl ein haddysg, nid yn unig yn economaidd ond yn gymdeithasol ac yn ddiwylliannol. Mae’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn edrych ymlaen, dros y 10 mlynedd nesaf, at weld sefydliadau addysg uwch Cymru yn arwain y ffordd ac yn darparu buddiannau i nifer o bobl ddifreintiedig yn ein cymunedau.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 35

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 35

Now that the strategy is published, I intend to actively engage with higher education institutions in Wales, at staff and management level, on how we take this forward. I regularly meet both staff and management and will continue to do so. I have meetings with higher education unions scheduled for next week, because I wanted to ensure that they were held after the publication of the strategy. I will also continue to meet Higher Education Wales and the individual institutions. We want to work with the institutions to take these objectives forward. A balance must be struck because the institutions are autonomous bodies. That is why we did not take the route of making specific recommendations on how they might restructure. However, the need for restructuring is clearly imprinted throughout our strategy, was flagged up in ‘The Learning Country’ and has been solidly endorsed by the Committee. There is a strong message to the sector and strong commitment from this Government that we will reward effectiveness.

Gan fod y strategaeth wedi’i chyhoeddi bellach, bwriadaf weithio gyda sefydliadau addysg uwch yng Nghymru, ar lefel staff a rheolwyr, ar sut y datblygwn hyn. Yr wyf yn cwrdd yn rheolaidd â staff a rheolwyr a byddaf yn parhau i wneud hynny. Mae gennyf gyfarfodydd ag undebau addysg uwch wedi’u cynllunio ar gyfer yr wythnos nesaf, gan fy mod am sicrhau y’u cynhelid ar ôl cyhoeddi’r strategaeth. Yn ogystal, byddaf yn parhau i gwrdd ag Addysg Uwch Cymru a’r sefydliadau unigol. Yr ydym eisiau gweithio gyda’r sefydliadau er mwyn datblygu’r amcanion hyn. Rhaid cael cydbwysedd gan fod y sefydliadau yn gyrff hunanlywodraethol. Dyma pam na wnaethom argymhellion penodol ar sut y gallent ailstrwythuro. Fodd bynnag, mae’r angen am ailstrwythuro wedi’i nodi’n glir yn ein strategaeth drwyddi draw, wedi’i hyrwyddo yn ‘Y Wlad sy’n Dysgu’ ac wedi’i chymeradwyo’n gadarn gan y Pwyllgor. Mae neges gref i’r sector ac ymrwymiad cadarn gan y Llywodraeth hon y byddwn yn gwobrwyo effeithiolrwydd.

On Welsh-medium education, I apologise to Gareth that I did not respond to that point in his long list of points. I tried to cover most of them. We picked up the Committee’s recommendation and want to invite the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to commission a report into the current levels of supply and demand in Welsh-medium education, the projected trends in demand and the steps necessary to increase demand. We also want to ensure that HEFCW enters into a dialogue with the University Board for Welsh Medium Teaching to see how demand might be met. I include a new proposal in the strategy that was not discussed in Committee, but comes directly from my dialogue with the Basque Minister for Education, Universities and Research. The proposal is on funding pilot language-learning sabbaticals for practitioners in the context of successive budget planning rounds. This is an exciting proposition, involving schoolteachers, further education lecturers and higher education lecturers being able to take sufficient time out to acquire language skills and expertise in their subjects through the medium of Welsh and then to return to the education system. We will fund that. It is a particularly exciting opportunity in terms of progressing that agenda.

Ar addysg drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, ymddiheuraf i Gareth nad ymatebais i’r pwynt hwnnw yn ei restr hir o bwyntiau. Ceisiais gwmpasu’r mwyafrif ohonynt. Yr ydym wedi ymateb i argymhelliad y Pwyllgor ac yr ydym eisiau gwahodd Cyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru i gomisiynu adroddiad ar y lefelau cyflenwi a galw presennol o fewn addysg drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, y tueddiadau a ragwelir mewn galw a’r camau y mae’n rhaid eu cymryd er mwyn cynyddu’r galw. Yn ogystal, yr ydym eisiau sicrhau bod CCAUC yn cynnal trafodaethau â Bwrdd y Brifysgol ar gyfer Dysgu drwy Gyfrwng y Gymraeg i weld sut y gellir diwallu’r galw. Yr wyf yn cynnwys cynnig newydd yn y strategaeth na chafodd ei drafod yn y Pwyllgor, ond sy’n dod yn uniongyrchol o’r drafodaeth â Gweinidog Addysg, Prifysgolion ac Ymchwil Gwlad y Basg. Mae’r cynnig ar ariannu cynlluniau peilot blynyddoedd sabothol dysgu ieithoedd i ymarferwyr yng nghyd-destun rowndiau cynllunio cyllideb dilynol. Mae hwn yn gynnig cyffrous, yn cynnwys athrawon ysgol, darlithwyr addysg bellach a darlithwyr addysg uwch sy’n gallu cymryd seibiant digonol o’u gwaith i gaffael sgiliau ieithyddol ac arbenigedd yn eu pynciau drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg ac yna dychwelyd i’r system addysg. Byddwn yn ariannu hynny. Mae’n gyfle arbennig o gyffrous o ran datblygu’r agenda honno.

Disabled access issues are also led by legislation. We will work closely with HEFCW and the individual institutions to deliver on that. We will discuss this report in Committee, as it will be part of my ministerial report next week. I hope that you feel that a range of issues related to the economic agenda are identified in the report. However, as I said earlier, our initial funding is focused on the two key agendas of reconfiguration and widening access. The knowledge exploitation fund is in place, so there are three strands to the strategy. The rest of the strategy will be delivered over a period of eight years, up to 2010. Once we have received the reconfiguration proposals from the sector, we will then be able to set the timescale for the delivery of the other aspects of the strategy.

Deddfwriaeth sydd hefyd yn llywio materion mynediad i’r anabl. Byddwn yn gweithio’n agos gyda CCAUC a’r sefydliadau unigol i gyflawni hynny. Trafodwn yr adroddiad hwn yn y Pwyllgor, gan y bydd yn rhan o’m hadroddiad gweinidogol yr wythnos nesaf. Gobeithiaf y teimlwch fod amrywiaeth o faterion sy’n gysylltiedig â’r agenda economaidd wedi eu nodi yn yr adroddiad. Fodd bynnag, fel y dywedais yn gynharach, canolbwyntir ein hariannu cychwynnol ar ddwy agenda allweddol sef ailgyflunio ac ehangu mynediad. Mae’r gronfa defnyddio gwybodaeth wedi’i rhoi ar waith, felly mae tair haenen i’r strategaeth. Caiff gweddill y strategaeth ei chyflwyno dros gyfnod o wyth mlynedd, hyd at 2010. Ar ôl inni dderbyn y cynigion ailgyflunio gan y sector, gallwn bennu’r amserlen ar gyfer cyflwyno agweddau eraill ar y strategaeth.

Cynog Dafis siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 37

Cynog Dafis spoken in Welsh p. 37

O ran cynnal dadl, ein cais fel plaid fyddai cael dadl ar y strategaeth addysg uwch. O ran cyllid, dywedasoch nad oedd yr uned adnoddau yn ffordd ddigonol o fesur yr angen am fuddsoddiad. Er hynny, mae’n bwysig pwysleisio bod yr adroddiad yn nodi’n glir a diamwys fod yn rhaid i’r uned adnoddau yng Nghymru fod o leiaf gystal â’r un yn Lloegr, a bod rhaid i’r bwlch rhwng unedau adnoddau Cymru a’r Alban gael ei leihau.

In terms of holding a debate, we as a party would request a debate on the higher education strategy. In terms of finance, you said that the resource unit was not an adequate means of measuring the need for investment. However, it is important to emphasise that the report states clearly and unambiguously that the resource unit in Wales must be at least as good as that in England, and that the disparity between the Welsh and Scottish resource units must be reduced.

Ers cyhoeddi’r adroddiad hwn, mae camddealltwriaeth wedi datblygu ymysg rhai, sy’n prysur troi yn fyth, fod adroddiad y Pwyllgor yn argymell canoli popeth, yn arbennig ymchwil, yn y De-ddwyrain a Chaerdydd. A wnewch chi ddatgan yn glir, fel y datganaf innau, nad oedd dim ymhellach o fwriad y Pwyllgor na hynny ac mai camddarllen yr adroddiad sydd wedi peri i’r syniad hwnnw fynd ar led? Mae’r Pwyllgor am weld ymchwil o’r ansawdd orau yn ffynnu ar draws Cymru ac, yn benodol eleni, yng ngholegau Bangor, Aberystwyth, Llanbedr Pont Steffan ac Abertawe. Bydd y strategaeth genedlaethol y mae ei dechreuadau gennym—nid yw’n gyfan hyn yn hyn—yn sicrhau bod gwaith o ansawdd dda yn cael ei wasgaru ledled Cymru. Bydd y rhwydweithio y buoch yn sôn amdano yn helpu hynny a bydd yr egwyddor o ganolfannau rhagoriaeth hefyd yn sicrhau bod gweithgarwch yn digwydd ledled Cymru.

Since the publication of the report, a misconception, which is fast becoming a myth, has arisen among some people that the Committee report recommends centralising everything, especially research, in south east Wales and Cardiff. Will you state clearly, as I myself state, that that nothing could have been further from the Committee’s intentions and that the idea has gained ground as a result of a misreading of the report? The Committee wants to see research of the highest quality flourishing throughout Wales and, particularly this year in the colleges of Bangor, Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Swansea. The national strategy, the beginnings of which we have—it is not yet complete—will ensure that high quality work will be spread out throughout Wales. The networking you referred to will help that and the principle of centres of excellence will also ensure that activity will be spread throughout Wales.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 37

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 37

I am absolutely with you on that, Cynog. There was much mischief in the response to the Committee’s higher education review, which, as I have said before, was a considered report. It was not the ambition of Committee members, who represented all parts of Wales in their deliberations on the recommendations, that research should be centralised in any one location or college. I have said many times, when talking about success in terms of the research assessment exercise and the Access Elite survey, that this relates to institutions throughout Wales. We have an enormous amount of strength to play to throughout Wales. That is why we propose the networks of excellence. It is about playing to our strengths. However, the only collaboration in the research assessment exercise was in north Wales, for example, despite much talk of collaboration to the Committee. We will now be much firmer about ensuring collaboration, which is the Committee’s key recommendation for the future, to drive those networks of excellence forward. I envisage all parts of Wales benefiting from full participation in this agenda.

Cytunaf â chi gant y cant ar hynny, Cynog. Yr oedd llawer o ddrygioni yn yr ymateb i adolygiad addysg uwch y Pwyllgor, sydd, fel y dywedais eisoes, yn adroddiad pwyllog. Nid bwriad aelodau’r Pwyllgor, a gynrychiolodd pob rhan o Gymru yn eu trafodaethau ar yr argymhellion, oedd y dylid lleoli’r ymchwil mewn un lleoliad neu goleg penodol. Yr wyf wedi dweud sawl gwaith, wrth siarad am lwyddiant yn nhermau’r ymarfer asesu ymchwil a’r arolwg Access Elite, bod hyn yn berthnasol i sefydliadau ledled Cymru. Mae gennym lawer iawn o gryfder i fanteisio arno ledled Cymru. Dyna pam yr ydym yn cynnig y rhwydweithiau rhagoriaeth. Mae’n ymwneud â manteisio ar ein cryfderau. Fodd bynnag, yr unig enghraifft o gydweithio yn yr ymarfer asesu ymchwil oedd yr un yn y Gogledd, er gwaethaf llawer o siarad â’r Pwyllgor am gydweithio. Byddwn bellach yn llawer mwy llym ynglŷn â sicrhau cydweithio, sef argymhelliad allweddol y Pwyllgor ar gyfer y dyfodol, i hyrwyddo’r rhwydweithiau rhagoriaeth hynny. Yr wyf yn rhagweld y bydd pob rhan o Gymru yn elwa ar gyfranogiad llawn yn yr agenda hon.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 38

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 38

Yr ydym wedi mynd dros ein hamser am y datganiad hwn, ond oherwydd ei bwysigrwydd, byddaf yn caniatáu dau gwestiwn arall o bleidiau’r Llywodraeth ac o’r gwrthbleidiau.

We have gone over time on this statement, but given its importance, I will allow two more questions from the Government and opposition parties.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 38

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 38

I will be brief, because of the Minister’s welcome commitment that we will discuss this at a later date. I welcome the section of the statement on the University of Wales. There has been much concern in the constituent colleges and the institution as a whole. This stategy underlines the university’s importance, and rightly recognises that it is for the constituent members to make decisions about its future. It has a massive international reputation, which is to the good of Wales; its name and academic achievements are well known. It also makes a lot of money for Wales and for Welsh education. I welcome that part of the statement and look forward to a fuller debate in due course.

Byddaf yn gryno, oherwydd ymrwymiad calonogol y Gweinidog y byddwn yn trafod hyn ar ddyddiad diweddarach. Croesawaf ran y datganiad ar Brifysgol Cymru. Bu llawer o bryder yn y colegau sy’n rhan ohoni ac yn y sefydliad yn gyffredinol. Mae’r strategaeth hon yn tanlinellu pwysigrwydd y brifysgol, ac yn cydnabod yn briodol mai cyfrifoldeb yr aelodau sy’n rhan ohoni yw gwneud penderfyniadau am ei dyfodol. Mae ganddi enw da iawn yn rhyngwladol, sydd er lles Cymru; mae ei henw a’i chyflawniadau academaidd yn hysbys iawn. Yn ogystal, mae’n gwneud arian mawr i Gymru ac i addysg yng Nghymru. Croesawaf y rhan honno o’r datganiad ac edrychaf ymlaen at ddadl lawnach maes o law.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 38

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 38

I agree with your comments.

Cytunaf â’ch sylwadau.

Karen Sinclair spoken in English p. 38

Karen Sinclair siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 38

Will you comment on where the extension of medical education in north Wales fits in with your higher education agenda? As you know, the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education and the University of Wales, Bangor, are hungry to grow in response to our agenda’s needs. The expansion of the University of Wales College of Medicine into north Wales will have a knock-on effect on health training, which will in turn have enormous benefits for staff recruitment and retention in our hospitals and health service.

A wnewch sylwadau o ran lle y mae ymestyn addysg feddygol yn y Gogledd yn cydweddu â’ch agenda addysg uwch? Fel y gwyddoch, mae Athrofa Addysg Uwch Gogledd Ddwyrain Cymru a Phrifysgol Cymru, Bangor, yn awyddus iawn i dyfu mewn ymateb i anghenion ein hagenda. Caiff ymestyn Coleg Meddygaeth Prifysgol Cymru i’r Gogledd effaith ddilynol ar hyfforddi ym maes iechyd, ac yn ei dro bydd i hyn fanteision mawr o ran recriwtio a chadw staff yn ein hysbytai a’n gwasanaeth iechyd.

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 39

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

In the strategy, we mentioned the role of the University of Wales College of Medicine and the hub-and-spoke model, which was so ably put forward by my colleague Jane Hutt, in terms of how we get the clinical school in Swansea, the developments in Gwent and the developments in north Wales. This is an all-Wales agenda. The strategy also mentions workforce planning in the national health service, on which Jane and I are working together closely. One of the strategy’s key points is that this is not just owned by myself as Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, but by the Assembly Government, because higher education impacts on every aspect of the delivery of all our functions. Therefore, we have an exciting proposal for the future of an innovation fund to develop the Assembly’s strategic priorities. An all-Wales role is important. Similarly, HEFCW is working closely with the Welsh College of Music and Drama in terms of conservatoire status. We are conscious that where we have institutions that have a Welsh role, we should be looking for that to be enhanced in the strategy. In terms of workforce development, medical education, and support for Jane’s clinical agenda, the strategy is absolutely crucial.

Yn y strategaeth, soniasom am rôl Coleg Meddygaeth Prifysgol Cymru a’r model prif gorff ac is-sefydliadau, a gyflwynwyd mor fedrus gan fy nghyd-Aelod Jane Hutt, o ran sut y cawn yr ysgol glinigol yn Abertawe, y datblygiadau yng Ngwent a’r datblygiadau yn y Gogledd. Mae hon yn agenda i Gymru gyfan. Yn ogystal, mae’r strategaeth yn sôn am gynllunio’r gweithlu yn y gwasanaeth iechyd gwladol, yr wyf i a Jane yn cydweithio’n agos arno. Un o bwyntiau allweddol y strategaeth yw nad fi fel y Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes yn unig sy’n berchen arni, ond Llywodraeth y Cynulliad hefyd, oherwydd caiff addysg uwch effaith ar bob agwedd ar gyflwyno ein holl swyddogaethau. Felly, mae gennym gynnig cyffrous ar gyfer dyfodol cronfa arloesi i ddatblygu blaenoriaethau strategol y Cynulliad. Mae rôl Cymru gyfan yn bwysig. Yn yr un modd, mae CCAUC yn gweithio’n agos gyda Choleg Cerdd a Drama Cymru o ran cael statws ysgol gerddoriaeth. Yr ydym yn ymwybodol, lle mae gennym sefydliadau ag iddynt rôl Gymreig, y dylem wella hynny yn y strategaeth. O ran datblygu’r gweithlu, addysg feddygol, a chefnogaeth i agenda glinigol Jane, mae’r strategaeth yn gwbl hanfodol.

Elin Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 39

Elin Jones spoken in Welsh p. 39

Y mae’r unig gyfeiriad penodol at fath arbennig o ad-drefnu yn eich datganiad yn ymwneud â chostau uwch anochel prifysgolion bach, yn enwedig mewn ardaloedd gwledig. Dywedasoch nad oeddech am fod yn orchmynnol ynghylch ad-drefnu ond yr ydych yn orchmynnol wrth ymdrin â phrifysgolion bach. Y mae Prifysgol Cymru Llanbedr Pont Steffan yn enghraifft o goleg bach. A eglurwch yr hyn y dylai coleg Llanbedr Pont Steffan ei gymryd o’ch datganiad y bore yma o ran ad-drefnu?

The only specific reference to a particular form of reconfiguration in your statement relates to the inevitable higher costs of small universities, especially in rural areas. You said that you did not want to be prescriptive about reconfiguration but you are prescriptive in dealing with small universities. The University of Wales Lampeter is an example of a small college. Will you explain what Lampeter college should take from your statement this morning in terms of reconfiguration?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 39

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 39

I am not being prescriptive, because I am saying that it is up to the sector to engage with this, and I would expect all institutions in the sector to do that. We are not saying that only some institutions should come forward with proposals for collaboration. We expect all institutions to do so. That collaboration will then be rewarded with additional funding.

Nid bod yn ddeddfol yw fy mwriad, oherwydd yr wyf yn dweud mai cyfrifoldeb y sector yw ymrwymo i hyn, a byddwn yn disgwyl i bob sefydliad yn y sector wneud hynny. Nid dweud yr ydym mai dim ond rhai sefydliadau yn unig a ddylai gyflwyno cynigion ar gyfer cydweithio. Disgwyliwn i bob sefydliad wneud hynny. Yna caiff y cydweithio hwnnw ei wobrwyo gan ariannu ychwanegol.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 40

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

Do you agree that, in north Wales, we need to build on world-class research in Bangor and in the north-west and ensure that Wrexham has university status? Do you also agree that we need to develop provision in the centre further, particularly in terms of degree-level vocational courses, to ensure that there is a seamless progression from further to higher education?

A gytunwch fod angen inni, yn y Gogledd, adeiladu ar ymchwil o’r radd flaenaf ym Mangor ac yn y Gogledd-orllewin a sicrhau bod gan Wrecsam statws prifysgol? A gytunwch hefyd fod yn rhaid inni ddatblygu’r ddarpariaeth ganolog ymhellach, yn enwedig o ran cyrsiau galwedigaethol safon gradd, i sicrhau bod modd symud yn ddidrafferth o addysg bellach i addysg uwch?

Jane Davidson spoken in English p. 40

Jane Davidson siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 40

Those are interesting questions. The Committee has considered carefully the fact that some institutions in Wales want their own degree-awarding powers. If an institution wants those powers, and chooses to exercise them, or to put them into abeyance and use the University of Wales degree structure, that is fine. I imagine that some institutions might do both in future.

Mae’r rheini’n gwestiynau diddorol. Mae’r Pwyllgor wedi ystyried yn ofalus y ffaith bod rhai sefydliadau yng Nghymru yn dymuno cael y pwer i roi eu graddau eu hunain. Os yw sefydliad eisiau’r pwerau hynny, ac yn dewis eu defnyddio, neu eu rhoi o’r neilltu a defnyddio strwythur gradd Prifysgol Cymru, mae hynny’n iawn. Dychmygaf efallai y bydd rhai sefydliadau yn gwneud y ddau yn y dyfodol.

We can endorse absolutely the world-class nature of almost all our institutions in Wales in at least one area and we should build on those strengths. If we are looking at our institutions in Wales collaborating rather than competing, we should also consider the new opportunities afforded by the credit transfer qualifications framework. That will revolutionise education in Wales, because people may study for one part of a degree in one higher education institution and then go to another institution for another, or they may take a course in a different language in another institution. They will be able to take a bankable transfer qualification with them. It is important that we start to think about how to develop Wales the world nation, and use the proposals that I have put forward today to help us play on an international stage and attract more international students to our institutions.

Gallwn gymeradwyo yn gyfan gwbl natur radd flaenaf bron pob un o’n sefydliadau yng Nghymru mewn o leiaf un maes a dylem ddatblygu’r cryfderau hynny. Os disgwyliwn i’n sefydliadau yng Nghymru gydweithio yn hytrach na chystadlu, dylem hefyd ystyried y cyfleoedd newydd a gynigir gan y fframwaith cymwysterau trosglwyddo credydau. Bydd hynny’n trawsnewid addysg yng Nghymru, oherwydd efallai y bydd pobl yn astudio am un rhan o radd mewn un sefydliad addysg uwch ac yna’n mynd i sefydliad arall am ran arall, neu efallai y byddant yn dilyn cwrs mewn iaith wahanol mewn sefydliad arall. Byddant yn gallu mynd â chymhwyster trosglwyddo dibynadwy gyda hwy. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn dechrau meddwl am sut i ddatblygu Cymru fel cenedl y byd, a defnyddio’r cynigion yr wyf wedi eu cyflwyno heddiw i’n cynorthwyo i chwarae ar lwyfan rhyngwladol a denu mwy o fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol i’n sefydliadau.

Pwyntiau o Drefn

Points of Order

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 41

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Point of order. Can you give guidance, under Standing Order No. 5, on the priority that Assembly Members should give to Assembly business as opposed to going on 10-day fact-finding missions to Angola, however well intentioned? I also ask for guidance on how someone can reconcile the onerous task of being a tenuous leader of a local authority with being an Assembly Member.

Pwynt o drefn. A allwch roi arweiniad, o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 5, ar y flaenoriaeth y dylai Aelodau’r Cynulliad ei rhoi i fusnes y Cynulliad yn lle mynd ar ymgyrchoedd ymchwilio 10 diwrnod i Angola, waeth pa mor dda yw’r bwriad? Gofynnaf hefyd am arweiniad ar sut y gall rhywun gysoni’r dasg feichus o fod yn arweinydd bregus ar awdurdod lleol â bod yn Aelod o’r Cynulliad.

David Davies spoken in English p. 41

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Further to that point of order, I echo what Lorraine Barrett just said about pointless fact-finding missions. When will the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning come before the Assembly to tell us what she was doing in Cuba, in the home of a dictator, trying to find out about education? What does she expect to learn about education in Cuba? How to install a blind love of obedience for a dictatorial Socialist regime, perhaps?

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, ategaf yr hyn y mae Lorraine Barret newydd ei ddweud ynghylch ymgyrchoedd ymchwilio dibwys. Pryd y daw’r Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes gerbron y Cynulliad i ddweud wrthym am yr hyn y bu’n ei wneud yn Ciwba, yng nghartref unben, yn ceisio cael gwybodaeth am addysg? Beth y disgwylia ei ddysgu am addysg yn Ciwba? Sut i feithrin cariad digwestiwn tuag at ufudd-dod i drefn Sosialaidd unbenaethol, efallai?

Cynog Dafis siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 41

Cynog Dafis spoken in Welsh p. 41

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, Lywydd, gan eich bod yn arbenigwr ar iaith, a allwch roi awgrym i ni o beth yw ystyr y gair ‘tenuous’ yng nghwestiwn Lorraine Barrett? Beth bynnag y gallwch ei ddweud am Pauline Jarman, ni chredaf fod yr ansoddair ‘tenuous’ yn taro ar ei chyfer.

Further to that point of order, Presiding Officer, as you are an expert on language, can you suggest what is the meaning of the word ‘tenuous’ in Lorraine Barrett’s question? Whatever you say about Pauline Jarman, I do not think that the adjective ‘tenuous’ rings true in her case.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 41

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 41

Nid wyf yn bwriadu trafod unrhyw ansoddeiriau a ddefnyddir i ddisgrifio Aelodau cyhyd ag eu bod mewn trefn.

I do not intend to discuss any adjectives used to describe Members as long as they are in order.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 41

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Further to that point of order, I point out that the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning was invited to a multi-national conference of higher education institutions from many nations.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, nodaf i’r Gweinidog dros Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes gael gwahoddiad i gynhadledd ryngwladol o sefydliadau addysg uwch o sawl gwlad.

Gareth Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 41

Gareth Jones spoken in Welsh p. 41

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, mae’r wybodaeth yr ydym newydd ei derbyn gan Alun yn dod gan un a ymwelodd ag Awstralia tua dwy flynedd yn ôl.

Further to that point of order, the information that we have just received from Alun comes from someone who visited Australia about two years ago.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 41

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 41

Order. I draw Members’ attention to the Protocol on Conduct in the Chamber, and to the general statement that Members are encouraged to give priority to attendance at Plenary meetings. [Interruption.] Order. I am responding to a point of order, and I will not have sedentary comments while I am doing so.

Trefn. Tynnaf sylw’r Aelodau at y Protocol ar Ymddygiad yn y Siambr, ac at y datganiad cyffredinol yr anogir yr Aelodau i roi blaenoriaeth i fod yn bresennol mewn Cyfarfodydd Llawn. [Torri ar draws.] Trefn. Yr wyf yn ymateb i bwynt o drefn, ac ni dderbyniaf sylwadau gan Aelodau sy’n eistedd tra byddaf yn gwneud hynny.

David Davies a gododd—

David Davies rose—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 42

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

Order. There is nothing to say on this. Members are encouraged to give priority to attendance at Plenary meetings. We are, however, a small body of 60 Members. There is tremendous pressure on the time of Members. We all have other duties—in our constituencies, in local authorities, or in the United Kingdom’s second Chamber, about which I will speak, if I am called, shortly. We all have other duties, and I would not want us not to be represented as an Assembly at the United Kingdom, the European, or the international level. It is a difficult balance, but I remind Members that Ministers in particular have a responsibility to ensure that Wales’s voice is promoted internationally. We cannot on the one hand say that we need Wales to have a high profile—and that is agreed throughout the Assembly—and on the other hand say that no-one can present that profile. It is for individual Members to decide on these matters. For example, in the Presiding Office, I have encouraged the Deputy Presiding Officer to retain his duties as treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association worldwide, which he had because of his previous activities for that organisation at Westminster. It is important that we are represented at these levels. However, there is a price to pay and it is a matter of balance for all of us. Now let us move on.

Trefn. Nid oes dim i’w ddweud ar hyn. Anogir yr Aelodau i roi blaenoriaeth i fod yn bresennol mewn Cyfarfodydd Llawn. Fodd bynnag, corff bach o 60 o Aelodau ydym. Mae pwysau aruthrol ar amser yr Aelodau. Mae gan bawb ohonom ddyletswyddau eraill—yn ein hetholaethau, mewn awdurdodau lleol, neu yn ail Siambr y Deyrnas Unedig, y byddaf yn siarad amdani, os caf fy ngalw, maes o law. Mae gan bawb ohonom ddyletswyddau eraill, ac ni fyddwn am inni beidio â chael ein cynrychioli fel Cynulliad ar lefel y Deyrnas Unedig, Ewrop nag ar lefel ryngwladol. Mae’n gydbwysedd anodd, ond hoffwn atgoffa’r Aelodau bod gan Weinidogion yn arbennig gyfrifoldeb i sicrhau y caiff llais Cymru ei hyrwyddo’n rhyngwladol. Ni allwn ar un llaw ddweud bod angen proffil uwch ar Gymru—ac mae pawb yn y Cynulliad yn cytuno ar hynny—a dweud ar y llaw arall na all neb gyflwyno’r proffil hwnnw. Lle Aelodau unigol yw penderfynu ar y materion hyn. Er enghraifft, yn Swyddfa’r Llywydd, yr wyf wedi annog y Dirprwy Lywydd i gadw ei ddyletswyddau fel trysorydd byd-eang ar Gymdeithas Seneddol y Gymanwlad, a gafodd oherwydd ei weithgareddau blaenorol i’r sefydliad hwnnw yn San Steffan. Mae’n bwysig y cawn ein cynrychioli ar y lefelau hyn. Fodd bynnag, mae pris i’w dalu ac mae’n fater o gydbwysedd i bob un ohonom. Yn awr gadewch inni symud ymlaen.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 42

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 42

Point of order. I raise a general point of order on an urgent matter of public importance. In the Bonymaen versus Newport rugby game in the last round of the Principality Cup, Newport’s black scrum half, Ofisa Tonu’u, was subjected to repeated racist abuse by a Bonymaen player. To its great credit, the South Wales Argus is running a strong campaign for appropriate action from the clubs concerned and from the Welsh Rugby Union, in light of the perceived inadequacies of their initial responses. I have been pressing for such action following the game.

Pwynt o drefn. Codaf bwynt o drefn cyffredinol ar fater brys o bwys cyhoeddus. Yn y gêm rygbi rhwng Bon-y-maen a Chasnewydd yn rownd ddiwethaf Cwpan y Principality gwaeddodd un o chwaraewyr Bon-y-maen enllibion hiliol droeon ar fewnwr du Casnewydd, Ofisa Tonu’u. Er clod mawr iddo, mae’r South Wales Argus yn cynnal ymgyrch cryf i’r clybiau dan sylw ac i Undeb Rygbi Cymru gymryd camau priodol, o ystyried eu hymatebion cychwynnol y credwyd eu bod yn annigonol. Bûm yn pwyso am gamau o’r fath ar ôl y gêm.

Racism is always a serious matter. On the field of play, in a high profile game and in a sport that has a central place in Welsh life, it is a serious matter indeed. Young people look to our top players as role models. Players, match officials, the clubs and the Welsh Rugby Union have an important responsibility to ensure that any incidents of racism in Welsh rugby are treated with the seriousness that that demands. That does not seem to be the case in this instance. There must be no place for racism in Wales. I therefore request that the Minister with responsibility for sport, Jenny Randerson, make an urgent statement on this matter as soon as possible.

Mae hiliaeth yn fater difrifol bob amser. Ar y maes chwarae, mewn gêm amlwg ac mewn camp sydd â lle canolog ym mywyd Cymru, mae’n fater difrifol iawn. Mae pobl ifanc yn edrych ar ein chwaraewyr gorau fel modelau i’w hefelychu. Mae ar chwaraewyr, swyddogion gemau, y clybiau ac Undeb Rygbi Cymru gyfrifoldeb pwysig i sicrhau y caiff unrhyw achosion o hiliaeth yn rygbi Cymru eu trin â’r difrifoldeb haeddiannol. Nid ymddengys fod hynny’n wir y tro hwn. Ni ddylai fod lle i hiliaeth o gwbl yng Nghymru. Felly gwnaf gais i’r Gweinidog â chyfrifoldeb dros chwaraeon, Jenny Randerson roi datganiad brys ar y mater hwn cyn gynted â phosibl.

Jenny Randerson The Minister for Culture, Sport and the Welsh Language spoken in English p. 43

Jenny Randerson Y Gweinidog dros Ddiwylliant, Chwaraeon a’r Gymraeg siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

Further to that point of order, I am content to attempt to fit a statement into the schedule, but I will have to discuss that with the Minister for Rural Affairs and Assembly Business. I recognise the seriousness of the points that John has raised.

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, yr wyf yn fodlon ceisio trefnu datganiad o fewn yr amserlen, ond bydd yn rhaid imi drafod hynny â’r Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig a Threfnydd y Cynulliad. Yr wyf yn cydnabod difrifoldeb y pwyntiau a godwyd gan John.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 43

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

I am grateful to the Minister and to John for raising this matter. It is clearly of deep concern to all those in sport throughout Wales and to us in this institution, which is honoured with a portrait of perhaps our greatest athlete in the milling area. I am grateful to the Minister for her response, and I hope that we will be able to have an early statement on the matter.

Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i’r Gweinidog ac i John am godi’r mater hwn. Mae’n amlwg ei fod yn peri pryder mawr i bawb sy’n gysylltiedig â chwaraeon ledled Cymru ac i ninnau yn y sefydliad hwn, y mae gennym y fraint o gael darlun o’n hathletwr gorau erioed o bosibl yn y neuadd. Yr wyf yn ddiolchgar i’r Gweinidog am ei hymateb, a gobeithiaf y cawn ddatganiad ar y mater yn fuan.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 43

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 43

Point of order. I pay tribute to the Welsh Mirror, which has succeeded in wringing the truth out of the First Minister, which others, including myself, have not succeeded in doing in this Chamber. The Welsh Mirror has managed to find out that the Minister for Economic Development knew of the Permanent Secretary’s contact with the police at the time that he made the statement on the investigations. The First Minister confirmed that to the Welsh Mirror. Perhaps he would now like to confirm that to me, because he said that he would come back to me if his recollection that no other Cabinet Minister, other than himself and Jenny Randerson, knew of the contact was untrue. He has not done so thus far.

Pwynt o drefn. Talaf deyrnged i’r Welsh Mirror, a lwyddodd i wasgu’r gwirionedd o Brif Weinidog Cymru, rhywbeth na lwyddodd eraill, a minnau yn eu plith, i’w wneud yn y Siambr hon. Mae’r Welsh Mirror wedi llwyddo i ganfod bod y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd yn gwybod am gysylltiad yr Ysgrifennydd Parhaol â’r heddlu ar yr adeg y gwnaeth y datganiad ar yr ymchwiliadau. Cadarnhaodd y Prif Weinidog hynny i’r Welsh Mirror. Efallai yr hoffai gadarnhau hynny i mi yn awr, oherwydd y dywedodd y byddai’n dychwelyd ataf os oedd ei gof nad oedd unrhyw un o Weinidogion eraill y Cabinet, ac eithrio ef ei hun a Jenny Randerson, yn gwybod am y cysylltiad, yn anghywir. Nid yw wedi gwneud hynny hyd yma.

This is a serious issue. The First Minister should now clarify which Ministers in his Cabinet knew of the contact. He undertook to do that. If he is briefing the press about where the contacts were, he should come to the Assembly and tell us. It goes to the heart of the Ministerial Code. Point 1.53 (iii) states:

Mae hwn yn fater difrifol. Dylai’r Prif Weinidog yn awr egluro pa Weinidogion yn ei Gabinet a oedd yn gwybod am y cysylltiad. Addawodd y byddai’n gwneud hynny. Os yw’n briffio’r wasg ynghylch ble yr oedd y cysylltiadau, dylai ddod i’r Cynulliad a dweud wrthym ni. Mae’n mynd i wraidd Cod y Gweinidogion. Noda pwynt 1.53 (iii):

‘It is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to the Assembly, correcting any inadvertent error at the earliest opportunity. Ministers who knowingly mislead the Assembly will be expected to offer their resignation to the First Minister.’

As I made clear on Tuesday, if the Minister for Economic Development spoke from a position of ignorance when he said in his debut front-of-house performance that he did not know of the contact, then that is quite legitimate. It was said from a position of ignorance, and he could clarify that. We now know that he knew of the contact. It is therefore incumbent on him to make a statement to the Assembly to apologise and explain the circumstances, or otherwise to offer his resignation. Ministers may come and go, but we only have one Assembly, and this institution should not be misled. I hope, Llywydd, that you will agree that it would be appropriate for the Minister for Economic Development to clarify what he knew and to make a statement to clear the air so that the matter can be put to rest. He should make a full apology for misleading people when he said that there had been no contact with the police. It was put to him, and he agreed, that the administration had not made any contact with the police. We now know that he knew that that was untrue.

Fel yr eglurais ddydd Mawrth, os siaradodd y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd o anwybodaeth pan ddywedodd yn ei berfformiad cyntaf gerbron y Cynulliad na wyddai am y cysylltiad, yna mae hynny’n hollol ddilys. Fe’i dywedwyd o anwybodaeth, a gallai egluro hynny. Gwyddom bellach iddo wybod am y cysylltiad. Felly mae dyletswydd arno i wneud datganiad i’r Cynulliad i ymddiheuro ac i esbonio’r amgylchiadau, neu fel arall i gynnig ymddiswyddo. Gall Gweinidogion fynd a dod, ond dim ond un Cynulliad sydd gennym, ac ni ddylid camarwain y sefydliad hwn. Gobeithiaf, Lywydd, y byddwch yn cytuno y byddai’n briodol i’r Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd egluro’r hyn yr oedd yn ei wybod a gwneud datganiad i glirio’r awyr fel y gellid anghofio am y mater hwn. Dylai ymddiheuro’n llawn am gamarwain pobl pan ddywedodd na fu unrhyw gysylltiad â’r heddlu. Dywedwyd wrtho, a chytunodd, na chafodd y weinyddiaeth unrhyw gysylltiad â’r heddlu. Gwyddom bellach ei fod yn gwybod nad oedd hynny’n wir.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 44

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 44

Order. This matter was referred to at some length on Tuesday. On Tuesday, I made it clear that any matters relating to the Ministerial Code, or relating to standards, might be discussed with me in private. We should not be debating these matters in the Chamber.

Trefn. Rhoddwyd cryn sylw i’r mater hwn ddydd Mawrth. Ddydd Mawrth, eglurais y gellid trafod â mi unrhyw faterion yn ymwneud â Chod y Gweinidogion, neu’n ymwneud â safonau, yn breifat. Ni ddylem drafod y materion hyn yn y Siambr.

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 45

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 45

Point of order. You will recall, Presiding Officer, that on Tuesday, the First Minister made a statement and answered questions on the contact that had taken place between the Permanent Secretary and Simon Hughes and the police, and the information that the First Minister then had. Following that statement, I asked Andrew Davies, the Minister for Economic Development, to make a statement today to clarify his role in the matter. That statement is now necessary to clear up any ambiguity or misunderstanding about what he told David Williams on Dragon’s Eye last Thursday night. Has Andrew Davies made a request to make a statement here today? If not, I ask that pressure be put on him to make a statement.

Pwynt o drefn. Fe gofiwch, Lywydd, ddydd Mawrth, i’r Prif Weinidog wneud datganiad ac ateb cwestiynau ar y cysylltiad a fu rhwng yr Ysgrifennydd Parhaol a Simon Hughes a’r heddlu, a’r wybodaeth a oedd gan y Prif Weinidog bryd hynny. Ar ôl y datganiad hwnnw, gofynnais i Andrew Davies, y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd, wneud datganiad heddiw i egluro ei rôl yn y mater. Mae angen y datganiad hwnnw arnom yn awr i egluro unrhyw amwysedd neu gamddealltwriaeth ynghylch yr hyn a ddywedodd wrth David Williams ar Dragon’s Eye nos Iau diwethaf. A wnaeth Andrew Davies gais i wneud datganiad yma heddiw? Os na wnaeth, gofynnaf i bwysau gael eu rhoi arno i wneud datganiad.

When the First Minister made his statement on Tuesday, he implied rather than confirmed that Andrew Davies, at the time of the interview with David Williams, was aware of the fact that the Permanent Secretary had been in touch with the police. He was asked a question by Paul Starling, of the Welsh Mirror, and he replied to that question. I quote from the Welsh Mirror—what everybody until this week regarded as the house magazine of the Labour Party:

Pan wnaeth y Prif Weinidog ei ddatganiad ddydd Mawrth, awgrymodd yn hytrach na chadarnhau fod Andrew Davies, ar adeg y cyfweliad â David Williams, yn ymwybodol o’r ffaith y bu’r Ysgrifennydd Parhaol mewn cysylltiad â’r heddlu. Gofynnodd Paul Starling o’r Welsh Mirror gwestiwn iddo, ac atebodd y cwestiwn honno. Dyfynnaf o’r Welsh Mirrorr—yr oedd pawb cyn yr wythnos hon yn ei weld fel cylchgrawn mewnol y Blaid Lafur:

‘Mr Davies was aware that a channel of private communication existed between the Permanent Secretary and South Wales Police.’

Therefore, when Mr Davies answered David Williams’s question on Dragon’s Eye, he knew at that time that Jon Shortridge, the Permanent Secretary, was in communication with the police. The only remaining question is, when the Minister for Economic Development said ‘No, not at all’ in reply to a question as to whether the administration had in any shape or form been in contact with the police, did the term ‘the administration’ include the Permanent Secretary? All he has to do is answer that central question. Unless the Minister for Economic Development is prepared to answer questions on that issue, the fact that that answer is misleading will remain on the record. I say to the Minister for Economic Development that, when similar allegations were made against Stephen Byers in relation to the resignation of Martin Sixsmith and Jo Moore, he came to the House of Commons to answer for himself. The Minister for Economic Development cannot expect to hide behind the answers given by the First Minister on Tuesday. He must make a statement today.

Felly, pan atebodd Mr Davies gwestiwn David Williams ar Dragon’s Eye, yr oedd yn gwybod ar y pryd fod Jon Shortridge, yr Ysgrifennydd Parhaol, mewn cysylltiad â’r heddlu. Yr unig gwestiwn sydd ar ôl yw, pan ddywedodd y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd ‘Na, dim o gwbl’ yn ymateb i’r cwestiwn a oedd y weinyddiaeth mewn unrhyw ffordd wedi bod mewn cysylltiad â’r heddlu, a oedd y term ‘y weinyddiaeth’ yn cynnwys yr Ysgrifennydd Parhaol? Y cwbl sydd angen iddo’i wneud yw ateb y cwestiwn canolog hwnnw. Oni bai bod y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd yn barod i ateb cwestiynau ar y mater hwnnw, bydd y ffaith bod yr ateb hwnnw’n gamarweiniol yn aros ar glawr. Dywedaf wrth y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd, pan wnaed honiadau tebyg yn erbyn Stephen Byers ynglŷn â diswyddiad Martin Sixsmith a Jo Moore, daeth i Dŷ’r Cyffredin i ateb drosto’i hun. Ni all y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd ddisgwyl cuddio y tu ôl i’r atebion a roddwyd gan y Prif Weinidog ddydd Mawrth. Rhaid iddo wneud datganiad heddiw.

Alun Cairns spoken in English p. 46

Alun Cairns siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

Further to this point of order, there is no doubt that this issue will drag on and on, and bring the Assembly into disrepute. There is only one way forward, and that is a full statement from the First Minister and from the Minister for Economic Development. Will they please heed our calls?

Ymhellach i’r pwynt o drefn hwnnw, nid oes amheuaeth y bydd y mater hwn yn parhau am gyfnod hir, ac yn dwyn anfri ar y Cynulliad. Dim ond un ffordd ymlaen sydd, sef datganiad llawn gan y Prif Weinidog a chan y Gweinidog dros Ddatblygu Economaidd. Gwnaf gais iddynt ystyried ein galwadau.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 46

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

Order. As the leader of the opposition and Alun know, this is not a matter for me. I always encourage Ministers to make statements to the Assembly, and I have on several occasions offered the facility to individual Members to make personal statements. On occasion that has been taken up, and I encourage it. However, this is not a matter for me.

Trefn. Fel y gŵyr arweinydd yr wrthblaid ac Alun, nid mater i mi yw hyn. Byddaf bob amser yn annog Gweinidogion i wneud datganiadau i’r Cynulliad, ac yr wyf wedi cynnig y cyfleuster hwn ar sawl achlysur i Aelodau unigol i wneud datganiadau personol. Gwnaed hynny ar adegau, ac anogaf hynny. Fodd bynnag, nid yw’n fater i mi.

Rheoliadau Cynhyrchion Diogelu Planhigion (Diwygio) 2002

Approval of the Plant Protection Products (Amendment) Regulations 2002

Carwyn Jones Y Gweinidog dros Faterion Gwledig a Threfnydd y Cynulliad siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 46

Carwyn Jones The Minister for Rural Affairs and Assembly Business spoken in Welsh p. 46

Cynigiaf fod

I propose that

Brian Hancock spoken in English p. 46

Brian Hancock siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 46

I have a few questions on these pesticide regulations. They are transitional regulations, so what happens at the end of the period? Do we have another set of transitional regulations, or are all these materials banned? What is preventing absolute approval of these materials? Are we waiting for the cost benefit analysis, or for the health, safety and environmental assessment? Are they registered materials on INECS, the inventory for new and existing chemical substances, or LINECS, the updated version? What is the situation with those materials?

Mae gennyf ychydig o gwestiynau ar y rheoliadau hyn sy’n ymwneud â phlaleiddiaid. Rheoliadau trosiannol ydynt, felly beth fydd yn digwydd ar ddiwedd y cyfnod? A oes gennym gyfres arall o reoliadau trosiannol, neu a waharddwyd yr holl ddeunyddiau hyn? Beth sy’n atal cymeradwyaeth lawn o’r deunyddiau hyn? A ydym yn aros i gael y dadansoddiad o fanteision a chostau, neu ar gyfer yr asesiad iechyd, diogelwch a’r amgylchedd? A ydynt yn ddeunyddiau cofrestredig ar INECS, y rhestr ar gyfer sylweddau cemegol newydd a rhai sy’n bodoli eisoes, neu LINECS, y fersiwn diwygiedig? Beth yw’r sefyllfa o ran y deunyddiau hynny?

Carwyn Jones spoken in English p. 47

Carwyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 47

These are joint regulations that are made on an England and Wales basis, together with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They will not go through the Assembly’s normal regulatory procedure. Brian can see that from the fact that they are amendments that deal with England and Wales. The amendments put into place a European Commission directive. It is our belief that they fulfil the requirements of that commission directive. From time to time, directives change, and from time to time legislation must change. Therefore, there is nothing unusual in the fact that these are transitional arrangements.

Rheoliadau ar y cyd a wneir ar sail Cymru a Lloegr, ynghyd ag Adran yr Amgylchedd, Bwyd a Materion Gwledig ydynt. Ni fyddant yn mynd drwy weithdrefn reoliadol arferol y Cynulliad. Gall Brian weld hynny o’r ffaith eu bod yn rheoliadau wedi’u diwygio sy’n ymwneud â Chymru a Lloegr. Mae’r rheoliadau diwygiedig yn gweithredu cyfarwyddeb gan y Comisiwn Ewropeaidd. Ein cred ni yw eu bod yn cyflawni gofynion y gyfarwyddeb honno gan y comisiwn. O bryd i’w gilydd, bydd cyfarwyddebau’n newid, ac o bryd i’w gilydd rhaid i ddeddfwriaeth newid. Felly, nid oes unrhyw beth yn anarferol yn y ffaith mai trefniadau trosiannol yw’r rhain.

Cynnig NDM980 Carwyn Jones t. 47

Motion NDM980 Carwyn Jones p. 47

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 42 YmatalAbstain 1 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (42)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jane Davidson
  • Andrew Davies
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Michael German
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Alison Halford
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Carwyn Jones
  • Elin Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Tom Middlehurst
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Phil Williams
YmatalAbstain (1)
  • Brian Hancock

Pwynt o Drefn

Point of Order

David Lloyd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 48

David Lloyd spoken in Welsh p. 48

Pwynt o drefn. Codaf hwn o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 6.8, sydd yn ymwneud â busnes yn y Cyfarfod Llawn. A yw’r Prif Weinidog wedi gwneud cais i wneud datganiad ar gyhoeddiad Tony Blair heddiw ynglŷn â chylchrediad taflenni’r Llywodraeth ar ddiwygio polisi yn y sector cyhoeddus, ac yn benodol ar iechyd ac addysg—materion sydd wedi eu datganoli i’r Cynulliad? A gaiff y taflenni hyn eu dosbarthu yng Nghymru? Cysylltais â swyddfa Rhodri Morgan y bore yma, ac ni all ateb y cwestiwn. Nid oedd yn gwybod a fydd y taflenni yn cael eu dosbarthu yng Nghymru ai peidio. A allaf gael eich arweiniad ar y mater hwn, Lywydd? Pa bris datganoli?

Point of order. I raise this under Standing Order No. 6.8, which deals with business in Plenary. Has the First Minister asked to make a statement on Tony Blair’s announcement today on the circulation of Government leaflets about policy reform in the public sector, and on health and education specifically—matters that have been devolved to the Assembly? Are these leaflets to be circulated in Wales? I contacted Rhodri Morgan’s office this morning, and it could not answer the question. It did not know whether these leaflets are to be circulated in Wales or not. May I have your guidance on this matter, Presiding Officer? What price devolution?

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 48

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 48

Nid yw hwn, unwaith eto, yn fater i mi. Mae datganiadau gan Lywodraeth y Deyrnas Unedig, pan fydd yn gweithredu mewn materion yn Lloegr sydd heb eu dataganoli, yn fater i’w drafod yn San Steffan. Nid wyf wedi gweld y dogfennau hyn—nid dogfennau’r Cynulliad ydynt—ac nid wyf yn sicr a ydynt yn berthnasol. Felly ni allaf ateb y cwestiwn. Fodd bynnag, bydd cyfle, yn amlwg, i Aelodau holi’r Prif Weinidog ar y mater hwn yn ystod y sesiwn gwestiynau ddydd Mawrth. Dyna fy nghyngor.

This, again, is not a matter for me. Statements made by the United Kingdom Government, when it is acting in non-devolved matters in England, is a matter to be discussed in the Westminster. I have not seen these documents—they are not Assembly documents—and I am not sure whether they are relevant. Therefore I cannot answer the question. However, there will obviously be an opportunity for Members to question the First Minister on this issue during question time on Tuesday. That is my advice.

Daeth y Dirprwy Lywydd i’r Gadair am 10.43 a.m.

The Deputy Presiding Officer took the Chair at 10.43 a.m.

Yr Ymgyrch Cyflog Cyfartal

The Equal Pay Campaign

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 49

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 49

I remind Members that we still have much business to go through and we are running greatly behind time. I therefore appeal for short speeches.

Atgoffaf yr Aelodau fod gennym lawer o fusnes i’w drafod o hyd a’n bod ar ei hôl hi’n sylweddol o ran amser. Felly apeliaf am areithiau byr.

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities spoken in English p. 49

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 49

I propose that

Cynigiaf fod

Edwina Hart The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities (continued) spoken in English p. 49

Edwina Hart Y Gweinidog dros Gyllid, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 49

I am pleased to propose this motion as Chair of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity. We all know that governments must be pragmatic and they often must do the best that they can under any circumstances. It is a pleasure to be able to say today that we are proposing this motion because it is the right thing to do. Government is about much more than tactics. Governments have a moral responsibility towards the people whom they serve. In the Close the Pay Gap campaign, the Assembly has a vision and a crucial leadership role.

Mae’n bleser gennyf gynnig y cynnig hwn fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Gwyddom oll fod yn rhaid i lywodraethau fod yn bragmatig a’u bod yn aml yn gorfod gwneud eu gorau o dan unrhyw amgylchiadau. Mae’n bleser gallu datgan heddiw ein bod yn cynnig y cynnig hwn gan mai dyma yw’r peth priodol i’w wneud. Mae llywodraeth yn llawer mwy na thactegau. Mae gan lywodraethau gyfrifoldeb moesol tuag at y bobl a wasanaethir ganddynt. Yn yr ymgyrch Cau’r Bwlch Cyflogau, mae gan y Cynulliad weledigaeth a rôl arweinyddiaeth hanfodol.

Last year, a report was issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission Wales. The report was the work of a team from the University of Wales, Swansea, and was entitled ‘The Gender Pay Gap in Wales’. It showed that, 30 years after the Equal Pay Act 1970, women’s hourly earnings in Wales are still, on average, 13 per cent lower than those of men. This gap increases to 36 per cent for the 47 per cent of Welsh women who work part-time. That is unacceptable.

Y llynedd, cyhoeddwyd adroddiad gan Gomisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal Cymru. Lluniwyd yr adroddiad gan dîm o Brifysgol Cymru, Abertawe, yn dwyn y teitl ‘The Gender Pay Gap in Wales’. Dangosodd, 30 mlynedd ar ôl Deddf Cyflog Cyfartal 1970, fod enillion merched fesul awr yng Nghymru, ar gyfartaledd, yn dal 13 y cant yn is nag enillion dynion. Mae’r bwlch hwn yn cynyddu i 36 y cant ar gyfer y 47 y cant o ferched yng Nghymru sy’n gweithio’n rhan amser. Mae hynny’n annerbyniol.

However, we have done more than just express indignation, declare our disappointment and exhort a change of attitude. The Assembly is tackling this issue. As the Chair of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, I was pleased to announce that our internal audit of staff, pay, and grading structures meant that we were in a position to make adjustments and increases to recognise the talent and diversity of our civil service staff. The NHS in Wales will undertake a similar exercise. We want to lead by example. I am committed to working for a democratic and inclusive society that benefits all the people of Wales. We have also instigated a review of recruitment and selection procedures for Assembly sponsored public bodies to ensure increased participation from a wider section of the public.

Fodd bynnag, gwnaethom fwy na mynegi dicter, datgan ein siom ac annog newid agwedd. Mae’r Cynulliad yn mynd i’r afael â’r mater hwn. Fel Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, yr oedd yn bleser gennyf gyhoeddi o ganlyniad i’n harchwiliad mewnol o staff, cyflog, a strwythurau graddio ein bod mewn sefyllfa i wneud addasiadau a chodiadau i gydnabod talent ac amrywiaeth ein staff o fewn y gwasanaeth sifil. Bydd y GIG yng Nghymru yn cynnal ymarfer tebyg. Yr ydym am arwain drwy esiampl. Yr wyf yn ymrwymedig i weithio tuag at gymdeithas ddemocrataidd a chynhwysol sydd o fudd i holl bobl Cymru. Yr ydym hefyd wedi dechrau ar adolygiad o weithdrefnau recriwtio a dethol ar gyfer cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad er mwyn sicrhau cyfranogiad cynyddol gan ran ehangach o’r cyhoedd.

In case you think that it is unbecoming for us to blow our own trumpet, I will quote the opening paragraphs of an article on equal pay which appeared in The Observer on 20 January:

Rhag ofn ichi feddwl nad yw’n weddus inni ganu ein clodydd ein hunain, dyfynnaf baragraffau agoriadol erthygl ar gyflog cyfartal a gyhoeddwyd yn The Observer ar 20 Ionawr:

‘You might not think that the personnel department at the National Assembly for Wales is the centre of the universe—but, as regards the treatment of UK women taking career breaks, it is. The 3,000 civil servants who work for the Assembly will be able to take career breaks, including maternity leave, and return to the point and pay scale they would have reached if they had not had an interruption in service.

Details of the new arrangements are published by Incomes Data Services tomorrow. IDS spokesman Alastair Hatchett says: “This is an extremely radical development. A lot of eyebrows will be raised and many other employers will be thinking what they should do about it.” But the National Assembly should not have a backlash from male employees: the scheme covers career breaks for both sexes.’

Being praised by a London-based national newspaper on our supposed superior virtue is a pleasant change for us, and particularly for me. However, the London press is not our preferred audience. Our focus is the people of Wales. Having taken our moral stance, as a Government and an Assembly, it is then our task to be as effective as possible in taking the message to all sections of society. That is where pragmatism and strategies come into their own. They are the means by which we achieve our ends.

Mae cael canmoliaeth gan bapur newydd cenedlaethol o Lundain am ein uwch rinweddau tybiedig yn newid dymunol inni, ac yn arbennig i mi. Fodd bynnag, nid y wasg yn Llundain yw ein cynulleidfa ddewisol. Pobl Cymru yw ein ffocws. Ar ôl cyflwyno ein safbwynt moesol, fel Llywodraeth a Chynulliad, ein tasg wedyn yw bod mor effeithiol â phosibl wrth gyfleu’r neges i bob rhan o’r gymdeithas. Dyna lle y daw pragmatiaeth a strategaethau i’r amlwg fel cyfryngau a ddefnyddiwn i gyflawni ein nodau.

Our strategy in the Assembly, as is well known by now, is one of partnership. I pay tribute to our partners in this campaign, namely the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Wales Trades Union Congress. Their participation will be crucial to the success of the Close the Pay Gap campaign. In addition, I express my thanks to members of the working group on equal pay, which has been created to help the Committee on Equality of Opportunity. It is chaired by David Melding and includes representatives of all political parties in the Assembly. The group has been taking this agenda forward and doing much of the work that will make the campaign a success.

Mae ein strategaeth yn y Cynulliad, fel sy’n ddigon hysbys erbyn hyn, yn un o bartneriaeth. Talaf deyrnged i’n partneriaid yn yr ymgyrch hon, sef y Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal a Chyngres Undebau Llafur Cymru. Bydd eu cyfranogiad yn hanfodol i lwyddiant yr ymgyrch Cau’r Bwlch Cyflogau. Yn ogystal, mynegaf fy niolch i aelodau’r gweithgor ar gyflog cyfartal, a grëwyd i helpu’r Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal. Mae David Melding yn gadeirydd arno ac mae’n cynnwys cynrychiolwyr o bob un o’r pleidiau gwleidyddol yn y Cynulliad. Bu’r grŵp wrthi’n datblygu’r agenda hon ac yn gwneud llawer o’r gwaith a fydd yn golygu y bydd yr ymgyrch yn llwyddiant.

As the Assembly has taken the lead on this and allocated the funding necessary to close the gap among our own staff, we are in a better position to encourage all public bodies in Wales to make the same financial provision. Closing the pay gap is not an attractive option to be implemented when funding allows. As we all know, in practice, that is nearly always a roundabout way of saying ‘never’. Closing the pay gap between men and women is, and must be, a priority.

Gan mai’r Cynulliad a gymerodd yr awenau yn hyn o beth gan ddyrannu’r arian angenrheidiol i gau’r bwlch ymhlith ein staff ein hunain, yr ydym mewn sefyllfa well i annog pob corff cyhoeddus yng Nghymru i wneud yr un ddarpariaeth ariannol. Nid opsiwn deniadol yw cau’r bwlch cyflogau i’w weithredu pan fydd yr arian ar gael. Fel y gŵyr pob un ohonom, yn ymarferol, mae hynny bron bob amser yn ffordd gyfrwys o ddweud ‘byth’. Mae cau’r bwlch cyflogau rhwng dynion a merched yn flaenoriaeth, ac mae’n rhaid iddo fod.

That must become true of the private sector as well as the public sector. As the statistics show, we have a long way to go. However, there are many examples of good practice within the private sector. One important aim of the Close the Pay Gap campaign is to raise awareness about the issue of equal pay among employers. As the motion indicates, a practical and effective way of initiating this is to encourage employers to conduct pay reviews in order to identify and remedy the pay inequalities that come to light.

Rhaid i hynny ddod yn wir am y sector preifat yn ogystal â’r sector cyhoeddus. Fel y dengys yr ystadegau, mae gennym lawer i’w wneud. Fodd bynnag, ceir sawl enghraifft o arfer da o fewn y sector preifat. Un nod pwysig ymgyrch Cau’r Bwlch Cyflogau yw codi ymwybyddiaeth am y mater o gyflog cyfartal ymhlith cyflogwyr. Fel y dynoda’r cynnig, un ffordd ymarferol ac effeithiol o ddechrau hyn yw annog cyflogwyr i gynnal adolygiadau cyflog er mwyn nodi ac unioni’r anghydraddoldebau cyflog a ddaw i’r amlwg.

The second paragraph of the United States of America’s declaration of independence begins,

Dechreua ail baragraff datganiad annibyniaeth Unol Daleithiau America drwy ddatgan,

‘We hold these truths to be self-evident…’

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is right for the Assembly to declare, on behalf of the people of Wales, that it is, for us, a self-evident truth that all workers should receive the rate for the job. That was an inspiration for many of those in earlier generations in Wales who struggled for workers’ rights. It is now an aspiration that the National Assembly is determined to realise.

Ar ddechrau’r unfed ganrif ar hugain, mae’n briodol i’r Cynulliad ddatgan, ar ran pobl Cymru, ei bod yn wirionedd cwbl amlwg, i ni, y dylai pob gweithiwr dderbyn yr tâl priodol am y gwaith a wnânt. Yr oedd hynny’n ysbrydoliaeth i lawer o’r rhieni o genedlaethau cynharach yng Nghymru a oedd yn brwydro dros hawliau gweithwyr. Mae yn awr yn uchelgais y mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn benderfynol o’i wireddu.

Janet Ryder spoken in English p. 52

Janet Ryder siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 52

The launch of the equal pay campaign in Wales is welcome. It is disappointing that Westminster is not taking more action on this, but it shows that devolution has brought opportunities for Wales to be different from England. This is a good example of that.

Croesewir lansio’r ymgyrch cyflog cyfartal yng Nghymru. Mae’n siomedig nad yw San Steffan yn gweithredu mwy yn hyn o beth, ond dengys yn sgîl datganoli fod yna gyfleoedd i Gymru fod yn wahanol i Loegr. Mae hyn yn enghraifft dda o hynny.

There is a need to change the culture of workplaces in Wales, where women’s work has been consistently undervalued, making them the poorer sex. Hopefully, this initiative will contribute to changing that culture. I will repeat some of the statistics that the Minister presented to emphasise why we need this campaign. Although equal pay legislation has existed for over 30 years, many women still earn 13 per cent less than men per hour for full-time work, while women who work part time earn 36 per cent less per hour than men in full-time work. Given that nearly half the women employed are in part-time jobs, it makes it even more important to tackle this problem. If weekly earnings are considered, the gap widens even further to 22 per cent. In areas such as Newport and Flintshire, it can be as much as 26 per cent.

Mae angen newid diwylliant gweithleoedd yng Nghymru, lle y tanbrisiwyd gwaith merched yn gyson, gan olygu mai hwy yw’r rhyw gwannaf. Gobeithio y bydd y fenter hon yn cyfrannu at newid y diwylliant hwnnw. Ailadroddaf rai o’r ystadegau a gyflwynwyd gan y Gweinidog er mwyn pwysleisio pam bod angen yr ymgyrch hon arnom. Er y bu deddfwriaeth cyflog cyfartal ar waith ers dros 30 mlynedd, mae llawer o ferched yn dal i ennill 13 y cant yn llai na dynion fesul awr am waith llawn amser, tra bod merched sy’n gweithio’n rhan amser yn ennill 36 y cant yn llai fesul awr na dynion mewn gwaith llawn amser. O gofio bod bron hanner y merched a gyflogir mewn swyddi rhan amser, mae hyd yn oed yn bwysicach mynd i’r afael â’r broblem hon. Os ystyrir enillion wythnosol, mae’r bwlch yn ehangu ymhellach i 22 y cant. Mewn ardaloedd megis Casnewydd a Sir y Fflint, gall fod cymaint â 26 y cant.

Society has traditionally undervalued the kind of work that women do, and many women workers have put up with poor pay and conditions because, unfortunately, in many instances discrimination is institutionalised. On average, a woman’s gross individual income from employment, pensions, benefits and investments and so on is only 58 per cent of that of a man.

Yn draddodiadol mae cymdeithas wedi tanbrisio’r math o waith a wneir gan ferched, ac mae llawer o ferched sy’n gweithio wedi dioddef cyflog ac amodau gwael oherwydd, yn anffodus, mewn llawer o achosion mae gwahaniaethu yn rhan o’r sefydliad. Ar gyfartaledd, dim ond 58 y cant o incwm dyn yw incwm unigol crynswth merch o gyflogaeth, pensiynau, budd-daliadau a buddsoddiadau ac ati.

What factors contribute to the gender pay gap? I have already mentioned discrimination. Pay discrimination accounts for between 25 and 50 per cent of that gap. There is also occupational segregation and the impact of women’s family responsibilities. The pay gap partially reflects the differences in women’s and men’s occupations. There are many more women in low-paid clerical jobs, while the higher-paid managerial posts in factories tend to be taken by men. Working women also tend to be younger, on average, than men. That reflects the fact that many women leave the workforce to raise children.

Pa ffactorau sy’n cyfrannu at y bwlch cyflogau rhwng dynion a merched? Soniais eisoes am wahaniaethu. Mae gwahaniaethu ar sail cyflog yn gyfrifol am rhwng 25 a 50 y cant o’r bwlch hwnnw. Ceir gwahanu galwedigaethol ac effaith cyfrifoldebau teuluol merch hefyd. Mae’r bwlch cyflogau yn rhannol yn adlewyrchu’r gwahaniaethau o ran galwedigaethau merched a dynion. Mae nifer llawer uwch o ferched mewn swyddi clerigol â chyflogau isel, tra bo’r swyddi rheoli mewn ffatrïoedd â chyflogau uwch yn dueddol o gael eu cymryd gan ddynion. Ar gyfartaledd, mae merched sy’n gweithio hefyd yn ifancach na dynion. Mae hynny’n adlewyrchu’r ffaith bod llawer o ferched yn gadael y gweithlu i fagu plant.

This is an appalling catalogue of statistics. However, even when these factors do not exist, women are systematically paid less. For instance, according to a new study by the UK Government’s women’s unit, single childless women do not earn the same as their male counterparts.

Mae’r ystadegau hyn yn warthus. Fodd bynnag, hyd yn oed lle na cheir y ffactorau hyn, telir yn llai i ferched yn systemataidd. Er enghraifft, yn ôl astudiaeth newydd gan uned merched Llywodraeth y DU, nid yw merched sengl heb blant yn ennill yr un cyflog â’u cydweithwyr sy’n ddynion.

As I said earlier, the legislation has existed for 30 years, yet this situation remains: legislation alone has therefore been ineffective in eradicating this inequality. A campaign that aims to promote and co-ordinate commitment between employers, trade unions and public bodies is therefore greatly welcome. The benefits of this campaign to women are immense. Pay inequalities can lead to personal poverty. Raising wage levels would alleviate this and would consequentially reduce the number of children who live in poverty. It would increase the amount of money available for investment and allow people to build up personal pensions, while reducing the number of women reliant on state benefits.

Fel y dywedais yn gynharach, bu’r ddeddfwriaeth ar waith ers 30 mlynedd, ond erys y sefyllfa hon: felly ni fu deddfwriaeth ar ei phen ei hun yn effeithiol wrth gael gwared ar yr anghydraddoldeb hwn. Felly rhoddir croeso cynnes i ymgyrch sy’n anelu at hyrwyddo a chydlynu ymroddiad rhwng cyflogwyr, undebau llafur a chyrff cyhoeddus. Mae manteision yr ymgyrch hon i ferched yn aruthrol. Gall anghydraddoldebau cyflog arwain at dlodi personol. Byddai codi lefelau cyflogau yn lliniaru’r broblem ac o ganlyniad, yn lleihau nifer y plant sy’n byw mewn tlodi. Byddai’n cynyddu’r swm o arian sydd ar gael i’w fuddsoddi ac yn galluogi i bobl gronni pensiynau personol, tra’n lleihau nifer y merched sy’n dibynnu ar fudd-daliadau’r wladwriaeth.

Legally, the Assembly has a duty to have due regard to equal opportunities. However, I hope that this campaign is not just the result of a legal duty, but a true commitment. The National Assembly and other public bodies should take a lead on this and act as a role model by developing good practice and disseminating it throughout the public sector.

Yn gyfreithiol, mae dyletswydd ar y Cynulliad i roi ystyriaeth briodol i gyfleoedd cyfartal. Fodd bynnag, gobeithiaf nad canlyniad dyletswydd gyfreithiol yn unig yw’r ymgyrch hon, ond ymrwymiad gwirioneddol. Dylai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol a chyrff cyhoeddus eraill ddangos esiampl yn hyn o beth gan weithredu fel model rôl wrth ddatblygu arfer da a’i ledaenu drwy’r sector cyhoeddus.

What could the National Assembly and other public bodies do? As has been said, public bodies employ a large percentage of the workforce in Wales. Developing good practice and narrowing pay gaps in those bodies would send out the right message to the private sector. The National Assembly should place equal pay at the heart of its socio-economic and labour market policy agendas.

Beth allai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol a chyrff cyhoeddus eraill ei wneud? Fel y dywedwyd, mae cyrff cyhoeddus yn cyflogi canran fawr o’r gweithlu yng Nghymru. Byddai datblygu arfer da a lleihau bylchau cyflogau yn y cyrff hynny yn cyfleu’r neges gywir i’r sector preifat. Dylai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol osod cyflog cyfartal wrth wraidd ei agenda o ran polisi cymdeithasol-economaidd a pholisi’r farchnad lafur.

The Assembly has done much to reform its own pay structures, but figures released on 6 March show that the Public and Commercial Services Union found that, while half of the UK civil service are women, their pay is, on average, 28 per cent lower than men’s pay.

Mae’r Cynulliad wedi gwneud llawer i ddiwygio ei strwythurau cyflog ei hun, ond dengys ffigurau a ryddhawyd ar 6 Mawrth y canfu Undeb y Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus a Masnachol, er mai merched yw hanner gwasanaeth sifil y DU, fod eu cyflog, ar gyfartaledd, 28 y cant yn is na chyflogau dynion.

The Equal Opportunities Commission evidence suggests that the majority of employees do not believe that there is a gender pay gap, and therefore see no need for an equal pay review. If progress is to be made, it is imperative that employers check that their pay systems are fair and properly value the work done by women. However, the Equal Opportunities Commission evidence also suggests that that will not be done voluntarily. This campaign should be seen as part of a lobby to reform the Equal Pay Act 1970, so that employers are required by law to carry out equal pay reviews regularly. We therefore commend this campaign, and fully support it.

Awgryma tystiolaeth y Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal nad yw mwyafrif y cyflogeion o’r farn bod bwlch rhwng cyflogau dynion a merched, ac felly nid ystyriant fod angen cynnal adolygiad cyflog cyfartal. Os ydym am symud ymlaen, mae’n hanfodol i gyflogwyr sicrhau bod eu systemau cyflog yn deg gan ddangos gwerthfawrogiad priodol i’r gwaith a wneir gan ferched. Er hynny, awgryma’r Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal hefyd na wneir hynny’n wirfoddol. Dylid ystyried yr ymgyrch hon fel rhan o ymdrech i ddiwygio Deddf Cyflog Cyfartal 1970, er mwyn ei gwneud yn ofynnol i gyflogwyr, yn ôl y gyfraith, gynnal adolygiadau cyflog cyfartal yn rheolaidd. Felly cymeradwywn yr ymgyrch hon, ac fe’i cefnogwn yn llawn.

Eleanor Burnham spoken in English p. 54

Eleanor Burnham siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 54

The Liberal Democrats pay tribute to the cross-party consensus of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, chaired admirably by Edwina Hart, and of the equal pay sub-committee, also chaired admirably by David Melding. We welcome the launch of the Close the Pay Gap campaign, which aims to close the 13 per cent pay gap between men and women in Wales, to promote co-operation between key partners, and to encourage employers to conduct reviews. The National Assembly thanks the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Wales Trades Union Congress for sponsoring the campaign.

Mae’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yn talu teyrnged i gonsensws trawsbleidiol y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, o dan gadeiryddiaeth glodwiw Edwina Hart, ac i’r is-bwyllgor cyflog cyfartal, hefyd o dan gadeiryddiaeth glodwiw David Melding. Croesawn lansio’r ymgyrch Cau’r Bwlch Cyflogau, sy’n anelu at gau’r bwlch cyflogau o 13 y cant rhwng dynion a merched yng Nghymru, hyrwyddo cydweithrediad rhwng partneriaid allweddol, ac annog cyflogwyr i gynnal adolygiadau. Diolcha’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol i’r Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal a Chyngres Undebau Llafur Cymru am noddi’r ymgyrch.

We are committed to eradicating unequal pay for women, but we want to highlight the fact that there are also significant inequalities in the salaries of white people and ethnic minority groups. Black and Asian women, for instance, often suffer from a double discrimination, and are the lowest paid members of society—I will not rattle off the statistics, as the previous speaker has already done that effectively.

Yr ydym yn ymrwymedig i gael gwared ar gyflog anghyfartal i ferched, ond yr ydym am amlygu’r ffaith bod anghydraddoldebau sylweddol hefyd rhwng cyflogau pobl wyn a grwpiau lleiafrifoedd ethnig. Er enghraifft, mae merched croenddu ac Asiaidd yn aml yn dioddef camwahaniaethu dwbl, a hwy yw’r aelodau â’r cyflogau isaf yn ein cymdeithas—nid adroddaf yr ystadegau, gan i’r siaradwr blaenorol wneud hynny’n effeithiol eisoes.

Prior to this campaign, there has been no direct expenditure on reducing pay inequality in Wales outside of the Assembly itself, where, since 1999, work has been undertaken on the internal pay structures of staff, to try to reduce the gender differences in pay. That is long overdue. Pay inequality remains a significant problem, as we know, in Wales, with the average Welsh woman earning £42.80 less gross pay per week than her male counterparts. We have already heard many other comments and statistics on this.

Cyn yr ymgyrch hon, ni fu unrhyw wariant uniongyrchol ar leihau anghydraddoldeb cyflog yng Nghymru y tu allan i’r Cynulliad ei hun, lle y gwnaed gwaith, ers 1999, ar strwythurau cyflog mewnol staff, er mwyn ceisio lleihau’r gwahaniaethau cyflog rhwng dynion a merched. Mae’n hen bryd gwneud hynny. Erys anghydraddoldeb cyflog yn broblem sylweddol yng Nghymru, fel y gwyddom, gyda’r Gymraes gyffredin yn ennill £42.80 yn llai o gyflog crynswth yr wythnos na’i chydweithwyr o ddynion. Clywsom eisoes lawer o sylwadau ac ystadegau eraill ar y pwnc.

One major achievement of the twentieth century was the long overdue emancipation of women in the western world. While the groundwork was laid by such pioneering philosophers and thinkers as Mary Wollstonecraft, Anna Wheeler, and Elizabeth Fry, it is only during the last century that women have become visible in all aspects of society. The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 was the foundation of all equal pay campaigns since.

Un o brif gyflawniadau’r ugeinfed ganrif oedd rhyddfreinio merched yn y byd gorllewinol, a oedd yn hir-ddisgwyliedig. Er i athronwyr a meddylwyr arloesol megis Mary Wollstonecraft, Anna Wheeler ac Elizabeth Fry osod y sylfeini, dim ond yn ystod y ganrif ddiwethaf y daeth merched yn amlwg ymhob agwedd ar gymdeithas. Bu Deddf Gwahaniaethu ar Sail Rhyw 1975 yn sylfaen ar gyfer pob ymgyrch cyflog cyfartal ers hynny.

Welsh women have been significantly under-represented on the benches in Westminster and I am glad that that has not been replicated in the National Assembly for Wales. I am proud of the fact that my party, the Liberal Democrats, has an exact equality of representation. The Cabinet of this partnership Government differs from almost every other executive in the world in having a majority of female Ministers. Anoraks among you may know that only New Zealand can claim a higher representation of women.

Tangynrychiolwyd merched o Gymru yn sylweddol ar feinciau San Steffan ac yr wyf yn falch na welwyd hynny hefyd yng Nghynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru. Ymfalchïaf yn y ffaith fod gan fy mhlaid, y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol, gydraddoldeb union o ran cynrychiolaeth. Mae Cabinet y Llywodraeth bartneriaeth hon yn wahanol i ymron pob gweithrediaeth arall yn y byd oherwydd bod mwyafrif ei Gweinidogion yn ferched. Mae’n bosibl y bydd yr anoracs yn eich plith yn gwybod mai dim ond yn Seland Newydd y ceir cynrychiolaeth uwch o ferched.

Our only reservation regarding this important campaign is that it only makes reference to pay inequality in relation to gender. The Assembly must analyse, account, and work to eradicate other forms of inequality. As I have already mentioned, ethnic minorities suffer greatly from pay inequalities.

Yr unig amheuaeth sydd gennym o ran yr ymgyrch bwysig hon yw mai dim ond o ran rhyw y cyfeiria at anghydraddoldeb cyflog. Rhaid i’r Cynulliad ddadansoddi ffurfiau eraill ar anghydraddoldeb, gan roi cyfrif amdanynt a gweithio i’w gwaredu. Fel y soniais eisoes, mae lleiafrifoedd ethnig yn dioddef anghydraddoldebau cyflog sylweddol.

Finally, equality of pay is at the heart of the society we want to create, and we must not rest on our laurels. This situation must not be allowed to continue, and therefore I commend the campaign and its launch today.

I gloi, mae cydraddoldeb cyflog wrth wraidd y gymdeithas yr ydym am ei chreu, ac ni ddylem fod yn hunan-fodlon. Ni ddylid caniatáu i’r sefyllfa hon barhau, ac felly cymeradwyaf yr ymgyrch a’i lansio heddiw.

Dafydd Wigley siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 56

Dafydd Wigley spoken in Welsh p. 56

Croesawaf y cyfle i gymryd rhan yn y ddadl bwysig hon. Mae incwm y pen yng Nghymru rhyw 20 y cant yn is nag y mae yn Lloegr, ac mae’r ffaith bod merched yn ennill cyflogau isel yn rhan o’r broblem. Byddai codi cyflogau menywod yn cyfrannu at godi lefel cynnyrch mewnwladol crynswth y pen yng Nghymru.

I welcome the opportunity to participate in this important debate. Income per capita in Wales is some 20 per cent lower than it is in England, and low pay among women is part of the problem. Raising women’s salaries would contribute to a rise in the gross domestic product per capita in Wales.

Gellir rhannu’r broblem yn ddwy. Yn gyntaf, fel a ddywedodd Janet Ryder, mae rhai merched yn parhau i ennill cyflogau llai na dynion am wneud yr un gwaith. Mae hynny’n gwbl annerbyniol, ac mae hefyd, o bosibl, yn anghyfreithlon. Ail ran y broblem yw natur y gwaith a wneir yn bennaf gan ferched, a’r ffaith bod tâl y swyddi hyn yn isel. Canolbwyntiaf ar ddau fater yn y cyd-destun hwnnw.

The problem can be split into two. First, as Janet Ryder has said, some women are still paid less than men for doing the same work. That is totally unacceptable, and may also be illegal. The second part of the problem is the nature of the work undertaken primarily by women, and the fact that these jobs are poorly paid. I will concentrate on two issues in that respect.

Tynnaf eich sylw at lefel isel cyflogau o fewn rhai adrannau o’r diwydiant twristiaeth. Mae’n broblem gyfansawdd gan ei bod yn cynnwys graddfeydd yn ôl yr awr sy’n isel, gwaith tymhorol, a gwaith rhan amser, a gwneir mwyafrif y swyddi hyn gan ferched. Mae blaenoriaeth o fewn strategaeth Bwrdd Croeso Cymru i ymestyn hyd y tymor twristiaeth ac os digwydd hynny, gallai wneud gwahaniaeth sylweddol i economi’r diwydiant twristiaeth, a allai arwain at godi cyflogau. Gobeithiaf, felly, y bydd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn cyfeirio’i adnoddau at y pwrpas hwn o ymestyn hyd y tymor, a bod hyn yn dod yn nod penodol yn yr ymgyrch i godi lefel cyflogau.

I draw your attention to the low pay in some sectors of the tourism industry. It is a composite problem in that it includes the elements of low hourly rates, seasonal work, and part-time work, and the majority of these jobs are done by women. The Wales Tourist Board’s strategy makes it a priority to extend the tourism season, and if this happens, it could make a significant difference to the economy of the tourism industry, which could lead to a rise in wages. I hope, therefore, that the Assembly Government directs its resources with a view to extending the season, and that this becomes a specific goal in the campaign to raise wage levels.

Trof yn awr at weithwyr cartref. Y grŵp hwn yw un o’r grwpiau o weithwyr y mantesir arno fwyaf yn y gweithlu. Y mae eu swyddi’n cynnwys gwnïo dillad, pacio craceri’r Nadolig—mae llawer o bobl yng Nghwm Cynon yn gwneud hyn—a gosod dyfeisiau trydanol, yn eu cartrefi. Mae astudiaethau wedi dangos mai menywod yw rhwng 92 y cant a 94 y cant o’r gweithwyr cartref. Nid yw Deddf Isafswm Cyflog Cenedlaethol 1998, er ei bod yn weithredol mewn cyfraith, ac yn berthnasol i’r sector, wedi cael effaith ar y sector hwn.

I turn now to homeworkers. This is one of the most exploited groups in the workforce. Their jobs include sewing clothes, packing Christmas crackers—many people in the Cynon valley do this—and assembling electrical appliances, in their homes. Studies have shown that between 92 per cent and 94 per cent of these homeworkers are women. The National Minimum Wage Act 1998, though it covers this work, has not had an effect on this sector.

Dengys astudiaeth Lyn Ellison ar ran y grŵp cenedlaethol ar weithwyr cartref, a gyhoeddwyd y llynedd, fod cyflog 75 y cant o’r gweithwyr cartref hyn yn llai na’r isafswm cyflog, fod 63 y cant ohonynt yn cael llai na £3 yr awr, a bod 27 y cant ohonynt yn cael llai na £2 yr awr. Mae hyn yn gwbl annerbyniol, ac mae’n rhaid inni wneud rhywbeth amdani. Dangosodd astudiaeth arall, rai blynyddoedd yn ôl, fod rhyw 4,000 o’r gweithwyr hyn yng Nghymru. Mae cyfrifoldeb arnom, felly, i sicrhau eu bod yn ymwybodol o’u hawliau. Awgrymodd astudiaeth Lyn Ellison nad yw 95 y cant o weithwyr cartref yn sylweddoli bod ganddynt hawliau o dan y Ddeddf Isafswm Cyflog Cenedlaethol 1998.

Lyn Ellison’s study on behalf of the national group on homeworking, which was published last year, shows that 75 per cent of these homeworkers are paid less than the minimum wage, that 63 per cent of them receive less than £3 an hour, and that 27 per cent of them receive less than £2 an hour. This is totally unacceptable, and we must do something about it. Another report, some years ago, showed that there are about 4,000 of these workers in Wales. Therefore, we have a responsibility to ensure that these people are aware of their rights. Lyn Ellison’s study suggested that 95 per cent of homeworkers do not realise that they have rights under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998.

Beth y gallwn ei wneud i wella’r sefyllfa? Mae’n rhaid inni sicrhau bod y gweithwyr yn gwybod am eu hawliau. Credaf hefyd fod angen cynllun yng Nghymru sydd yn gyffelyb i’r hyn sydd gan yr Alban ar hyn o bryd. Yr wyf wedi codi’r mater hwn gydag Edwina Hart, a David Jenkins o Gyngres Undebau Llafur Cymru, a gobeithiaf y gall y Cynulliad a TUC Cymru lansio cynllun i helpu’r gweithwyr hyn i ddod i wybod am eu hawliau, ac i sicrhau cynnydd yn lefel eu cyflogau.

What can we do to improve the situation? We must ensure that workers know their rights. I also believe that Wales needs a scheme similar to that in place in Scotland. I have raised this matter with Edwina Hart, and with David Jenkins of the Wales Trades Union Congress, and I hope that the Assembly and the Wales TUC can launch a scheme to help these workers become aware of their rights, and ensure an increase in their levels of pay.

Christine Chapman spoken in English p. 57

Christine Chapman siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 57

I am delighted to welcome the launch of the Close the Pay Gap campaign in Wales. We have had over 30 years of equal pay legislation, but it has been clear for some time that a defined programme of action is necessary—Edwina referred to this—and we need to establish practical tactics. I welcome this launch today as it is important that we bring down the barriers that persist in limiting women’s earning capacity in the workplace. Legislative changes are not enough to make the difference and there must be a concerted effort to change cultural attitudes and discrimination so that women get equal pay, equal prospects, and equal career opportunities for equal work.

Mae’n bleser gennyf groesawu lansio’r ymgyrch Cau’r Bwlch Cyflogau yng Nghymru. Bu deddfwriaeth cyflog cyfartal ar waith ers dros 30 mlynedd, ond mae’n amlwg ers peth amser bod angen rhaglen weithredu wedi’i diffinio—cyfeiriodd Edwina at hyn—ac mae angen inni sefydlu tactegau ymarferol. Croesawaf lansio’r ymgyrch heddiw gan ei fod yn bwysig inni ddymchwel y rhwystrau sy’n parhau i gyfyngu capasiti merched i ennill yn y gweithle. Nid yw newidiadau deddfwriaethol yn ddigon i wneud y gwahaniaeth a rhaid sicrhau ymdrech ar y cyd i newid agweddau diwylliannol a gwahaniaethu er mwyn i ferched fwynhau cyflog cyfartal, rhagolygon cyfartal, a chyfleoedd gyrfa cyfartal ar gyfer gwaith cyfartal.

It has been mentioned that the Assembly is a shining example in its representation of women: 41 per cent of our Members are women, and half of the Cabinet Ministers are women, but we must remember that this is not replicated throughout the rest of Wales. Equal pay is beneficial to the economy, families, and communities. Without it, we will continue to squander an untapped human resource, and prevent many working women, many of whom live in poverty and are dependent on state benefits for support, from fulfilling their potential. We must ensure that women’s pay is at the heart of our economic development policies and strategies. If we do not get this right, we will not get economic regeneration right in Wales. Addressing the barriers that women face in work is a key feature of Objective 1. The structural funds programme means that Wales is now seen as exemplary.

Soniwyd bod y Cynulliad yn enghraifft ardderchog o ran ei gynrychiolaeth o ferched: mae 41 y cant o’n Haelodau yn ferched, ac mae hanner Gweinidogion y Cabinet yn ferched, ond rhaid inni gofio nad efelychir hyn ledled Cymru. Mae cyflog cyfartal o fudd i’r economi, teuluoedd, a chymunedau. Hebddo, byddwn yn parhau i wastraffu adnodd dynol na fanteisiwyd arno, gan atal llawer o ferched sy’n gweithio, y mae llawer ohonynt yn byw mewn tlodi ac yn dibynnu ar fudd-daliadau’r wladwriaeth i’w cynnal, rhag cyflawni eu potensial. Rhaid inni sicrhau bod cyflog merched wrth wraidd ein polisïau a’n strategaethau datblygu economaidd. Os na lwyddwn yn hyn o beth, ni lwyddwn i sicrhau adfywiad economaidd yng Nghymru. Mae ymdrin â’r rhwystrau y mae merched yn eu wynebu yn y gwaith yn un o nodweddion allweddol Amcan 1. O ganlyniad i’r rhaglen cronfeydd strwythurol ystyrir Cymru bellach fel esiampl.

Ignorance of the disparity in pay is the biggest single barrier. It is no coincidence that women are concentrated in low-paid, part-time, low value-added jobs. I welcome Dafydd Wigley’s remarks on homeworkers because this issue has not been addressed. That is because women, in the main, take responsibility for family commitments, because there have been barriers to further and higher education, and because of our cultural expectations of the role a woman should play in society. It is about time that we in the Wales of the twenty-first century challenged these cultural stereotypes. I know from my work as a careers advisor in education, before I was an Assembly Member, how deep-seated these cultural expectations of women are. It is not only about women; it is also about men. They are also tied to these cultural expectations of what men and women should do. If we get this right, we will please both men and women.

Anwybodaeth o ran yr anghysondeb mewn cyflogau yw’r rhwystr unigol mwyaf. Nid cyd-ddigwyddiad yw’r ffaith bod llawer o ferched mewn swyddi rhan amser â chyflog isel a gwerth ychwanegol isel. Croesawaf sylwadau Dafydd Wigley am weithwyr cartref gan nad ymdriniwyd â’r mater hwn. Mae hynny oherwydd mai merched, yn bennaf, sy’n gyfrifol am ymrwymiadau teuluol, oherwydd y bu rhwystrau i addysg bellach ac uwch, ac oherwydd ein disgwyliadau diwylliannol o ran y rôl y dylai merch ei chwarae yn y gymdeithas. Mae’n bryd inni herio’r ystrydebau diwylliannol hyn yng Nghymru’r unfed ganrif ar hugain. Gwn o’m gwaith fel ymgynghorydd gyrfaoedd ym myd addysg, cyn dod yn Aelod o’r Cynulliad, am ddyfnder gwreiddiau’r disgwyliadau diwylliannol hyn o ferched. Ond nid yw’n ymwneud â merched yn unig; mae’n ymwneud hefyd â dynion. Maent hefyd ynghlwm wrth y disgwyliadau diwylliannol hyn o’r hyn y dylai dynion a merched ei wneud. Os llwyddwn yn hyn o beth, byddwn yn plesio dynion a merched.

In education, the change has been positive and dramatic. The gap between women and men entering further and higher education is narrower than ever. Girls are doing particularly well at school, yet when they leave school, the pay gap in the workplace is as wide as ever. It is scandalous for us to empower women with knowledge, skills, and training, only for them to enter the workforce and earn as much as 40 pence in the pound less per hour than an equally skilled, trained, committed, and able man.

Ym myd addysg, bu’r newid yn gadarnhaol ac yn ddramatig. Mae’r bwlch rhwng nifer y merched a’r dynion sy’n ymgymryd ag addysg bellach ac addysg uwch yn llai nag erioed. Mae merched yn gwneud yn arbennig o dda yn yr ysgol, eto pan adawant yr ysgol, mae’r bwlch cyflogau yn y gweithle cymaint ag erioed. Mae’n sgandal ein bod yn ymrymuso merched â gwybodaeth, sgiliau, a hyfforddiant, dim ond iddynt ymuno â’r gweithlu ac ennill cymaint â 40 ceiniog ymhob punt yn llai yr awr na dyn â’r un lefel o sgiliau, hyfforddiant, ymrwymiad a gallu.

In conclusion, we must abolish stereotypes, change attitudes, improve work/life balance, enforce the legislation, and commit employers to review their pay practices. I pay tribute to the Committee on Equality of Opportunity’s work on this matter. I am pleased that it is taking the lead on this. Wales will be better for it.

I gloi, rhaid inni ddiddymu ystrydebau, newid agweddau, gwella’r cydbwysedd gwaith/bywyd, gweithredu’r ddeddfwriaeth, a’i gwneud yn ofynnol i gyflogwyr adolygu eu harferion o ran cyflogau. Talaf deyrnged i waith y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal ar y pwnc. Yr wyf yn falch o’i weld yn dwyn yr awenau yn hyn o beth. Bydd Cymru ar ei hennill o ganlyniad.

Janet Davies spoken in English p. 59

Janet Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 59

In welcoming the equal pay campaign launch in Wales, and noting the lesser action at Westminster, it is clear from previous speakers that real-life practice is still not reflecting the legislation. To translate legislation into real practical change, public service employers have a duty to ensure that equal work receives equal pay. The Minister has already pointed out that the Welsh civil service is showing the way in the first instance. The National Assembly must also ensure that all Assembly sponsored bodies pay equally for equal skills. As the National Assembly controls the Assembly sponsored public bodies’ purse strings, we can, to an extent, insist on this. How do we do this? The National Assembly should develop good practice with regard to equal pay reviews and must commit the Assembly sponsored public bodies to produce action plans to close pay gaps as they review their pay systems over the next two years. Equal pay policy should be integrated into the systems, with identification of potential areas for action. As the National Assembly and the Assembly sponsored public bodies develop good practice, it can then be made available for private use. The National Assembly should, perhaps, consider making equal pay practice a criterion to be taken into account by auditing bodies.

Wrth groesawu lansio’r ymgyrch cyflog cyfartal yng Nghymru, a nodi nad oes cymaint o weithredu yn San Steffan, mae’n amlwg o’r siaradwyr blaenorol nad yw’r arfer go iawn yn adlewyrchu’r ddeddfwriaeth o hyd. Er mwyn troi deddfwriaeth yn newid ymarferol go iawn, mae ar gyflogwyr gwasanaeth cyhoeddus ddyletswydd i sicrhau bod gwaith cyfartal yn cael cyflog cyfartal. Mae’r Gweinidog eisoes wedi nodi bod y gwasanaeth sifil yng Nghymru ar flaen y gad. Rhaid i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol hefyd sicrhau bod pob corff a noddir gan y Cynulliad yn talu’n gyfartal am sgiliau cyfartal. Gan mai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol sy’n rheoli cyllidebau cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad, i raddau, gallwn fynnu hyn. Sut y gwnawn hynny? Dylai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ddatblygu arfer da o ran adolygiadau cyflog cyfartal a rhaid iddo ymrwymo’r cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad i gynhyrchu cynlluniau gweithredu i gau bylchau cyflogau wrth iddynt adolygu eu systemau cyflogau dros y ddwy flynedd nesaf. Dylid integreiddio polisi cyflog cyfartal i’r systemau, gan nodi meysydd posibl i weithredu arnynt. Wrth i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol a’r cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad ddatblygu arfer da, gellir ei roi ar gael at ddefnydd preifat. Efallai y dylai’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ystyried troi arfer cyflog cyfartal yn faen prawf i’w ystyried gan gyrff archwilio.

The Minister quoted praise for the National Assembly on this front. However, I draw your attention to what happens in the often-criticised European Commission. Besides the issue of paid maternity and paternity leave, staff there are able to take up to one year’s unpaid leave and then return to the same job as before, or up to three years’ leave and reclaim a job in the same directorate at the same grade. We should consider that. The issue of women taking a break while children are small is important. While some women like to return to work quite quickly, others wish to remain home and look after their children for several years. However, the skills that they learn during those years are often ignored when they return to work. There must be recognition that skills are developed during that time. Many of the statistics have been quoted, and they make the case for action. With all the hype about the new millennium, one of the most important social needs still to be achieved is equal pay for equal work. Once it is given high priority, it will be achieved.

Dyfynnodd y Gweinidog ganmoliaeth i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn hyn o beth. Fodd bynnag, tynnaf eich sylw at yr hyn a ddigwydd yn y Comisiwn Ewropeaidd a gaiff ei feirniadu’n aml. Ar wahân i gyfnod mamolaeth a thadolaeth â chyflog, gall staff yno gymryd seibiant am hyd at flwyddyn heb gyflog gan ddychwelyd i’r un swydd, neu seibiant am hyd at dair blynedd gan ddychwelyd at swydd yn yr un gyfarwyddiaeth ar yr un radd. Dylem ystyried hynny. Mae’r mater o ferched yn cymryd seibiant tra bod eu plant yn fach yn bwysig. Er bod rhai merched am ddychwelyd i’r gwaith yn gymharol gyflym, mae eraill am aros gartref ac edrych ar ôl eu plant am sawl blwyddyn. Fodd bynnag, yn aml anwybyddir y sgiliau a ddysgant yn ystod y blynyddoedd hynny pan ddychwelant i’r gwaith. Rhaid cydnabod y caiff sgiliau eu datblygu yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw. Dyfynnwyd llawer o’r ystadegau, gan gyflwyno’r achos dros weithredu. Gyda’r holl gyhoeddusrwydd ynghylch y mileniwm newydd, un o’r anghenion cymdeithasol pwysicaf sydd eto i’w gyflawni yw cyflog cyfartal am waith cyfartal. Unwaith y rhoddir blaenoriaeth uchel iddo, caiff ei gyflawni.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 60

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

There is obviously still a long way to go to bridge the pay gap, but it is important to remember that the introduction of the national minimum wage by the UK Labour Government—which not all political parties supported—has brought about the largest narrowing of the gap, for both full-time and part-time work. The Low Pay Commission has calculated that about two-thirds of the beneficiaries of the national minimum wage are women.

Mae’n amlwg bod llawer i’w wneud o hyd i bontio’r bwlch cyflogau, ond mae’n bwysig cofio mai o ganlyniad i gyflwyno’r isafswm cyflog cenedlaethol gan Lywodraeth Lafur y DU—nas cefnogwyd gan bob plaid wleidyddol—y gwelwyd y gostyngiad mwyaf yn y bwlch, o ran gwaith llawn amser a rhan amser. Mae’r Comisiwn Cyflog Isel wedi cyfrifo mai merched yw tua dwy ran o dair o’r rhai sy’n derbyn yr isafswm cyflog cenedlaethol.

Christine Gwyther spoken in English p. 60

Christine Gwyther siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 60

I welcome the statement and the Minister’s understanding that there are moral and social imperatives to close the pay gap. I will concentrate on the economic imperative. The wealth of unused female talent in Wales and the rest of the UK is recognised not only here, but in Europe, where we come low in the league table of female economic activity. Under-representation is holding us back as a nation. Women need a fair wage for a fair day’s work, and Wales needs women to participate in our economic renaissance if we are to realise our overall economic targets, which are challenging. Without that, we are destined to fail. I am glad that the Assembly is taking a lead. However, we must also set a challenge to the rest of the public sector and the private sector.

Croesawaf y datganiad a dealltwriaeth y Gweinidog ei bod yn hanfodol yn foesol ac yn gymdeithasol i gau’r bwlch cyflogau. Canolbwyntiaf ar yr hanfod economaidd. Cydnabyddir y cyfoeth o dalent ymhlith merched nas defnyddiwyd yng Nghymru a gweddill y DU nid yn unig yma, ond yn Ewrop, lle y mae ein safle yn y tablau cynghrair gweithgarwch economaidd ymhlith merched yn isel. Mae tangynrychiolaeth yn rhwystr inni fel cenedl. Mae angen cyflog teg ar ferched am ddiwrnod teg o waith, ac mae angen i ferched yng Nghymru fod yn rhan o’n hadfywiad economaidd os ydym am wireddu ein targedau economaidd cyffredinol, sy’n ymestynnol. Heb hynny, mae methiant yn anochel. Yr wyf yn falch o weld y Cynulliad yn dangos esiampl. Fodd bynnag, rhaid inni hefyd gyflwyno her i weddill y sector cyhoeddus a’r sector preifat.

Rosemary Butler spoken in English p. 61

Rosemary Butler siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 61

I welcome this announcement and I congratulate Edwina for spearheading this campaign. Although it has already been said this morning, it is worth repeating that it is 32 years since the Equal Pay Act 1970 and it is a national disgrace that women are still paid less than men for doing the same work. As Christine Chapman said, we must attract high quality jobs to Wales. It is important that women not only receive pay that is equal to what men receive now, but pay that is equal to that which men will receive when we succeed in attracting those quality jobs to Wales.

Croesawaf y cyhoeddiad hwn a llongyfarchaf Edwina am arwain yr ymgyrch hon. Er inni glywed hyn eisoes y bore yma, mae’n werth ailadrodd i Ddeddf Cyflog Cyfartal 1970 gael ei sefydlu 32 mlynedd yn ôl a’i bod yn warth cenedlaethol bod merched yn parhau i dderbyn llai o gyflog na dynion am wneud yr un gwaith. Fel y dywedodd Christine Chapman, rhaid inni ddenu swyddi o ansawdd uchel i Gymru. Mae’n bwysig bod merched nid yn unig yn derbyn cyflog sy’n gyfwerth â’r hyn a dderbynnir yn awr gan ddynion, ond cyflog sy’n gyfwerth â’r hyn y bydd dynion yn ei dderbyn pan lwyddwn i ddenu’r swyddi hynny o ansawdd uchel i Gymru.

Schools and families have a great responsibility to raise women’s expectations. In my experience of interviewing for posts, women tend to apply for jobs for which they can do 90 per cent of the work, while men will apply for jobs for which they can only do 50 per cent of the work. As a result, women apply for lower-paid jobs, even though they have better skills. I look forward to Edwina returning here next year to say that there has been a huge improvement in the situation in Wales.

Mae cyfrifoldeb mawr ar ysgolion a theuluoedd i godi disgwyliadau merched. Yn fy mhrofiad o gyfweld am swyddi, mae merched yn tueddu i wneud cais am swyddi lle y gallant wneud 90 y cant o’r gwaith, tra y gwnaiff dynion gais am swyddi lle y gallant ond wneud 50 y cant o’r gwaith. O ganlyniad, mae merched yn ceisio am swyddi â chyflog is, er bod ganddynt well sgiliau. Edrychaf ymlaen at weld Edwina yn dychwelyd yma y flwyddyn nesaf gan ddatgan fod y sefyllfa wedi gwella’n aruthrol yng Nghymru.

Brian Hancock spoken in English p. 61

Brian Hancock siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 61

I welcome the statement. Equal pay for equal work seems to be a simple right. However, it is sometimes difficult to establish that women are doing the same work as men and vice versa without a job evaluation scheme. At present, employees have no right to ask for a job evaluation scheme. Having the right to do so might be one step forward, as such a scheme would prove that people are doing the same work and would therefore equalise the pay of both sexes.

Croesawaf y datganiad. Ymddengys mai hawl sylfaenol yw cyflog cyfartal am waith cyfartal. Fodd bynnag, mae weithiau’n anodd cadarnhau bod merched yn gwneud yr un gwaith â dynion ac i’r gwrthwyneb heb gynllun gwerthuso swyddi. Ar hyn o bryd, nid oes gan gyflogeion unrhyw hawl i ofyn am gynllun gwerthuso swyddi. Gallai cael yr hawl i wneud hynny fod yn gam ymlaen, gan y byddai cynllun o’r fath yn profi bod pobl yn gwneud yr un gwaith a thrwy hynny sicrhau bod cyflog y ddau ryw yn gyfartal.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 62

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 62

I thank Members for being succinct. The debate is not less important as a result, because Members have agreed on this and have made briefer comments.

Diolchaf i’r Aelodau am fod yn gryno. Nid yw’r ddadl yn llai pwysig o ganlyniad, gan fod yr Aelodau wedi cytuno ar hyn ac wedi cyflwyno sylwadau mwy cryno.

David Melding spoken in English p. 62

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 62

As Chair of the equal pay sub-group of the Committee on Equality of Opportunity, I have been pleased with the quality of the debate. I will try to answer some of the points that have been raised. I thank our key partners, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the TUC, who have worked hard in getting us to the position of launching this important campaign. Today is only the launch; the first phase of this campaign will last at least a year and there will be much work to do once we analyse the results in a year’s time. Therefore, we are just starting the good work, and we will need to continue it steadfastly.

Fel Cadeirydd is-grŵp cyflog cyfartal y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal, fe’m plesiwyd gan safon y ddadl. Ceisiaf ateb rai o’r pwyntiau a godwyd. Diolchaf i’n partneriaid allweddol, y Comisiwn Cyfle Cyfartal a’r TUC, sydd wedi gweithio’n galed i’n galluogi i lansio’r ymgyrch bwysig hon. Dim ond lansio’r ymgyrch a wnawn heddiw; bydd cam cyntaf yr ymgyrch hon yn para o leiaf blwyddyn a bydd llawer o waith i’w wneud wrth ddadansoddi’r canlyniadau ymhen blwyddyn. Felly, megis dechrau ar y gwaith da a wnawn, a bydd angen inni barhau yn gadarn â’r gwaith hwnnw.

Janet Ryder mentioned the role of devolution and Edwina quoted the praise that we received from a London newspaper for taking on this agenda. It shows that devolution can lead to great innovation in social and economic policy. When it works at its best, it can lead the way for the rest of the country. We should be determined in what we are doing in the Assembly. Janet also mentioned that public bodies are key in developing good practice. That has been part of our strategy—to start in-house, as it were, as Edwina Hart mentioned, looking at the Assembly civil service, the NHS and the Assembly sponsored public bodies. We will then roll out the good practice that we are observing and encourage others to emulate it.

Soniodd Janet Ryder am rôl datganoli a dyfynnodd Edwina’r ganmoliaeth a dderbyniasom gan bapur newydd yn Llundain am weithredu’r agenda hon. Dengys y gall datganoli arwain at arloesedd mawr o ran polisi cymdeithasol ac economaidd. Ar ei orau, gall fod yn esiampl i weddill y wlad. Dylem fod yn benderfynol yn yr hyn a wnawn yn y Cynulliad. Soniodd Janet hefyd bod cyrff cyhoeddus yn allweddol wrth ddatblygu arfer da. Bu hynny’n rhan o’n strategaeth—dechrau’n fewnol, fel petai, fel y soniodd Edwina Hart, gan edrych ar wasanaeth sifil y Cynulliad, y GIG a’r cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad. Wedyn byddwn yn lledaenu’r arfer da a arsylwir gennym gan annog eraill i’w efelychu.

Eleanor Burnham welcomed the all-party approach. I am delighted that this campaign has achieved all-party support and I am sure that it will be widely supported when we vote on this motion. Eleanor also mentioned, quite properly, the number of elected woman Assembly Members, some of whom are now in Government. That is an indication of good practice in the Assembly, and I look forward to all parties emulating it in due course.

Croesawodd Eleanor Burnham yr ymagwedd drawsbleidiol. Yr wyf yn hynod falch i’r ymgyrch hon gael cefnogaeth drawsbleidiol ac yr wyf yn siŵr y caiff ei chefnogi’n eang pan bleidleisiwn ar y cynnig hwn. Soniodd Eleanor hefyd, a hynny’n briodol, am nifer yr Aelodau a etholwyd i’r Cynulliad sy’n ferched, y mae rhai ohonynt yn awr yn rhan o’r Llywodraeth. Mae hynny’n arwydd o arfer da yn y Cynulliad, ac edrychaf ymlaen at weld pob plaid yn ei efelychu maes o law.

Dafydd Wigley mentioned that Wales has low per capita income. Of course, our aspiration is to increase per capita income in Wales and to have equal pay thoroughly mainstreamed into that. We do not want equal but low pay, we want equal and high pay. That is important and we must consider how to increase gross domestic product per capita. Dafydd’s point about homeworkers also reminded us that women are one of many vulnerable groups, such as carers, and parents of children with special needs. Homeworkers are a key group. It is important that we remember, even in a general campaign, to address key and particular issues.

Soniodd Dafydd Wigley fod gan Gymru incwm isel y pen. Wrth gwrs, ein huchelgais yw cynyddu incwm y pen yng Nghymru a phrif ffrydio cyflog cyfartal yn drwyadl yn rhan o hynny. Nid ydym am gael cyflog cyfartal ond isel, yr ydym am gael cyflog cyfartal ac uchel. Mae hynny’n bwysig a rhaid inni ystyried sut i gynyddu’r cynnyrch mewnwladol crynswth y pen. Fe’n hatgoffwyd hefyd gan bwynt Dafydd am weithwyr cartref fod merched yn un o’r grwpiau diamddiffyn niferus, megis gofalwyr, a rhieni plant ag anghenion arbennig. Mae gweithwyr cartref yn grŵp allweddol. Mae’n bwysig inni gofio, hyd yn oed mewn ymgyrch gyffredinol, ymdrin â materion allweddol a phenodol.

Christine Chapman mentioned cultural aspects and the outdated attitudes that still exist in our society. We should tackle that. Equal pay is part of a modernisation procedure. In Wales, we are trying to be the market leaders in emphasising the role of women and their wealth of talent. To be frank, the business case for getting this right is massive. The potential advantages are enormous.

Soniodd Christine Chapman am agweddau diwylliannol a’r agweddau hen ffasiwn sy’n bodoli o hyd yn ein cymdeithas. Dylem fynd i’r afael â hynny. Mae cyflog cyfartal yn rhan o weithdrefn foderneiddio. Yng Nghymru, yr ydym yn ceisio bod ar flaen y gad wrth bwysleisio rôl merched a’u cyfoeth o dalent. A siarad yn blaen, mae’r achos busnes dros gael hyn yn iawn yn aruthrol. Mae’r manteision posibl yn enfawr.

Janet Davies, as someone who is experienced in carrying out audits, reminded us of the groups that we could influence most. The Assembly sponsored public bodies are key. I think that the Committee on Equality of Opportunity is considering what action can be taken to ensure that equal pay issues are mainstreamed to these bodies. We can monitor the progress of the equal pay reviews and see how they are developing good practice; that will be done regularly.

Fe’n hatgoffwyd gan Janet Davies, fel rhywun sy’n brofiadol wrth gynnal archwiliadau, o’r grwpiau y gallem ddylanwadu fwyaf arnynt. Mae’r cyrff cyhoeddus a noddir gan y Cynulliad yn allweddol. Credaf fod y Pwyllgor Cyfle Cyfartal wrthi’n ystyried pa gamau y gellir eu cymryd i sicrhau y caiff materion cyflog cyfartal eu prif ffrydio i’r cyrff hyn. Gallwn fonitro cynnydd yr adolygiadau cyflog cyfartal a gweld sut y maent yn datblygu arfer da; gwneir hynny yn rheolaidd.

Lorraine Barrett mentioned the national minimum wage, and I accept that point with good grace. The Conservative Party now supports the minimum wage—to make a partisan aside. Christine Gwyther, reflecting some of Christine Chapman’s points, said that equal pay is an economic imperative. It is about making Wales a more prosperous, innovative and prosperous place to live. Other European countries place a much stronger emphasis on the role of women in the workplace and, as a result, benefit immensely in economic terms. Rosemary Butler mentioned the role of schools and their importance in reminding women of the opportunities ahead of them. Women should not be restrained by old stereotypes. There is great potential for improvement in how schools consider their pupils as future employees in society and equip them for that role. Finally, Brian Hancock’s excellent point was brief and to the point. We need good job specifications, descriptions, and evaluations, because that is the basis of getting women to realise that they are not getting equal pay for equal work. That was a valuable point.

Soniodd Lorraine Barrett am yr isafswm cyflog cenedlaethol, a derbyniaf y pwynt hwnnw yn rhadlon. Mae’r Blaid Geidwadol bellach yn cefnogi’r isafswm cyflog—i wneud sylw pleidiol. Dywedodd Christine Gwyther, gan fyfyrio ar rai o bwyntiau Christine Chapman, fod cyflog cyfartal yn hanfod economaidd. Mae’n ymwneud â gwneud Cymru yn lle mwy llewyrchus, arloesol a ffyniannus i fyw ynddo. Rhydd gwledydd Ewropeaidd eraill bwyslais llawer cryfach ar rôl merched yn y gweithle ac, o ganlyniad, cânt fudd aruthrol yn nhermau economaidd. Soniodd Rosemary Butler am rôl ysgolion a’u pwysigrwydd wrth atgoffa merched o’r cyfleoedd sydd o’u blaenau. Ni ddylai hen ystrydebau gyfyngu merched. Mae potensial mawr ar gyfer gwelliant o ran sut y mae ysgolion yn ystyried eu disgyblion fel cyflogeion y dyfodol mewn cymdeithas ac yn eu paratoi ar gyfer y rôl honno. I gloi, yr oedd pwynt ardderchog Brian Hancock yn gryno ac yn fanwl. Mae angen manylebau, disgrifiadau, a gwerthusiadau swyddi da arnom, gan mai dyna yw’r sail i gael merched i sylweddoli nad ydynt yn cael cyflog cyfartal am waith cyfartal. Yr oedd hynny’n bwynt gwerthfawr.

Cynnig NDM978 Edwina Hart t. 64

Motion NDM978 Edwina Hart p. 64

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 39 YmatalAbstain 0 Yn erbynAgainst 0

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (39)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • Christine Chapman
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Geraint Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Janet Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Alison Halford
  • Brian Hancock
  • Edwina Hart
  • Jane Hutt
  • Carwyn Jones
  • Elin Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • David Melding
  • Tom Middlehurst
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Peter Rogers
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas
  • Dafydd Wigley

Tŷ’r Arglwyddi

The House of Lords

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 65

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 65

I have selected amendment 1 in the name of Jonathan Morgan.

Yr wyf wedi dethol gwelliant 1 yn enw Jonathan Morgan.

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 65

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in Welsh p. 65

Cynigiaf fod

I propose that

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru (parhad) siaradwyd yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg t. 65

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister (continued) spoken in Welsh and English p. 65

Yr ydym oll yn edrych ymlaen at gyfraniad y Llywydd ar bwnc y mae ganddo brofiad unigryw ohono yn y Siambr hon.

in Welsh We all look forward to the Presiding Officer’s contribution on a subject of which he has unique experience in this Chamber.

The background to this debate is the double-gear shift in the upper house of the British Parliament, from inherited to appointed, and from appointed to elected. As we make that second gear shift and finalise the arrangements for the upper house, it is an opportunity for the Assembly to consider whether there will be special arrangements for Wales, or whether the Assembly will have a direct part to play in finalising the arrangements for the second chamber.

yn Saesneg Y cefndir i’r ddadl hon yw’r newid dwbl yn uwch dŷ Senedd Prydain, o aelodau etifeddol i aelodau penodedig, ac o aelodau penodedig i aelodau etholedig. Wrth inni wneud yr ail symudiad hwnnw a chwblhau’r trefniadau ar gyfer yr uwch dŷ, mae’n gyfle i’r Cynulliad ystyried a fydd trefniadau arbennig i Gymru, neu a fydd gan y Cynulliad ran uniongyrchol i’w chwarae wrth gwblhau’r trefniadau ar gyfer yr ail siambr.

Precise details have not yet been finalised, but the Government’s broad intentions are outlined in the White Paper. The issue for us is how to arrange Welsh representation. The Wakeham report stated that the reformed House of Lords should give a voice to the nations and regions of the United Kingdom. The White Paper continues with that theme, and subsequently the UK Government has led us to understand—particularly during the recent visit by Robin Cook MP, President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons—that it would welcome views from the Assembly on whether the devolved bodies should be indirectly represented via elections to a reformed House of Lords or, I should say, the reformed upper chamber, since that name will not be appropriate in future.

yn Saesneg Ni chwblhawyd yr union fanylion eto, ond amlinellir bwriadau bras y Llywodraeth yn y Papur Gwyn. Y broblem i ni yw sut i drefnu cynrychiolaeth Cymru. Nododd adroddiad Wakeham y dylai Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar ei ffurf ddiwygiedig leisio barn cenhedloedd a rhanbarthau’r Deyrnas Unedig. Mae’r Papur Gwyn yn parhau â’r thema honno, ac o ganlyniad mae Llywodraeth y DU wedi ein harwain i ddeall—yn arbennig yn ystod yr ymweliad diweddar gan Robin Cook AS, Llywydd y Cyngor ac Arweinydd Tŷ’r Cyffredin—y byddai’n croesawu barn y Cynulliad ar ba un a ddylai cyrff datganoledig gael eu cynrychioli’n anuniongyrchol drwy etholiadau i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi ar ei ffurf ddiwygiedig neu, dylwn ddweud, yr uwch siambr ddiwygiedig, gan na fydd yr enw hwnnw yn briodol yn y dyfodol.

This motion is designed to discuss the Assembly’s view and, eventually, to form a view on this issue. There are several questions to consider, which I will deal with as quickly as I can, since the main purpose of today is for me to hear the views of Members of all parties.

yn Saesneg Bwriad y cynnig hwn yw trafod barn y Cynulliad ac, yn y pen draw, lunio barn ar y mater hwn. Mae sawl cwestiwn i’w ystyried, a deliaf â hwy mor gyflym ag y gallaf, gan mai prif bwrpas heddiw yw i mi wrando ar farn Aelodau o bob plaid.

We welcomed the principle behind the UK Government’s proposals to introduce elected members—there are none at the moment—because that would give the people of Wales direct representation. We may argue about the number and proportion of the total elected membership, but I think that we all agree that it is a good thing to have some elected members in the revised upper chamber. We understand that the Government’s intention is to use the same regional—in this case, all-Wales—list system similar to the one used for the European Parliament. Is that what people want? If the Government White Paper proposals were followed, there would be 120 directly elected members, and seven members would be elected on an all-Wales list. However, the total does not have to be 120 Members: that is the current proposal. The number of members on an all-Wales list could increase if that total were changed.

yn Saesneg Croesawn yr egwyddor y tu ôl i gynigion Llywodraeth y DU i gyflwyno aelodau etholedig—nid oes rhai ar hyn o bryd—oherwydd byddai hynny’n rhoi cynrychiolaeth uniongyrchol i bobl Cymru. Gallwn ddadlau am nifer a chyfran cyfanswm yr aelodau etholedig ond credaf y cytuna pob un ohonom ei bod yn beth da i gael rhai aelodau etholedig yn yr uwch siambr ddiwygiedig. Deallwn mai bwriad y Llywodraeth yw defnyddio’r un system rhestr ranbarthol—yn yr achos hwn, i Gymru gyfan—â’r un a ddefnyddir ar gyfer Senedd Ewrop. Ai dyna beth y mae pobl yn ei ddymuno? Pe dilynid cynigion Papur Gwyn y Llywodraeth, byddai 120 o aelodau wedi eu hethol yn uniongyrchol a byddai saith aelod yn cael eu hethol ar restr Cymru gyfan. Fodd bynnag, nid oes rhaid i’r cyfanswm fod yn 120 o Aelodau: dyna’r cynnig presennol. Gallai nifer yr aelodau ar restr Cymru gyfan gynyddu pe bai’r cyfanswm hwnnw yn newid.

However, if you increase the total number of elected members drastically, would that constitute the possibility of a challenge to the legitimacy of the lower house? In bicameral systems throughout the world—except in the United States of America—the lower house has primacy because it is responsible for determining the colour of the Government. The confidence of the lower house, and not the upper house, determines whether a Government remains in office. Therefore, we must consider the possibility of a challenge to the democratic legitimacy and supremacy of the lower house. The issue of elected members would also raise all sorts of problems with the upper house’s name. If you decide on a fully elected upper house, you cannot call it the House of Lords. If it is half-elected, half-appointed, it would not be clear. In Welsh would the name be changed from Tŷ’r Arglwyddi to Tŷ’r Crachach or Tŷ’r Werin, or, if it were partially appointed and partially elected would it be called Tŷ’r Crachach a’r Werin?

yn Saesneg Fodd bynnag, pe baech yn cynyddu cyfanswm yr aelodau etholedig yn sylweddol, a fyddai hynny’n gyfystyr â’r her bosibl i herio cyfreithlondeb yr is dŷ? Mewn systemau dwysiambr ledled y byd—heblaw yn Unol Daleithiau America—yr is dŷ sydd â’r oruchafiaeth oherwydd mae’n gyfrifol am benderfynu lliw y Llywodraeth. Mae hyder yr is dŷ, ac nid yr uwch dŷ yn penderfynu a yw Llywodraeth yn aros mewn grym. Felly, rhaid inni ystyried yr her bosibl i gyfreithlondeb democrataidd a goruchafiaeth yr is dŷ. Byddai mater aelodau etholedig yn codi pob math o broblemau hefyd gydag enw’r uwch dŷ. Os penderfynwch ar uwch dŷ etholedig llawn, ni allwch ei alw yn Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Os yw wedi ei hanner ethol a’i hanner benodi, ni fyddai’n eglur. Yn Gymraeg a fyddai’r enw’n newid o Dŷ’r Arglwyddi i Dŷ’r Crachach neu Dŷ’r Werin, neu, pe bai’n cael ei benodi’n rhannol a’i ethol yn rhannol a fyddai’n cael ei alw yn Tŷ’r Crachach a’r Werin?

In addition, the White Paper proposes that members, political and non-political, should be appointed on the recommendation of party leaders, proportionate to each party’s strength in the House of Commons. However, other appointments would be made by the independent Appointments Commission. That would include the processing of applications under the recently introduced people’s peers system, which has already appointed its first six members to the House of Lords. Many people have said that they are not real people’s peers, but they are self-nominated and anyone can put their name forward to the Appointments Commission. There is no reason why such appointed members would not include people from Wales; indeed, one of the people’s peers comes from Wales. The commission could have a duty to ensure that appointments reflected the regional balance. At the moment it is not obliged to do that, but the White Paper proposes that the commission should consider regional balance.

yn Saesneg Yn ogystal, cynigia’r Papur Gwyn y dylid penodi aelodau, gwleidyddol ac anwleidyddol, ar argymhelliad arweinwyr y pleidiau, yn gymesur â chryfder pob plaid yn Nhŷ’r Cyffredin. Fodd bynnag, câi penodiadau eraill eu gwneud gan y Comisiwn Penodiadau annibynnol. Byddai hynny’n cynnwys prosesu ceisiadau o dan system arglwyddi’r bobl a gyflwynwyd yn ddiweddar, sydd eisoes wedi penodi ei chwe aelod cyntaf i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Mae llawer o bobl wedi dweud nad arglwyddi pobl mewn gwirionedd ydynt, ond eu bod yn cael enwebu eu hunain ac y gall unrhyw un gyflwyno ei enw i’r Comisiwn Penodiadau. Nid oes unrhyw reswm pam na fyddai aelodau penodedig o’r fath yn cynnwys pobl o Gymru; yn wir, daw un o arglwyddi’r bobl o Gymru. Gallai’r comisiwn fod â dyletswydd i sicrhau bod penodiadau yn adlewyrchu’r cydbwysedd rhanbarthol. Ar hyn o bryd nid oes rheidrwydd arno i wneud hynny, ond cynigia’r Papur Gwyn y dylai’r comisiwn ystyried cydbwysedd rhanbarthol.

We have moved from an inherited upper house to an appointed one, but we still have an inherited element because some members were elected by fellow hereditary peers as a last hang over from the old system. The number of hereditary peers decreased from 900 to 90. The 900 voted for those 90, but we all have to accept that that is a hang over from the old system. As you move from hereditary to appointed members, and then appointed members to a mixed house with some elected members, the hereditary peers will then go. That includes those who have a tiny bit of legitimacy from having been elected by fellow hereditary peers as part of the transitional arrangements that govern representation in the upper chamber today.

yn Saesneg Yr ydym wedi symud o uwch dŷ etifeddol i un a benodwyd, ond mae gennym elfen etifeddol o hyd oherwydd etholwyd rhai aelodau gan eu cyd-arglwyddi etifeddol fel goroesiad olaf o’r hen system. Gostyngodd nifer yr arglwyddi etifeddol o 900 i 90. Pleidleisiodd y 900 am y 90 hynny, ond rhaid i bob un ohonom dderbyn mai goroesiad ydyw o’r hen system. Wrth ichi symud o aelodau etifeddol i aelodau penodedig, ac yna aelodau penodedig i dŷ cymysg gyda rhai aelodau etholedig, yna aiff yr arglwyddi etifeddol. Mae hynny’n cynnwys y rhai sydd â rhywfaint bach o ddilysrwydd yn sgîl cael eu hethol gan eu cyd-arglwyddi etifeddol fel rhan o’r trefniadau trosiannol sy’n rheoli cynrychiolaeth yn yr uwch siambr heddiw.

Tradition is not of much assistance when considering how a partially-elected chamber should work. Tradition in the UK meant an all-inherited chamber, then life peers were introduced around 30 years ago. We cannot look to tradition, but we can sometimes look to international experience.

yn Saesneg Nid yw traddodiad yn llawer o gymorth wrth ystyried sut y dylai siambr wedi ei hethol yn rhannol weithio. Golygai traddodiad yn y DU siambr cwbl etifeddol, yna cyflwynwyd arglwyddi am oes tua 30 mlynedd yn ôl. Ni allwn dynnu ar draddodiad ond gallwn weithiau dynnu ar brofiad rhyngwladol.

David Melding spoken in English p. 68

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 68

On law lords and bishops in the House of Lords, do you think that it is important to preserve that element? Clearly, they are not hereditary.

O ran arglwyddi cyfraith ac esgobion yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi, a gredwch ei bod yn bwysig cadw’r elfen honno? Yn amlwg, nid ydynt yn etifeddol.

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in English p. 68

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 68

That is true, but there are no Welsh bishops because bishops in the House of Lords belong to the established church in England only; as a result, Welsh bishops have not been represented since disestablishment in the 1920s. Again, that must be considered. Why should the new revised House of Lords only have representation from bishops of the established church in England? There is no justification for that. Similarly, law lords are appointed on an England and Wales basis; there are no law lords from Wales only. However, Scottish law lords are represented in the House of Lords.

Mae hynny’n wir, ond nid oes unrhyw esgobion o Gymru am fod esgobion yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi yn perthyn i’r eglwys sefydledig yn Lloegr yn unig; o ganlyniad, ni chynrychiolwyd esgobion Cymru ers datgysylltu yn y 1920au. Unwaith eto, rhaid ystyried hynny. Pam y dylai Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar ei ffurf ddiwygiedig newydd ond gael cynrychiolaeth o esgobion yr eglwys sefydledig yn Lloegr? Nid oes cyfiawnhad dros hynny. Yn yr un modd, penodir arglwyddi cyfraith ar sail Lloegr a Chymru; nid oes unrhyw arglwyddi cyfraith o Gymru’n unig. Fodd bynnag, cynrychiolir arglwyddi cyfraith yr Alban yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi.

The proportion of appointed members helps to ensure that the reformed house retains an independent element with valuable experience in areas such as science, commerce, education, health and the voluntary sector. It is probably true that, in terms of providing a contrast with the House of Commons, the House of Lords benefits from having a less party-political character. For example, the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology contains many eminent scientists, who would probably not stand for election to a fully politicised house. Their expertise in proposing policy and legislation would then be lost. Similarly, we are all aware of Baroness Ilora Finlay’s outstanding maiden speech, as a people’s peer. She recently stunned the lords into complete silence or left them muttering to each other ‘where did she come from?’. To be parochial, I could say that she is from my constituency, but I will not expand on that now.

Mae cyfran yr aelodau a benodwyd yn helpu i sicrhau bod y tŷ diwygiedig yn cadw rhywfaint o annibyniaeth gyda phrofiad gwerthfawr mewn meysydd fel gwyddoniaeth, masnach, addysg, iechyd a’r sector gwirfoddol. Mae’n debyg bod Tŷ’r Arglwyddi, o ran darparu gwrthgyferbyniad â Thŷ’r Cyffredin, yn elwa ar gael naws lai pleidiol. Er enghraifft, mae Pwyllgor Dethol Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar Wyddoniaeth a Thechnoleg yn cynnwys llawer o wyddonwyr amlwg, na fyddant yn sefyll etholiad ar gyfer tŷ wedi ei wleidyddoli’n llawn. Yna byddai eu harbenigedd mewn cynnig polisi a deddfwriaeth yn cael ei golli. Yn yr un modd, mae pob un ohonom yn ymwybodol o araith gyntaf ragorol y Farwnes Ilora Finlay, fel arglwyddes y bobl. Yn ddiweddar, trawyd yr arglwyddi yn fud ganddi neu fe’u gadawyd yn sibrwd wrth ei gilydd ‘o ble y daeth hi?’. I fod yn blwyfol, gallwn ddweud ei bod yn dod o’m hetholaeth i, ond nid ymhelaethaf ar hynny’n awr.

You can reform the House of Lords, but you must accept that, when you consider these matters internationally, rather than in terms of our traditions—which are no longer relevant—there are not many fully elected upper houses in the world. The senates of the USA and Australia are fully elected, but through a slightly strange franchise, which is meant to reflect their federal constitutions so that, for example, small states with less than a million people have the same number of senators as California, with a population of 40 million, does. Similarly, variations in the size of the states or territories do not affect the Australian upper house, although it is fully elected. In other countries that have been researched for us, members are appointed by various methods. For example, in Canada and, to an extent in Ireland, they are part appointed and part indirectly elected. Indirect election is probably more common than direct election. Germany, Spain, and France, all have indirectly elected upper houses. There is no self-evident model on how to proceed. Therefore, there is no moral political international principle once you move away from hereditary to part-appointed or part-elected members. In the Caribbean, Canada and, in part, in Ireland, members are appointed, which is not that common. Indirect election is the more normal method, including in Namibia. We talked to the visiting Namibian delegation last night and they use indirect election to their upper house in contrast with direct election for their lower house.

Gallwch ddiwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi, ond rhaid ichi dderbyn pan ystyriwch y materion hyn yn rhyngwladol, yn hytrach nag o ran ein traddodiadau—nad ydynt bellach yn berthnasol—nad oes llawer o uwch dai wedi eu hethol yn llawn yn y byd. Etholir seneddau UDA ac Awstralia yn llawn, ond drwy etholfraint ychydig yn rhyfedd, sydd i fod i adlewyrchu eu cyfansoddiadau ffederal fel bod, er enghraifft, gan wladwriaethau bach â llai na miliwn o bobl yr un nifer o seneddwyr â Chaliffornia, sydd â phoblogaeth o 40 miliwn. Yn yr un modd, nid yw amrywiadau mewn maint gwladwriaethau neu diriogaethau yn effeithio ar uwch dŷ Awstralia, er ei fod wedi ei ethol yn llawn. Mewn gwledydd eraill yr ymchwiliwyd iddynt ar ein rhan, penodir aelodau drwy amryw o ddulliau. Er enghraifft, yng Nghanada, ac i raddau yn Iwerddon, cânt eu penodi yn rhannol a’u hethol yn anuniongyrchol yn rhannol. Mae’n debyg bod ethol yn anuniongyrchol yn fwy cyffredin nag ethol yn uniongyrchol. Mae gan yr Almaen, Sbaen a Ffrainc uwch dai wedi eu hethol yn anuniongyrchol. Nid oes model amlwg ar sut i fynd ymlaen. Felly, nid oes egwyddor ryngwladol wleidyddol foesol unwaith y symudwch oddi wrth aelodaeth etifeddol i benodi’n rhannol neu ethol yn rhannol. Yn y Caribî, Canada, ac, yn rhannol, yn Iwerddon, penodir aelodau. Nid yw hynny yn gyffredin iawn. Ethol anuniongyrchol yw’r dull mwy arferol, gan gynnwys yn Namibia. Yr oeddem yn siarad neithiwr â’r ddirprwyaeth o Namibia sydd ar ymweliad ar hyn o bryd ac maent yn ethol yn anuniongyrchol i’w huwch dŷ mewn gwrthgyferbyniad ag ethol yn uniongyrchol i’w his dŷ.

The exact balance of elected and nominated members will be a matter for the UK Government. However, we need to focus on whether the Assembly should be involved and if so, how. Given that we only have 60 AMs, it would not be easy for us to release people. Clearly, we release the Llywydd to attend the House of Lords. He is one out of 60 members, but if it were a matter of four out of 60 members, then we would begin to miss their presence here. If the number were any greater than that, it would be impractical. Therefore, should we nominate people outside the Assembly to represent us? If so, how will they be accountable to us? For how long would they serve? For life, for 10 or 15 years—

Bydd union gydbwysedd aelodau a etholir ac aelodau a enwebir yn fater i Lywodraeth y DU. Fodd bynnag, mae angen inni ganolbwyntio ar a ddylid cynnwys y Cynulliad ac os felly, sut. Gan mai dim ond 60 AC sydd gennym, ni fyddai’n hawdd inni ryddhau pobl. Yn amlwg, rhyddhawn y Llywydd i fynychu Tŷ’r Arglwyddi. Un o blith 60 aelod yw ef, ond pe bai’n fater o bedwar o blith 60 aelod, byddem yn dechrau gweld eu heisiau yma. Pe bai’r nifer yn fwy na hynny, byddai’n anymarferol. Felly, a ddylem enwebu pobl y tu allan i’r Cynulliad i’n cynrychioli? Os felly, sut y byddent yn atebol i ni? Am ba hyd y byddent yn gwasanaethu? Am oes, am 10 neu 15 mlynedd—

Glyn Davies spoken in English p. 70

Glyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

I am enjoying your speech; it is increasing my knowledge greatly. However, what is your position on this? We need to know what our First Minister thinks is right for Wales. Will you tell us that?

Yr wyf yn mwynhau eich araith; mae’n cynyddu fy ngwybodaeth yn fawr. Fodd bynnag, beth yw eich safbwynt ar hyn? Mae angen inni wybod beth sydd yn iawn i Gymru ym marn y Prif Weinidog. A ddywedwch hynny wrthym?

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in English p. 70

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

That is slightly unfair, Glyn. I made it clear that my purpose today was to draw out the views of Assembly Members because eventually we will have to put them to the House of Commons and say that, when it finalises its arrangements, these are the views that we have collected. I am trying to act collectively. Therefore, it is not relevant that I should say exactly what I think. When there has been a debate and further consideration by the four parties and the independent Member, and when we have heard what the Presiding Officer thinks—as the only Member with direct experience of the House of Lords—I will be happy to say what I think, but that would not be appropriate now. I want to hear what Members have to say. If we were to go for a system of appointments, should they reflect the proportionate strength of parties in the Assembly? For how long should they serve? Should it be for a long period or roughly the same as us? We are interested in exploring these issues. Whatever the Assembly decides, it is important that Wales is represented properly in the new upper house, which is why this motion has been framed in such a consultative way and why the Labour Party is allowing a free vote on this.

Mae hynny ychydig yn annheg, Glyn. Eglurais mai fy mhwrpas heddiw oedd casglu safbwyntiau Aelodau’r Cynulliad oherwydd yn y pen draw bydd yn rhaid inni eu rhoi gerbron Tŷ’r Cyffredin a dweud, pan fydd yn cwblhau ei drefniadau, mai dyma’r sylwadau a gasglwyd gennym. Yr wyf yn ceisio gweithredu ar y cyd. Felly, nid yw’n berthnasol imi ddweud yn union yr hyn a feddyliaf. Pan fydd dadl wedi ei chynnal ac ystyriaeth bellach wedi ei rhoi gan y pedair plaid a’r Aelod annibynnol, a phan fyddwn wedi clywed yr hyn sydd gan y Llywydd i’w ddweud—fel yr unig Aelod â phrofiad uniongyrchol o Dŷ’r Arglwyddi—byddaf yn fodlon dweud yr hyn a feddyliaf, ond ni fyddai hynny’n briodol yn awr. Yr wyf am glywed yr hyn sydd gan yr Aelodau i’w ddweud. Pe baem yn dewis system o benodiadau, a ddylent adlewyrchu cryfder cymesur y pleidiau yn y Cynulliad? Am ba hyd y dylent wasanaethu? A ddylai fod am gyfnod hir neu am tua’r un cyfnod ag y gwasanaethwn ninnau? Mae diddordeb gennym mewn ymchwilio i’r materion hyn. Beth bynnag yw penderfyniad y Cynulliad, mae’n bwysig bod Cymru yn cael ei chynrychioli’n briodol yn yr uwch dŷ newydd, a dyna pam y lluniwyd y cynnig hwn mewn ffordd ymgynghorol a pham mae’r Blaid Lafur yn caniatáu pleidlais rydd ar hyn.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 70

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

I propose amendment 1 in the name of Jonathan Morgan. Add as new point at the end of the motion:

Cynigiaf welliant 1 yn enw Jonathan Morgan. Ychwanegu pwynt newydd ar ddiwedd y cynnig:

Nick Bourne (continued) spoken in English p. 70

Nick Bourne (parhad) siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 70

Our starting point must be that of wanting a bicameral system. I agree with the First Minister on that. Almost every country in the world, apart from Sweden and New Zealand, has two houses, which provide great advantages in a democracy. First, it provides a chance for reflection, and in an overloaded system—which parliaments nearly all are—that means that non-controversial legislation, for example consolidation of particular legislation, can start off in the upper house. The name does not matter—‘a rose by any other name’ and so on; that is not a serious issue. The issue is how this second body is constituted.

Rhaid i’r man cychwyn fod ein bod yn dymuno cael system ddwysiambr. Cytunaf â’r Prif Weinidog ar hynny. Mae gan bron bob gwlad yn y byd, heblaw Sweden a Seland Newydd, ddau dŷ, sy’n rhoi manteision mawr mewn democratiaeth. Yn gyntaf, rhydd gyfle i fyfyrio, ac mewn system a orlwythwyd—ac y mae’r rhan fwyaf o seneddau wedi eu gorlwytho—golyga hynny y gall deddfwriaeth annadleuol, er enghraifft cyfuno deddfwriaeth benodol, ddechrau yn yr uwch dŷ. Nid yw’r enw yn bwysig—‘a rose by any other name’ ac yn y blaen; nid yw hynny’n fater difrifol. Y broblem yw sut i ffurfio’r ail gorff hwn.

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in English p. 71

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 71

Glyn Davies asked the First Minister for his views. It might be helpful, Nick, if you could tell us whether you think the House of Lords should have a new name.

Gofynnodd Glyn Davies i’r Prif Weinidog am ei farn ef. Efallai y byddai’n ddefnyddiol, Nick, pe gallech ddweud wrthym a gredwch y dylai Tŷ’r Arglwyddi gael enw newydd.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 71

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 71

I am happy to do that, although I have not had much time in which to develop my line of thought. It may be more legitimate to make that point at the end, if I have not already set out my opinon. I do not mind what it is called. I do not particularly like the name ‘senate’, but the serious issue is how this body is constituted, not its name.

Yr wyf yn fodlon gwneud hynny, er na chefais lawer o amser i ddatblygu fy syniadau. Efallai y byddai’n fwy priodol gwneud y pwynt hwnnw ar y diwedd, os nad wyf eisoes wedi nodi fy marn. Nid oes wahaniaeth gennyf beth y’i gelwir. Nid wyf yn hoff iawn o’r enw ‘senedd’, ond y mater difrifol yw sut y caiff y corff hwn ei ffurfio, nid ei enw.

Our current situation is unsatisfactory because a substantial number of new appointments are being made to the House of Lords on the patronage of the Prime Minister. There have been 227 appointments since 1997. Of those, only seven are from Wales. That is unsatisfactory. One hundred and seventeen are from London, which is deeply unsatisfactory.

Mae ein sefyllfa bresennol yn anfoddhaol oherwydd gwneir nifer sylweddol o benodiadau newydd i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi o dan nawdd y Prif Weinidog. Bu 227 o benodiadau ers 1997. O’r rheini, dim ond saith sydd o Gymru. Mae hynny’n anfoddhaol. Mae 117 o Lundain, sydd yn anfoddhaol iawn.

The proposals that have been put forward by my party at Westminster—and they are for consideration by a joint committee of the House of Commons and House of Lords—provide for three members to be elected from each local authority throughout the country. That would benefit Wales because our local authorities tend to be much smaller in terms of population. The proposals that are being put forward by the Conservatives at Westminster are worth serious consideration because, somewhat like the US Senate, they favour those areas that are not as densely populated, such as Wales and Scotland. The proposals also cement and underpin democracy in a devolved settlement by allowing a disproportionate number of members from, in this case, Scotland and, presumably, Northern Ireland and Wales, to a second chamber. That is vital. The current system of appointing all of them is deeply unsatisfactory and is, in many ways, worse than a hereditary system—

Mae’r cynigion a gyflwynwyd gan fy mhlaid yn San Steffan—ac maent i’w hystyried gan gydbwyllgor Tŷ’r Cyffredin a Thŷ’r Arglwyddi—yn darparu ar gyfer ethol tri aelod o bob awdurdod lleol ledled y wlad. Byddai Cymru’n elwa ar hynny oherwydd tuedda ein hawdurdodau lleol i fod yn llawer llai o ran poblogaeth. Mae’r cynigion a gyflwynir gan y Ceidwadwyr yn San Steffan yn werth eu hystyried o ddifrif oherwydd, yn lled debyg i Senedd yr UD, maent yn ffafrio’r ardaloedd hynny nad ydynt mor drwchus eu poblogaeth, fel Cymru a’r Alban. Mae’r cynigion hefyd yn cadarnhau ac yn ategu democratiaeth mewn setliad datganoledig drwy ganiatáu nifer anghymesur o aelodau o, yn yr achos hwn, yr Alban, ac yn ôl pob tebyg, Iwerddon a Chymru, i ail siambr. Mae hynny’n hollbwysig. Mae’r system bresennol o benodi’r holl aelodau yn anfoddhaol iawn ac mewn sawl ffordd yn waeth na system etifeddol—

Tom Middlehurst spoken in English p. 72

Tom Middlehurst siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 72

How exactly?

Sut yn union?

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 72

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 72

In the sense that a hereditary system does not depend on present patronage. Occasionally, you may get people who have—[Interruption.] I do not want a hereditary system, but if we have a patronage system as we do now, we will face the same situation that we currently face in Wales. Since 1997, 227 members have been appointed to the House of Lords, yet only seven are from Wales. That is deeply unsatisfactory. It is not the fault of a Conservative Government, Tom; it is the fault of a Labour Government. What I want—[Interruption.] I am happy to give way if you want to speak, Tom.

Yn yr ystyr nad yw system etifeddol yn dibynnu ar nawdd presennol. Yn achlysurol, fe gewch bobl sydd—[Torri ar draws.] Nid wyf am gael system etifeddol, ond os cawn system nawdd fel sydd gennym ar hyn o bryd, byddwn yn wynebu’r un sefyllfa a wynebwn ar hyn o bryd yng Nghymru. Ers 1997, penodwyd 227 o aelodau i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi, ac eto dim ond saith sydd o Gymru. Mae hynny’n anfoddhaol iawn. Nid bai Llywodraeth Geidwadol yw hyn, Tom; bai Llywodraeth Lafur ydyw. Yr hyn yr wyf am ei gael—[Torri ar draws.] Yr wyf yn fodlon ildio os ydych am siarad, Tom.

I want a substantially elected system. It is a democratic system. It should not be on the same electoral cycle as the house of Commons as that would merely reflect the pattern of elections to that House. This matter must be spun out in wider discussion. I disagree with my party’s proposals in one respect, in that I do not see any reason why people should not seek re-election. That is a matter for the electorate. Our party proposes that that should not be the case, and that appointment of the nominated element should also be only for 15 years. I have concerns about that.

Yr wyf am gael system etholedig yn bennaf. Mae’n system ddemocrataidd. Ni ddylai fod ar yr un cylch etholiadol â Thŷ’r Cyffredin gan y byddai hynny ond yn adlewyrchu patrwm yr etholiadau i’r tŷ hwnnw. Rhaid trafod y mater hwn yn ehangach. Anghytunaf ag un agwedd ar gynigion fy mhlaid, gan na welaf unrhyw reswm pam na ddylai pobl geisio cael eu hailethol. Mae hynny’n fater i’r etholwyr. Cynigia ein plaid nad fel hyn y dylai fod, ac y dylai penodiad yr elfen a enwebwyd barhau am 15 mlynedd yn unig. Mae gennyf bryderon ynglŷn â hynny.

However, I believe that it is right to have a substantial number of elected members. The only reason for not having a house that is totally elected is because we need the law lords present. We also need religious leaders present. Membership should not be limited to bishops—and certainly not to bishops from England only. However, a nominated element is needed to appoint religious leaders and law lords to the House of Lords. Other than that, we need a substantial democratically elected element. That is why I propose amendment 1 in the name of Jonathan Morgan.

Fodd bynnag, credaf ei bod yn iawn cael nifer sylweddol o aelodau etholedig. Yr unig reswm dros beidio â chael tŷ sydd wedi ei ethol yn gyfan gwbl yw am fod arnom angen presenoldeb yr arglwyddi cyfraith. Mae arnom angen presenoldeb yr arweinwyr crefyddol hefyd. Ni ddylid cyfyngu aelodaeth i esgobion—ac yn sicr nid i esgobion o Loegr yn unig. Fodd bynnag, mae angen elfen a enwebir er mwyn penodi arweinwyr crefyddol ac arglwyddi cyfraith i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Heblaw hynny, mae arnom angen elfen sylweddol a etholwyd yn ddemocrataidd. Dyna pam y cynigiaf welliant 1 yn enw Jonathan Morgan.

Jocelyn Davies spoken in English p. 73

Jocelyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 73

Reform of the House of Lords is well overdue, and its current position is unacceptable. It no longer commands the respect that it once did and it is not generally regarded as a legitimate second chamber. It lacks accountability and a mandate to legislate.

Mae’n hen bryd diwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi, ac nid yw ei sefyllfa bresennol yn dderbyniol. Nid yw bellach yn cael y parch a gafodd gynt ac ni chaiff ei hystyried yn gyffredinol yn ail siambr ddilys. Nid oes ganddo atebolrwydd na mandad i ddeddfu.

Talk of reform must acknowledge some of the virtues of having a second chamber, and we have heard of some today. For example, a second chamber can carry out the essential role of delaying and revising legislation, and can give detailed scrutiny to legislation that may have been rushed through the House of Commons. Also, uncontroversial Bills—as Nick said—can be introduced through the upper house at the beginning of a parliamentary session when there is no legislation to scrutinise. Currently, the Lords can veto any attempt by a government to extend its parliament beyond five years.

Rhaid i’r sôn am ddiwygio gydnabod rhai o rinweddau cael ail siambr, a chlywsom rai heddiw. Er enghraifft, gall ail siambr gyflawni rôl hanfodol oedi a diwygio deddfwriaeth, a gall graffu’n fanwl ar ddeddfwriaeth a gafodd ei rhuthro drwy Dŷ’r Cyffredin efallai. Hefyd, gellir cyflwyno Mesurau annadleuol—fel y dywedodd Nick—drwy’r uwch dŷ ar ddechrau sesiwn seneddol pan nad oes unrhyw ddeddfwriaeth i graffu arni. Ar hyn o bryd, gall yr Arglwyddi nacáu unrhyw ymgais gan lywodraeth i ymestyn ei senedd y tu hwnt i bum mlynedd.

In a modern democracy, we should look for more than those advantages from a second chamber. It is vital that it has democratic legitimacy, and that its members are accountable to the electorate. It is also crucial that no one political party be able to hold a majority all of the time. The Conservative Party’s ability to dominate the House of Lords for a century is unacceptable.

Mewn democratiaeth fodern, dylem ddisgwyl i ail siambr gynnig mwy na’r manteision hynny. Mae’n hollbwysig bod ganddi ddilysrwydd democrataidd, a bod ei haelodau’n atebol i’r etholwyr. Mae’n hollbwysig hefyd na all un blaid wleidyddol ddal y mwyafrif drwy gydol yr amser. Mae gallu’r Blaid Geidwadol i dra-arglwyddiaethu ar Dŷ’r Arglwyddi am ganrif yn annerbyniol.

Jonathan Morgan a gododd—

Jonathan Morgan rose—

Jocelyn Davies spoken in English p. 73

Jocelyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 73

No, I will not give way. [Interruption.] Very well, Jonathan.

Na, nid ildiaf. [Torri ar draws.] O’r gorau, Jonathan.

Jonathan Morgan spoken in English p. 73

Jonathan Morgan siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 73

I accept that Conservative Party members dominated the House of Lords for a long time. However, will you accept that Mrs Thatcher, during her reign as Prime Minister, suffered a huge number of defeats in the House of Lords? As a result of the independence of that chamber, even with a Conservative majority, the Government could be held to account.

Derbyniaf fod aelodau’r Blaid Geidwadol wedi tra-arglwyddiaethu ar Dŷ’r Arglwyddi am amser hir. Fodd bynnag, a dderbyniwch fod Mrs Thatcher, yn ystod ei theyrnasiad fel Prif Weinidog, wedi cael ei threchu nifer fawr iawn o weithiau yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi? O ganlyniad i annibyniaeth y siambr honno, hyd yn oed gyda mwyafrif o Geidwadwyr, gellid dwyn y Llywodraeth i gyfrif.

Jocelyn Davies spoken in English p. 73

Jocelyn Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 73

Given that the members were there by virtue of birth or patronage, the chamber lacked the authority to do that. Who now would say that Jeffrey Archer is a suitable lawmaker, rather than a law-breaker?

O gofio bod yr aelodau yno drwy rinwedd genedigaeth neu nawdd, nid oedd gan y siambr yr awdurdod i wneud hynny. Pwy fyddai’n dweud yn awr bod Jeffrey Archer yn berson addas i ddeddfu ac yntau’n droseddwr?

Plaid Cymru—The Party of Wales is clear that a fully elected upper house is the best option. It would then be confident enough to hold the executive in the House of Commons to account. Direct election is also the most popular basis for membership of second chambers around the world.

Mae Plaid Cymru—The Party of Wales yn bendant mai uwch dŷ wedi ei ethol yn llawn yw’r opsiwn gorau. Yna byddai’n ddigon hyderus i ddwyn y weithrediaeth yn Nhŷ’r Cyffredin i gyfrif. Ethol uniongyrchol yw’r sail fwyaf poblogaidd hefyd ar gyfer aelodaeth ail siambrau ledled y byd.

The Government’s proposals, as they stand, do not go far enough. It again demonstrates its minimalist approach to constitutional reform. It even proposes that we continue to call it ‘the Lords’, and that is also unacceptable. The law lords and bishops would continue to hold office there, with speaking and voting rights. No other major democracy allows its highest standing judges to sit on its legislature. As our courts now hear human rights and devolution cases, the fact that judges are members of the legislature is untenable. The Lord Chancellor is a Minister, a legislator and a judge. That is unique to the UK. The potential for a conflict of interest is too great, and it is time that the law lords left the legislature. The presence of the bishops harks back to the Middle Ages.

Nid yw cynigion y Llywodraeth, fel y maent ar hyn o bryd, yn mynd yn ddigon pell. Unwaith eto, dengys ei hymagwedd leiafsymiol tuag at ddiwygio cyfansoddiadol. Mae hyd yn oed yn cynnig ein bod yn parhau i’w alw ‘yr Arglwyddi’, ac mae hynny hefyd yn annerbyniol. Byddai arglwyddi cyfraith ac esgobion yn parhau i ddal swyddi yno, gyda hawliau siarad a phleidleisio. Nid oes unrhyw ddemocratiaeth fawr arall yn caniatáu i’w farnwyr pennaf eistedd ar ei deddfwrfa. Gan fod ein llysoedd yn gwrando ar achosion hawliau dynol a datganoli yn awr, mae’r ffaith bod barnwyr yn aelodau o’r ddeddfwrfa yn annaliadwy. Mae’r Arglwydd Ganghellor yn Weinidog, yn ddeddfwr ac yn farnwr. Mae hynny’n unigryw i’r DU. Mae’r potensial am wrthdaro buddiannau yn rhy fawr, ac mae’n bryd i’r arglwyddi cyfraith adael y ddeddfwrfa. Mae presenoldeb yr esgobion yn mynd yn ôl i’r Oesoedd Canol.

The current proposals are a step in the right direction, but are too small a step. These proposals are not radical and they merely tinker with a system that is crying out for radical reform. We need reform that gives us an upper house that is directly elected in full—without bishops or law lords—that can legislate legitimately, can scrutinise to provide checks and balances against an over-powerful executive, and which is not called ‘the Lords’. Any measures falling short of that will not be sustainable.

Mae’r cynigion presennol yn gam i’r cyfeiriad cywir, ond maent yn gam rhy fach. Nid yw’r cynigion hyn yn radical a’r cyfan a wnânt yw ymhel â system y mae angen ei diwygio’n ddybryd. Mae angen diwygiad arnom sy’n rhoi uwch dŷ i ni a etholir yn uniongyrchol yn llawn—heb esgobion nac arglwyddi cyfraith—a all ddeddfu â dilysrwydd, a all graffu i ddarparu rhwystrau a gwrthbwysau yn erbyn gweithrediaeth or-rymus, ac nad adwaenir fel ‘yr Arglwyddi’. Ni fydd unrhyw fesurau sy’n methu â chyflawni hynny yn gynaliadwy.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 74

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 74

Before I call Michael German to speak, it is my pleasant duty to welcome to our Assembly a parliamentary delegation from Ljubljana in the Republic of Slovenia. I hope you have a successful visit to Wales. [Applause.]

Cyn imi alw ar Michael German i siarad, fy nyletswydd bleserus yw croesawu dirprwyaeth seneddol o Ljubljana yng Ngweriniaeth Slofenia i’n Cynulliad. Gobeithio y cewch ymweliad llwyddiannus â Chymru. [Cymeradwyaeth.]

Michael German spoken in English p. 75

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 75

First, I welcome the opportunity for the National Assembly to have its say on the reform of the House of Lords. I also welcome the way that the Government—

Yn gyntaf, croesawaf y cyfle i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol fynegi ei farn ar ddiwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi. Croesawaf hefyd y modd y mae’r Llywodraeth—

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 75

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 75

Order. John Griffiths, you cannot stand about in the Chamber. Please go to the far end.

Trefn. John Griffiths, ni allwch sefyllian yn y Siambr. Ewch i’r pen pellaf.

Michael German spoken in English p. 75

Michael German siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 75

I also welcome the way that the Government has invited us to state our views. There are many views on this, but a consensus is forming between the political parties here that the current situation in relation to appointing members to the House of Lords is inappropriate. Many views are also held on the House of Lords falling into disrepute. I will not mention Austin Mitchell’s view of the House of Lords, as it is probably too inelegant. However, Clement Attlee once likened the House of Lords to a glass of champagne that had been left standing for five days. Perhaps that is more appropriate.

Croesawaf hefyd y ffordd y mae’r Llywodraeth wedi ein gwahodd i nodi ein barn. Mae sawl barn ar hyn, ond mae consensws yn datblygu rhwng y pleidiau gwleidyddol yma bod y sefyllfa bresennol mewn perthynas â phenodi aelodau i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi yn amhriodol. Arddelir sawl barn ar Dŷ’r Arglwyddi yn colli bri. Ni soniaf am farn Austin Mitchell ar Dŷ’r Arglwyddi, gan nad yw’n barchus iawn. Fodd bynnag, cymharodd Clement Attlee Dŷ’r Arglwyddi unwaith â gwydraid o siampên a adawyd i sefyll am bum niwrnod. Efallai fod hynny’n fwy priodol.

As a party, we want an end to party political appointments. That is a long-standing commitment. I welcome the Conservatives joining us in that stance, and there is, increasingly, a consensus on that across the country. That is why, in response to the Government’s commission, we called for a wholly elected second chamber. The concept of a wholly separate and directly-elected second body is not inconsistent with the tension of powers between two bodies. We believe that a separate supreme court needs to be established in the United Kingdom to remove the law lords element, which many people have mentioned.

Fel plaid, yr ydym am ddod â phenodiadau pleidiol i ben. Mae hynny’n ymrwymiad hirsefydlog. Croesawaf y ffaith fod y Ceidwadwyr o’r un farn â ni, a bod consensws yn gynyddol ar hynny ledled y wlad. Dyna pam, mewn ymateb i gomisiwn y Llywodraeth, y bu inni alw am ail siambr wedi ei hethol yn llawn. Nid yw cysyniad ail gorff hollol ar wahân ac wedi ei ethol yn uniongyrchol yn anghyson â thensiwn y pwerau rhwng dau gorff. Credwn fod angen sefydlu goruchaf lys ar wahân yn y Deyrnas Unedig i ddileu elfen yr arglwyddi cyfraith, y soniodd sawl un amdani.

Fundamental to all these proposals is the fact that direct elections are the surest way of representing people’s views. That goes right to the heart of a democratic structure. We already have a structure for electing people in Wales. Those who say that we cannot have one elected body set against another should reflect on the fact that in Wales we elect Members to the European Parliament, and we elect Members to this National Assembly. There is a natural tension between those bodies and other elected partnerships.

Mae’r ffaith mai etholiadau uniongyrchol yw’r ffordd sicraf o gynrychioli safbwyntiau pobl yn sylfaenol i’r holl gynigion hyn. Dyna sydd wrth wraidd strwythur democrataidd. Mae gennym strwythur eisoes ar gyfer ethol pobl yng Nghymru. Dylai’r rheini sy’n dweud na allwn gael un corff etholedig wedi ei osod yn erbyn un arall ystyried y modd yr ydym ni yng Nghymru yn ethol Aelodau i Senedd Ewrop, ac yn ethol Aelodau i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol hwn. Mae tensiwn naturiol rhwng y cyrff hynny a phartneriaethau etholedig eraill.

We need to have a directly elected second chamber. I believe that the name is inappropriate. If we are moving towards a greater element of directly elected members, the name is important. I would like to reflect on whether it should be called a senate or whatever, but we need another name.

Mae angen inni gael ail siambr wedi ei hethol yn uniongyrchol. Credaf fod yr enw yn amhriodol. Os ydym yn symud tuag at elfen fwy o aelodau wedi eu hethol yn uniongyrchol, mae’r enw yn bwysig. Hoffwn ystyried a ddylai gael ei alw yn senedd neu beth bynnag, ond mae angen enw arall arnom.

The issue that Rhodri raised about tradition not helping us is important. We should look, not to the second chambers of the past, but to those of the newer world and new democracies. For example, in Spain the newly-established second chamber has 208 directly elected members, and 48 members nominated by regional bodies. Therefore, perhaps a model already exists in Europe from one of the emerging democracies of recent years that could help us in this matter.

Mae’r mater a gododd Rhodri, sef nad yw traddodiad yn ein helpu, yn bwysig. Dylem edrych, nid ar ail siambrau’r gorffennol, ond ar rai’r byd mwy modern a democratiaethau newydd. Er enghraifft, yn Sbaen mae gan yr ail siambr newydd 208 o aelodau a etholwyd yn uniongyrchol, a 48 o aelodau a enwebwyd gan gyrff rhanbarthol. Felly, efallai fod model eisoes yn bodoli yn Ewrop o un o’r democratiaethau a ddaeth i’r amlwg yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf a allai ein helpu yn hyn o beth.

The proposals contained in the UK Government’s White Paper ‘The House of Lords: Completing the Reform’ are not sustainable. The proposal to directly elect only 20 per cent of the members of a reformed House of Lords is disappointing and unacceptable. That would not gain public confidence, nor would it make the upper house democratically accountable or transparent in its dealings. Accusations of cronyism are levelled at the house at all levels and, if a majority of the members were nominated by political parties as the White Paper proposes, those accusations would continue. That is why we believe that the House of Lords should be replaced with a directly elected second chamber, with representatives from Wales and the other nations and regions of the UK. On that basis, we will support the Conservatives’ amendment.

Nid yw’r cynigion ym Mhapur Gwyn Llywodraeth y DU ‘The House of Lords: Completing the Reform’ yn gynaliadwy. Mae’r cynnig i ethol yn uniongyrchol dim ond 20 y cant o aelodau Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar ei newydd wedd yn siomedig ac yn annerbyniol. Ni fyddai hynny’n ennill hyder y cyhoedd, nac yn gwneud yr uwch dŷ yn ddemocrataidd atebol nac yn dryloyw yn y modd y gweithreda. Cyhuddir y tŷ o ffrindgarwch ar bob lefel a, phe bai mwyafrif yr aelodau yn cael eu henwebu gan bleidiau gwleidyddol fel y cynigia’r Papur Gwyn, byddai’r cyhuddiadau hynny’n parhau. Dyna pam y credwn y dylai ail siambr wedi ei hethol yn uniongyrchol gymryd lle Tŷ’r Arglwyddi, gyda chynrychiolwyr o Gymru a gwledydd a rhanbarthau eraill y DU. Ar y sail honno, cefnogwn welliant y Ceidwadwyr.

If political appointments to the House of Lords are to be retained, they should be limited to a maximum of 20 per cent, with 80 per cent elected. The upper house would then be representative, authoritative and effective because the vast majority of its members would be directly elected through the Welsh mechanism.

Os cedwir penodiadau gwleidyddol i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi, dylid eu cyfyngu i uchafswm o 20 y cant, gydag 80 y cant yn cael eu hethol. Yna byddai’r uwch dŷ yn gynrychioliadol, awdurdodol ac effeithiol oherwydd byddai mwyafrif helaeth ei aelodau yn cael eu hethol yn uniongyrchol drwy fecanwaith Cymru.

If the Government were to pursue having 20 per cent of Members appointed, appointments should be made through and by the National Assembly for Wales, but not from its membership. For democratic reasons, and given the size of the National Assembly, it would not be desirable to require that members appointed from Wales should come from the National Assembly for Wales. Generally, we do not support a dual mandate in legislatures, because that is probably how conflict is created.

Pe bai’r Llywodraeth yn ceisio penodi 20 y cant o’r Aelodau, dylai penodiadau gael eu gwneud drwy a chan Gynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru, ond nid o’i aelodaeth. Am resymau democrataidd, ac o gofio maint y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, ni fyddai’n ddymunol mynnu bod aelodau a benodir o Gymru yn dod o Gynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru. Yn gyffredinol, ni chefnogwn fandad deuol mewn deddfwrfeydd, oherwydd dyna sut y crëir gwrthdaro mae’n siŵr.

An interesting point was raised on the frequency of elections. If we are to directly elect Welsh members of the reformed House of Lords, it would make sense for those regional elections to be held on the same day as elections to the National Assembly for Wales. They would then follow our cycle and truly represent the views of the people of Wales.

Codwyd pwynt diddorol am amlder etholiadau. Os etholwn yn uniongyrchol aelodau Cymreig Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar ei ffurf ddiwygiedig, byddai’n gwneud synnwyr i’r etholiadau rhanbarthol hynny gael eu cynnal ar yr un diwrnod ag etholiadau i Gynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru. Yna byddent yn dilyn ein cylch ni ac yn wirioneddol yn cynrychioli barn pobl Cymru.

We have no problem with the democracy issue, and I do not think that the Assembly would find that problematic. However, I would advise the UK Government that if only one-fifth of the House of Lords is democratically elected, this issue will remain a thorn in the side of the British constitution. It will be unfinished business, and will leave us with an unstable constitutional settlement. In the National Assembly, we know how an unstable constitutional settlement affects the way we behave. If a majority of the membership is appointed and not elected, it simply means that the political establishment is rigging the system, and the democratic deficit will continue to be a national scandal.

Nid yw’r mater o ddemocratiaeth yn broblem inni, ac ni chredaf y byddai hynny’n broblem i’r Cynulliad. Fodd bynnag, dywedwn wrth Lywodraeth y DU, os mai dim ond pumed rhan o Dŷ’r Arglwyddi a etholir yn ddemocrataidd, pery’r mater hwn yn ddraenen yn ystlys cyfansoddiad Prydain. Bydd yn fusnes anorffenedig, a chawn ein gadael gyda setliad cyfansoddiadol ansefydlog. Yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, gwyddom y modd yr effeithia setliad cyfansoddiadol ansefydlog ar y ffordd yr ydym yn ymddwyn. Os caiff y mwyafrif o’r aelodau eu penodi ac nid eu hethol, golyga’n syml fod y sefydliad gwleidyddol yn twyllo’r system, a bydd y diffyg democrataidd yn parhau i fod yn warth cenedlaethol.

David Melding spoken in English p. 77

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 77

The reform of the House of Lords is an important subject, and I am pleased that we have been given time to discuss it in the National Assembly. I have enjoyed the speeches so far. The First Minister made a thoughtful, interesting and, at times, candid speech, and I welcome his approach to this important issue.

Mae diwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi yn bwnc pwysig, ac yr wyf yn falch ein bod wedi cael amser i’w drafod yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Yr wyf wedi mwynhau’r areithiau hyd yn hyn. Gwnaeth y Prif Weinidog araith feddylgar, ddiddorol ac ar adegau, didwyll, a chroesawaf ei ymagwedd tuag at y mater pwysig hwn.

I also enjoyed listening to the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat group, and agreed with much of what he said. I did not quite understand his champagne simile, but I assure him that in the Conservative Party, champagne is certainly not left hanging around for five days without being drunk. However, I agree with many of the principles that he was promoting.

Mwynheais wrando hefyd ar arweinydd grŵp Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru, a chytunaf â llawer o’r hyn a ddywedodd. Nid oeddwn yn llwyr ddeall ei gyffelybiaeth yn ymwneud â siampên, ond hoffwn ei sicrhau nas gadewir siampên heb ei yfed am bum niwrnod yn y Blaid Geidwadol. Fodd bynnag, cytunaf â llawer o’r egwyddorion yr oedd yn eu hyrwyddo.

It is essential that the reformed House of Lords reflects the devolution settlement. We could do that in many ways. We could either directly elect one of our Members, which would increase the burden of workload on that particular Member, or we could nominate someone from Welsh public life to liase with the Assembly, to promote the interests of Wales and to protect the devolution settlement in the House of Lords. That would be useful.

Mae’n hanfodol bod Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar ei ffurf ddiwygiedig yn adlewyrchu’r setliad datganoli. Gallem wneud hynny mewn sawl ffordd. Gallem naill ai ethol un o’n Haelodau yn uniongyrchol, a fyddai’n cynyddu baich gwaith yr Aelod penodol hwnnw, neu gallem enwebu rhywun o fywyd cyhoeddus Cymru i gysylltu â’r Cynulliad, hyrwyddo buddiannau Cymru a diogelu’r setliad datganoli yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi. Byddai hynny’n ddefnyddiol.

We now need a substantially elected house in our parliamentary system. We must face the fact that, through a process of constitutional evolution, and because of the demands of modern government, we have ended up with a powerful prime minister, who is part of the House of Commons. In many ways, that is not an ideal constitutional system. It can mean that a powerful prime minister can overwhelm some of the authority of the House of Commons, and inhibit it in exercising some of its prerogatives and powers. If we had an elected House of Lords, its powers would be more readily used when appropriate, and it would be strengthened in referring some matters back to the House of Commons. In turn, that could act as a buttress for the powers and prerogatives of the House of Commons, and would perhaps give a prime minister more cause for caution in certain areas. I would like that.

Mae angen tŷ arnom yn ein system seneddol erbyn hyn sydd wedi ei ethol i raddau helaeth. Rhaid inni wynebu’r ffaith, o ganlyniad i broses o ddatblygiad cyfansoddiadol, ac oherwydd galwadau llywodraeth fodern, fod gennym brif weinidog pwerus yn awr, sy’n rhan o Dŷ’r Cyffredin. Mewn sawl ffordd, nid yw hynny’n system gyfansoddiadol ddelfrydol. Gall olygu y gall prif weinidog pwerus fod yn drech nac awdurdod Tŷ’r Cyffredin i raddau, ac y gall rwystro’r Tŷ rhag ymarfer rhai o’i hawliau a’i uchelfreintiau. Pe baem wedi ethol Tŷ’r Arglwyddi, câi ei bwerau eu defnyddio mwy pan fyddai hynny’n briodol, a byddai’n cael ei gryfhau drwy gyfeirio rhai materion yn ôl i Dŷ’r Cyffredin. Yn ei dro, gallai hynny ddiogelu pwerau ac uchelfreintiau Tŷ’r Cyffredin, a byddai’n rhoi mwy o achos efallai i brif weinidog bwyllo mwy mewn rhai meysydd. Byddwn yn dymuno hynny.

We either elect members directly or indirectly, or we rely on nomination. Nomination weakens a parliamentary institution. In many ways, it is our equivalent of the hereditary principle that was first developed in the eleventh century. It is not an ideal way of creating members of the House of Lords. It has its place, but should be used sparingly. Certainly, over 50 per cent of the members ought to be elected in some way.

Yr ydym naill ai yn ethol aelodau yn uniongyrchol neu’n anuniongyrchol, neu y dibynnwn ar enwebu. Mae enwebu yn gwanhau sefydliad seneddol. Mewn sawl ffordd, mae’n cyfateb â’r egwyddor etifeddol a ddatblygwyd am y tro cyntaf yn yr unfed ganrif ar ddeg. Nid yw’n ffordd ddelfrydol o greu aelodau Tŷ’r Arglwyddi. Mae iddo ei le, ond dylid ei ddefnyddio yn gynnil. Yn sicr, dylai mwy na 50 y cant o’r aelodau gael eu hethol rhywsut.

The relationship with the House of Commons is crucial. We cannot ignore the fact that if we have a directly, frequently and completely elected House of Lords it will create a competitor institution to the House of Commons. That would be disastrous to our constitution and we must avoid it at all costs. There are ways of avoiding that. You could have direct but disproportionate elections. One way of doing that would be to have three elected members from each county, which would not create parity across the country in terms of the number of people required to elect each member of the House of Lords. You could have long terms, whereby each elected member would be elected for 10 or 15 years. I would agree with a long term if members were not allowed to be re-elected; if you could be elected once for a term of 15 years, that would mean a high level of independence from the party whip. That would be quite a good factor in our system. However, it would weaken that institution in comparison with the House of Commons. The House of Commons would retain its character as the directly, frequently elected voice of the people. That must be preserved.

Mae’r berthynas â Thŷ’r Cyffredin yn hollbwysig. Ni allwn anwybyddu’r ffaith, os cawn Dŷ’r Arglwyddi a etholir yn uniongyrchol, yn aml ac yn llwyr, y bydd yn creu sefydliad i gystadlu â Thŷ’r Cyffredin. Byddai hynny’n drychinebus i’n cyfansoddiad a rhaid inni ei osgoi ar bob cyfrif. Mae sawl ffordd o osgoi hynny. Gallech gael etholiadau uniongyrchol ond anghymesur. Un ffordd o wneud hynny fyddai cael tri aelod etholedig o bob sir, na fyddai’n creu cydraddoldeb ledled y wlad o ran nifer y bobl sy’n ofynnol i ethol pob aelod o Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Gallech gael tymhorau hir, lle y câi pob aelod etholedig ei ethol am 10 neu 15 mlynedd. Byddwn yn cytuno â thymor hir pe na chaniateid i aelodau gael eu hail-ethol; pe gallech gael eich ethol unwaith am dymor o 15 mlynedd, byddai hynny’n golygu cryn dipyn o annibyniaeth chwip y blaid. Byddai hynny’n ffactor eithaf da yn ein system. Fodd bynnag, byddai’n gwanhau’r sefydliad hwnnw o’i gymharu â Thŷ’r Cyffredin. Byddai Tŷ’r Cyffredin yn cadw ei gymeriad fel llais y bobl a etholir yn uniongyrchol ac yn aml. Rhaid diogelu hynny.

In terms of what you call the chambers, I remind Members that if you do away with the name ‘the House of Lords’, you must do away with the name ‘the House of Commons’. It is illogical, if you do away with a name referring to peers, to retain that referring to the common estate. If we are to move away from these medieval distinctions, we must do so comprehensively. I think that you can have a House of Lords and call it that. I do not believe that it ought to be linked to a peerage; there should be ‘Members of the House of Lords’. You could then use peerages as we currently use knighthoods, as a form of honour to be bestowed upon certain people. I do not see any difficulty in using the antiquated name ‘the House of Lords’, just as we use the antiquated name ‘the House of Commons’.

O ran yr hyn a alwch y siambrau, hoffwn atgoffa’r Aelodau, pe baech yn dileu enw ‘Tŷ’r Arglwyddi’, byddai’n rhaid ichi ddileu’r enw ‘Tŷ’r Cyffredin’. Mae’n afresymol cadw enw sy’n cyfeirio at yr ystad gyffredin a dileu enw sy’n cyfeirio at arglwyddi. Er mwyn symud i ffwrdd oddi wrth y gwahaniaethau canoloesol hyn, rhaid inni wneud hynny mewn modd cynhwysfawr. Credaf y gallwch gael Tŷ’r Arglwyddi a’i alw wrth yr enw hwnnw. Ni chredaf y dylid ei gysylltu ag arglwyddiaeth; dylid cael ‘Aelodau o Dŷ’r Arglwyddi’. Gallech ddefnyddio arglwyddiaethau wedyn yn yr un modd ag y defnyddiwn urddau marchog ar hyn o bryd, fel anrhydedd a gyflwynir i rai pobl. Ni welaf unrhyw anhawster mewn defnyddio’r enw hynafol ‘Tŷ’r Arglwyddi’, yn yr un modd ag y defnyddiwn yr enw hynafol ‘Tŷ’r Cyffredin’.

Finally, I believe that faith communities ought to be represented in the House of Lords. I often make the point that I welcome the fact that there are bishops in the House of Lords. In my view they are the wrong bishops, but if the Roman Catholic hierarchy cannot be there, I would rather that the Church of England’s bishops were there than not. In a modern society we could address that issue less frivolously, and have representatives of all faiths of substance in this country nominated to serve in the House of Lords.

I gloi, credaf y dylai cymunedau ffydd gael eu cynrychioli yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi. Yn aml gwnaf y pwynt fy mod yn croesawu’r ffaith bod esgobion yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi. Yn fy marn i, yr esgobion anghywir ydynt, ond os na all yr hierarchaeth Babyddol fod yno, byddai’n well gennyf weld esgobion Eglwys Loegr yno na neb o gwbl. Mewn cymdeithas fodern gallem ymdrin â’r mater hwnnw yn llai gwamal, gan enwebu cynrychiolwyr o bob ffydd o sylwedd yn y wlad hon i wasanaethu yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 80

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 80

One hundred years ago, the first ever Labour MP for Wales, Keir Hardie, campaigned for votes for women, a national minimum wage, the removal of hereditary peers, and parliaments for Wales and his native Scotland. He was, of course, opposed by the forces of conservatism.

Gan mlynedd yn ôl, ymgyrchodd AS Llafur cyntaf Cymru, Keir Hardie, dros gael pleidleisiau i ferched, isafswm cyflog cenedlaethol, dileu arglwyddi etifeddol, a seneddau i Gymru a’r Alban, sef ei wlad enedigol. Wrth gwrs, gwrthwynebwyd ef gan rymoedd ceidwadaeth.

David Davies spoken in English p. 80

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 80

I point out that full votes for women came in 1928, under the Conservatives. I also point out that the suffragette movement, in at least one conference in the early 1900s, supported the Conservative Party, which was doing far more to promote equality than the Labour Party, who opposed it.

Nodaf fod pleidleisiau llawn i ferched wedi’u cyflwyno yn 1928, o dan y Ceidwadwyr. Nodaf hefyd fod mudiad y swffragetiaid, mewn un gynhadledd o leiaf ar ddechrau’r 1900, wedi cefnogi’r Blaid Geidwadol, a oedd yn gwneud llawer mwy i hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb na’r Blaid Lafur a oedd yn ei wrthwynebu.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 80

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 80

In recent years—[Interruption.]

Yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf—[Torri ar draws.]

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 80

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 80

Order. I want to hear what you have to say, Alun. This is an important debate and I ask Members to calm down.

Trefn. Yr wyf am glywed yr hyn sydd gennych i’w ddweud, Alun. Mae hon yn ddadl bwysig a gofynnaf i’r Aelodau ymdawelu.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 80

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 80

In recent years the Conservatives voted against the minimum wage and the creation of the Assembly, and their predecessors attempted to block votes for women and any attempts to reform the House of Lords. To be fair, we have seen changes in Conservative policies, but they have some way to go before they could describe themselves as the sons of Keir Hardie—a few daughters of Keir Hardie would be a welcome addition on your benches.

Yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf pleidleisiodd y Ceidwadwyr yn erbyn yr isafswm cyflog a chreu’r Cynulliad, a cheisiodd eu rhagflaenwyr rwystro pleidleisiau i ferched ac unrhyw ymdrechion i ddiwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi. A bod yn deg, gwelsom newidiadau ym mholisïau’r Ceidwadwyr ond mae tipyn o ffordd i fynd cyn y gallant ddisgrifio eu hunain fel meibion Keir Hardie—byddai rhai o ferched Keir Hardie yn ychwanegiad i’w groesawu ar eich meinciau.

The majority of members of the new House of Lords need to be elected. I fail to see how any legislature can be constituted on a basis other than elections in a democratic society. However, in the absence of a written constitution, a wholly elected House of Lords would be a recipe for legislative stalemate.

Mae angen ethol mwyafrif aelodau Tŷ’r Arglwyddi newydd. Methaf â gweld sut y gall unrhyw ddeddfwrfa gael ei chyfansoddi ar sail heblaw etholiadau mewn cymdeithas ddemocrataidd. Fodd bynnag, gan nad oes cyfansoddiad ysgrifenedig, byddai Tŷ’r Arglwyddi wedi ei ethol yn llawn yn ffordd sicr o greu anghytundeb llwyr yn ddeddfwriaethol.

Reserved places in a legislature for senior members of one branch of one church in one nation has its origins in British history, and the past is where such practices belong. We live in a society populated by people of all faiths and none, and our political systems should reflect that.

Mae lleoedd cadw mewn deddfwrfa ar gyfer uwch aelodau un gangen o un eglwys mewn un wlad â’i wreiddiau yn hanes Prydain a’r gorffennol yw’r man lle y mae’r fath arfer yn perthyn. Yr ydym yn byw mewn cymdeithas yn llawn pobl o bob ffydd a dim ffydd, a dylai ein systemau gwleidyddol adlewyrchu hynny.

David Melding spoken in English p. 81

David Melding siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

Having bishops sitting in the House of Lords goes back to before the reformation. Before then, there was only one faith in this country, the catholic and apostolic faith. In modern society, there is a range of faiths, which we should reflect. However, when it was done, it reflected the only religion in town.

Mae cael esgobion yn eistedd yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi yn mynd yn ôl at gyfnod cyn y diwygiad. Cyn hynny, dim ond un ffydd oedd yn y wlad hon, y ffydd gatholig ac apostolaidd. Mewn cymdeithas fodern, mae sawl math o ffydd, a dylem eu hadlewyrchu. Fodd bynnag, pan gafodd ei greu, adlewyrchai’r unig grefydd a oedd yn bod.

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 81

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

You are correct; it was the only religion in town. It is a historical development, and the past is where such practice belongs. It is unrealistic to have members of one faith represented and not members of all faiths or none.

Yr ydych yn gywir; honno oedd yr unig grefydd a fodolai. Mae’n ddatblygiad hanesyddol, a’r gorffennol yw’r man lle mae arfer o’r fath yn perthyn. Mae cael aelodau i gynrychioli un ffydd ac nid aelodau o bob ffydd neu ddim ffydd yn afrealistig.

Finally, list systems place too much power in the hands of parties and not enough in the hands of the people. Turnout for elections based entirely on a list system would be predictably low. My fate in the next Assembly elections will be determined, rightly, by the voters of Clwyd West. However, the fate of other Assembly Members, such as Peter Rogers, Jocelyn Davies or Mike German, should also be in the hands of the voters, not in the hands of the parties that arrange the list.

I gloi, mae systemau rhestri yn rhoi gormod o bŵer yn nwylo’r pleidiau a dim digon yn nwylo’r bobl. Byddai nifer y bobl sy’n pleidleisio mewn etholiadau sy’n seiliedig ar system rhestri yn isel fel y gellid disgwyl. Caiff fy nhynged i yn etholiadau nesaf y Cynulliad ei phenderfynu, a hynny’n iawn, gan bleidleiswyr Gorllewin Clwyd. Fodd bynnag, dylai tynged Aelodau eraill y Cynulliad, fel Peter Rogers, Jocelyn Davies neu Mike German, fod yn nwylo’r etholwyr hefyd, nid yn nwylo’r pleidiau sy’n trefnu’r rhestr.

Rod Richards spoken in English p. 81

Rod Richards siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

How would you get independent members into the House of Lords?

Sut y byddech yn rhoi aelodau annibynnol yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi?

Alun Pugh spoken in English p. 81

Alun Pugh siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

You are welcome to stand in Clwyd West.

Mae croeso ichi sefyll yng Ngorllewin Clwyd.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 81

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 81

The reform of the House of Lords into a properly elected second chamber is the outstanding omission in the many constitutional changes introduced by the Government since 1997. That the proposals presented by the UK Government are timid and ineffective is a huge disappointment. The First Minister said that the legitimacy of the UK Government lies with the elected House of Commons, and he is right to say that any reform of the second chamber should not undermine that.

Mae diwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi yn ail siambr wedi ei hethol yn briodol yn hepgoriad eithriadol yn y newididau cyfansoddiadol lu a gyflwynwyd gan y Llywodraeth ers 1997. Mae’r cynigion a gyflwynwyd gan Lywodraeth y DU yn rhai gwan ac aneffeithiol, sydd yn siom fawr. Dywedodd Prif Weinidog Cymru fod cyfreithlondeb Llywodraeth y DU yn nwylo Tŷ’r Cyffredin etholedig, ac mae’n iawn i ddweud na ddylai diwygio’r ail siambr mewn unrhyw fodd danseilio hynny.

However, the constitutional position goes deeper than that. Technically, the Queen appoints the UK Government. I recall that, during the many discussions about hung parliaments in the 1980s after the formation of the Social Democratic Party, the role of monarch in arbitrating in that situation was much debated. It is an anomaly and, if we are dispensing with hereditary peers, should the authority of the Government, even in a technical sense, derive from a monarch who holds her position by reason of her birth, and not by reason of being elected or appointed?

Fodd bynnag, aiff y sefyllfa gyfansoddiadol yn ddyfnach na hynny. Yn dechnegol, y Frenhines sy’n penodi Llywodraeth y DU. Cofiaf, yn ystod y trafodaethau niferus a fu am seneddau crog yn y 1980au ar ôl ffurfio Plaid y Democratiaid Cymdeithasol, bu cryn ddadl am rôl y frenhines wrth farnu yn y sefyllfa honno. Mae’n anomaledd ac, os ydym yn dileu arglwyddi etifeddol, a ddylai awdurdod y Llywodraeth, hyd yn oed mewn ystyr dechnegol, ddeillio o frenhines sy’n dal ei swydd yn rhinwedd ei genedigaeth, ac nid oherwydd iddi gael ei hethol na’i phenodi?

The second chamber should be elected. At least 80 per cent, preferably 100 per cent, of members of the upper chamber should be directly elected using a proportional representation system—not the list vote, but the single transferable vote. That would enable the election of independent members and lead to a substantial number of independent members being elected. It would ensure the widest possible and most proportional electoral representation, that no political party had a majority and that Wales was properly represented in that chamber.

Dylid ethol yr ail siambr. Dylai o leiaf 80 y cant, 100 y cant o ddewis, o aelodau’r uwch siambr gael eu hethol yn uniongyrchol gan ddefnyddio system cynrychiolaeth gyfrannol—nid y bleidlais rhestri, ond y bleidlais drosglwyddadwy sengl. Byddai hynny’n galluogi ethol aelodau annibynnol a byddai’n arwain at ethol nifer sylweddol o aelodau annibynnol. Byddai’n sicrhau’r gynrychiolaeth etholiadol ehangach posibl a’r gynrychiolaeth etholiadol fwyaf cyfrannol, na fyddai gan un blaid wleidyddol y mwyafrif a châi Cymru ei chynrychioli’n briodol yn y siambr honno.

I welcome the damascene-like conversion of the Conservatives on this matter, and will support Jonathan Morgan’s amendment 1. The Tories were happy to rely on their in-built hereditary majority in the House of Lords during their 18 years of Government. However, we must speak as we find, and acknowledge that they have come around to more a commonsense position.

Croesawaf dröedigaeth y Ceidwadwyr ar y mater hwn, megis yr un ar y ffordd i Ddamascus, a chefnogaf welliant 1 Jonathan Morgan. Yr oedd y Torïaid yn fodlon dibynnu ar eu mwyafrif etifeddol yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi yn ystod eu 18 mlynedd mewn grym. Fodd bynnag, rhaid bod yn deg, a chydnabod eu bod wedi dod at sefyllfa fwy synhwyrol.

I am a great advocate of the separation of church and state, and it is an anomaly that bishops should be present in the second chamber as of right. I understand the historical position and, as a Catholic, I understand David’s position in terms of the Catholic Church. However, the UK is a secular state with a multi-faith population. In Wales, the church is disestablished. Bishops should be removed from a reformed second chamber and, like Jocelyn, I believe that the law lords should be removed. A new supreme court should be created which would have the present powers of the House of Lords with regard to the judiciary.

Yr wyf yn gryf o blaid gwahanu’r eglwys a’r wladwriaeth, ac mae’n anomaledd dweud y fod gan esgonion hawl naturiol i fod yn bresennol yn yr ail siambr. Deallaf y sefyllfa hanesyddol ac, fel Pabydd, deallaf sefyllfa David o ran yr Eglwys Babyddol. Fodd bynnag, mae’r DU yn wladwriaeth seciwlar gyda phoblogaeth aml-ffydd. Yng Nghymru, datgysylltwyd yr eglwys. Dylid dileu esgobion o ail siambr ddiwygiedig ac, fel Jocelyn, credaf y dylid dileu arglwyddi’r gyfraith. Dylid creu goruchaf lys newydd a fyddai’n meddu ar bwerau presennol Tŷ’r Arglwyddi o ran y farnwriaeth.

The powers of the reformed upper chamber should also be strengthened, with new opportunities for scrutinising and improving legislation and new responsibilities for human rights, international treaties and public appointments. The second chamber should also be given responsibility for protecting the fundamental principles of the constitution.

Dylid cryfhau pwerau’r ail siambr ddiwygiedig hefyd, gyda chyfleoedd newydd i graffu ar ddeddfwriaeth a’i gwella a chyfrifoldebau newydd dros hawliau dynol, cytundebau rhyngwladol a phenodiadau cyhoeddus. Dylid rhoi cyfrifoldeb hefyd i’r ail siambr dros ddiogelu egwyddorion sylfaenol y cyfansoddiad.

Finally, if we are to move to a more federal United Kingdom with regional governments in England, an opportunity exists to give them, together with the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly, a direct say in the federal Government through the second chamber. If an appointed element were retained, as Mike German said, the regional and national assemblies and parliaments should make those appointments from their areas, but not necessarily from their membership.

I gloi, er mwyn symud tuag at Deyrnas Unedig fwy ffederal gyda llywodraethau rhanbarthol yn Lloegr, mae cyfle yn bodoli i roi iddynt hwy, ynghyd â Senedd yr Alban, Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru a Chynulliad Gogledd Iwerddon, lais uniongyrchol yn y Llywodraeth ffederal drwy’r ail siambr. Pe cedwid elfen a benodwyd, fel y dywedodd Mike German, y cynulliadau rhanbarthol a chenedlaethol a’r seneddau ddylai wneud y penodiadau hynny o’u rhanbarthau hwy, ond nid o’u haelodaeth o reidrwydd.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas Y Llywydd siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 83

Dafydd Elis-Thomas The Presiding Officer spoken in Welsh p. 83

Diolchaf yn gyntaf i’r Dirprwy Lywydd am fy ngalw i siarad ac am iddo roi caniatâd imi eistedd yn ei sedd.

I first thank the Deputy Presiding Officer for calling me to contribute and for allowing me to sit in his chair.

Ymunais ag ail dŷ Senedd y Deyrnas Unedig bron i 10 mlynedd yn ôl. Gwneuthum hynny ar argymhelliad fy nghyfaill Dafydd Wigley, a oedd yn llywydd Plaid Cymru bryd hynny, ac ar enwebiad y Prif Weinidog Ceidwadol ar y pryd gan fy mod ar restr ddiddymiad y Senedd yn nyddiau John Major. Felly y mae arnaf ddyled i’r ddau ohonynt. Nid wyf yn difaru’r profiad, ond yr wyf yn glynu wrth egwyddor sydd wedi bod o bwys i mi erioed, sef y dylai unrhyw gorff seneddol, yn enwedig corff deddfwriaethol, fod yn gorff etholedig. Gall hynny fod drwy etholiad uniongyrchol neu anuniongyrchol, ond yr hyn sydd yn bwysig yw bod yr egwyddor o etholiad wrth wraidd cyfreithlondeb y sefydliad.

It is almost 10 years since I joined the second chamber of the United Kingdom Parliament. I did so on the recommendation of my friend Dafydd Wigley, who was the president of Plaid Cymru at that time, and by virtue of the nomination of the then Conservative Prime Minister because I was on the dissolution of Parliament list in John Major’s day. Therefore I am indebted to both of them. I do not regret the experience, but I adhere to a principle that has always been important to me, namely that any parliamentary body, particularly a legislature, should be an elected body. That could be achieved through direct or indirect election, but what is important is that the election principle lies at the root of the institution’s legitimacy.

Croesawaf y ffaith fod y Llywodraeth, yn ei hargymhellion ar ddyfodol y tŷ, yn gwahaniaethu rhwng y defnydd o’r gair ‘arglwyddiaeth’ i olygu teitl, swydd, neu anrhydedd, ag aelodaeth o’r ail dŷ. Nid yw’n gyfrinach y bu’n embaras mawr imi orfod dwyn y teitl a gefais 10 mlynedd yn ôl. Nid wyf erioed wedi ei ddefnyddio yn y Cynulliad ac edrychaf ymlaen at beidio â gorfod ei ddefnyddio o gwbl.

I welcome the fact that the Government, in its recommendations on the future of the house, differentiates between the use of the term ‘peerage’ to mean a title, function, or honour, and membership of the second house. It is no secret that it has been an embarrassment for me to have to carry the title I received 10 years ago. I have never used it in the Assembly and look forward to not having to use it at all.

Fel aelod o’r Pwyllgor Dethol ar Seremoni Gyflwyno i’r ail dŷ, cefais gyfle i wneud cyfraniad bach drwy newid ychydig ar y seremonïau sydd yn parhau yn null Gilbert a Sullivan. Methais â chael gwared ar y Garter King of Arms, ond llwyddwyd i dorri hyd y seremoni o 14 munud i saith munud. Dyna fu fy nghyfraniad hyd yn hyn at y gwaith o ddiwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi.

As a member of the Select Committee on Ceremony of Introduction to the second house, I had an opportunity to make a small contribution by making slight changes to the ceremonies that continue to be conducted in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan. I failed to get rid of the Garter King of Arms, but succeeded in cutting the length of the ceremony from 14 minutes to seven minutes. To date, that has been my contribution to reforming the House of Lords.

Nid wyf o’r farn fod y gyfundrefn enwebu wedi sicrhau cynrychiolaeth briodol. O edrych ar nifer yr arglwyddi am oes, mae llai nag 20 y cant ohonynt yn fenywod—yn wahanol i’r lle hwn—a daw llai na 5 y cant o leiafrifoedd ethnig. Os ydym yn sôn am ddiddymu’r elfen etifeddol, mae diddymu’r elfen enwebu am oes yr un mor bwysig. Nid yw’n gwneud synnwyr i enwebu aelodau am oes oherwydd y mae hynny yn cyfateb bron i ryw fath o drefn etifeddol nad oes ganddi sail ddemocrataidd. Clywsom eisoes mai dim ond saith aelod o Gymru a enwebwyd. Felly mae’n amlwg nad yw’r system enwebu o les i gydraddoldeb ethnig a chenhedlig yn y deyrnas hon.

I do not believe that the nomination system has secured appropriate representation. Looking at the number of life peers, we see that fewer than 20 per cent are women—unlike the Assembly’s membership—and fewer than 5 per cent come from ethnic minorities. If we are talking about abolishing the hereditary element, abolishing the nomination of life peers is just as important. It does not make sense to nominate life members because it is almost the equivalent of some kind of hereditary system that has no democratic basis. We have already heard that only seven members from Wales have been nominated. Therefore it is obvious that the nominations system is of no benefit to ethnic or national equality in this kingdom.

Dyna’r pwynt olaf yr wyf am sôn amdano. Mae’n ddiddorol bod dau safbwynt clir yn ymddangos yn y ddadl ar berthynas Tŷ’r Arglwyddi â’r deyrnas ddatganoledig newydd. Yn y dogfennau atodol i’r Papur Gwyn ‘The House of Lords: Completing the Reform’, a gyhoeddwyd yn Rhagfyr 2001, noda paragraff 19 o adran 3 ‘The Role of the House of Lords’:

That is the final point that I want to address. It is interesting to see two clear viewpoints emerging in the debate on the relationship between the House of Lords and the new devolved kingdom. Paragraph 19 of section 3 ‘The Role of the House of Lords’, in the supporting documents to the White Paper, ‘The House of Lords: Completing the Reform’, published in December 2001, states that:

‘The second chamber should be a place where the nations and regions feel that they are represented. The Government’s proposals are framed to respond to that need. Nevertheless, the Government agrees with the Royal Commission that the House of Lords should not become, in any sense, the ‘federal’ chamber of Parliament. Devolution has not created any need for one. Westminster, including the House of Commons, is the Union Parliament…The

example of France shows that it is quite possible for the second chamber to represent local communities without in any way straying into federalism.’

Yn fy marn i, a dywedodd nifer o Aelodau eraill rywbeth tebyg, y mae gennym bellach sefyllfa led-ffederal o ganlyniad i ddatganoli a thrwy ein perthynas â Senedd Ewrop. Mae’n well gennyf ategu’r hyn a ddywedodd Arweinydd Tŷ’r Cyffredin yn ddiweddar wrth y Pwyllgor Dethol ar Weinyddiaeth Gyhoeddus yn ei dystiolaeth ar ‘The Second Chamber: Continuing the Reform’. Mae Kevin Brennan AS yn aelod o’r pwyllgor hwn. Noda paragraff 76:

In my opinion, and many other Members said something similar, we have reached a quasi-federal situation as a result of devolution and through our relationship with the European Parliament. I would prefer to endorse what the Leader of the House of Commons recently told the Select Committee on Public Administration in his evidence on ‘The Second Chamber: Continuing the Reform. Kevin Brennan MP is a member of this Committee. Paragraph 76 states that:

‘The second chamber could be extremely valuable in strengthening the ties between the devolved institutions and Westminster. In his evidence to us the Leader of the House suggested that there might be attractions in indirect election by the devolved assemblies as one ‘entry route’ to the second chamber, which would bring us closer to the model for second chambers which exists in much of Europe.’

Dyna yw fy marn. Dylai’r Cynulliad gynnal etholiadau anuniongyrchol i ethol cynrychiolwyr Cymru yn ail dŷ’r Senedd. Ni ddylai’r cynrychiolwyr hynny fod yn Aelodau o’r Cynulliad hefyd oherwydd, yn ôl fy mhrofiad i, mae’n amhosibl cynnal dau fandad. Felly, byddwn yn croesawu gweld y Cynulliad yn ethol aelodau o blith pobl Cymru i gynrychioli’r wlad a’r corff hwn yn yr ail dŷ.

That is my view. The Assembly should hold indirect elections to send representatives to Parliament’s second chamber. Those representatives should not also be Assembly Members because, in my experience, it is impossible to hold a dual mandate. Therefore, I would welcome a move towards the Assembly electing members from among the people of Wales to represent this country and this body in the second chamber.

Diolch am eich amynedd, Ddirprwy Lywydd, ac ymddiheuraf am siarad am fwy na’r pum munud a ganiateir.

Thank you for your indulgence, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I apologise for speaking for more than the allocated five minutes.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 85

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 85

As other Members have said, we seem, not for the first time, due to the Conservatives’ amendment, to be in some kind of virtual reality. Throughout the too long 18 years that they were in power, there was no hint that they would grasp the nettle of House of Lords reformation. However, because they are no longer in power, they have proposed this amendment today and are expressing concern about such matters, effectively, for the first time.

Fel y dywedodd Aelodau eraill, ymddengys ein bod, nid am y tro cyntaf, o ganlyniad i welliant y Ceidwadwyr, mewn rhyw fath o fyd rithwir. Drwy gydol y 18 mlynedd hir y buont mewn grym, ni fu unrhyw awgrym y byddent yn dal ar y cyfle i ddiwygio Tŷ’r Arglwyddi. Fodd bynnag, gan nad ydynt bellach mewn grym, maent wedi cynnig y gwelliant hwn heddiw ac yn mynegi pryder ynghylch materion o’r fath, mewn gwirionedd, am y tro cyntaf.

David Davies spoken in English p. 85

David Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 85

I remind the Member that we are here to discuss the future of the House of Lords; this is not meant to be a debate about the past. We are a forward-looking party that looked forward to a debate on the future of the constitution, not its history, but we would be happy to indulge in that if you wish.

Hoffwn atgoffa’r Aelod ein bod yma i drafod dyfodol Tŷ’r Arglwyddi; nid dadl ar y gorffennol yw diben y ddadl hon. Yr ydym yn blaid flaengar a edrychodd ymlaen at ddadl ar ddyfodol y cyfansoddiad, nid ei hanes, ond byddem yn fodlon ildio i hynny os dymunwch.

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 86

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 86

David, I fully understand why you would not want to go over the Conservative Party’s record on the House of Lords. It has entrenched your interests and political views for a long time, which is why you never did anything about it. However, to the credit of the current Labour Government, it is grasping a nettle that many previous Governments shied away from, and is looking to make the UK a modern, democratic state where people are citizens.

David, deallaf yn llwyr pam na fyddech am drafod record y Blaid Geidwadol ar Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Mae wedi cadarnhau eich buddiannau a’ch syniadau gwleidyddol am amser hir, a dyna pam na wnaethoch ddim yn ei gylch. Fodd bynnag, er clod i’r Llywodraeth Lafur bresennol, mae’n dal ar gyfle y gwingodd sawl Llywodraeth flaenorol rhagddo, ac mae’n disgwyl gwneud y DU yn wladwriaeth fodern, ddemocrataidd lle mae pobl yn ddinasyddion.

Nick Bourne spoken in English p. 86

Nick Bourne siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 86

Will the Member say whether he accepts the Government’s proposal for a system in which 80 per cent of members of the House of Lords will be nominated and 20 per cent elected, or, as he has spoken about democracy, whether he believes that at least 80 per cent should be elected?

A ddywed yr Aelod a yw’n derbyn cynnig y Llywodraeth ar gyfer system lle y caiff 80 y cant o aelodau Tŷ’r Arglwyddi eu henwebu ac 20 y cant eu hethol, neu, gan iddo sôn am ddemocratiaeth, a yw’n credu y dylid ethol o leiaf 80 y cant?

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 86

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 86

I have always favoured a reformed second chamber with a clear majority of directly elected members. That is still my view.

Yr wyf erioed wedi ffafrio ail siambr ddiwygiedig gyda mwyafrif clir o aelodau wedi eu hethol yn uniongyrchol. Dyna fy marn o hyd.

The separation of powers and lack of a written constitution has much to do with the kind of debate that we are having today. With regard to separation of powers, I entirely agree with people who say that there should be no place for bishops in the new body. We are a multi-faith, and largely non-faith, society. Therefore it would be wrong to include bishops. Law lords should not have a place either. The only law lord that should possibly feature in the new body is my comrade from Blaenau Gwent, Peter Law. We will have to wait to see what may develop in that regard.

Mae a wnelo didoli grymoedd a diffyg cyfansoddiad ysgrifenedig llawer â’r math o ddadl a gawn heddiw. O ran didoli grymoedd, cytunaf yn llwyr â’r bobl sy’n dweud na ddylai fod lle i esgobion yn y corff newydd. Yr ydym yn gymdeithas aml-ffydd ac i raddau helaeth yn ddi-ffydd. Felly byddai’n anghywir cynnwys esgobion. Ni ddylai fod lle ychwaith i arglwyddi’r gyfraith. Yr unig arglwydd ‘cyfraith’ a ddylai gael ei gynnwys o bosibl yn y corff newydd yw fy nghyfaill o Flaenau Gwent, Peter Law. Rhaid inni aros i weld beth allai ddatblygu yn hynny o beth.

Rod Richards spoken in English p. 86

Rod Richards siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 86

Thank you for giving way. I will not be offering apologies for Conservatives past, but I may do so for Conservatives present. However, that is another matter. Do you seriously believe that your constituents want to be represented by more elected representatives? They already have five elected Assembly Members, five elected members of the European Parliament, an elected Member of Parliament and up to five elected councillors. Do you want them to pay for another seven elected members of the House of Lords?

Diolch ichi am ildio. Ni chynigiaf ymddiheuro dros Geidwadwyr y gorffennol, ond efallai y gwnaf dros y Ceidwadwyr presennol. Fodd bynnag, mae hynny’n fater arall. A gredwch o ddifrif bod eich etholwyr am gael eu cynrychioli gan fwy o gynrychiolwyr etholedig? Eisoes mae ganddynt bum Aelod Cynulliad etholedig, pum aelod etholedig yn Senedd Ewrop, Aelod Seneddol etholedig a hyd at bum cynghorydd etholedig. A ydych am iddynt dalu am saith aelod etholedig arall yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi?

John Griffiths spoken in English p. 87

John Griffiths siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 87

In my experience, Rod, people like and value democracy, and prefer it to a system where people are given positions by accident of birth. There are various ways to ensure that the concern you mentioned is dealt with; it is not a problem.

Yn fy mhrofiad i, Rod, mae pobl yn hoffi ac yn gwerthfawrogi democratiaeth, ac yn ei ffafrio dros system lle y rhoddir swyddi i bobl drwy enedigaeth-fraint. Mae sawl ffordd o sicrhau yr ymdrinnir â’r pryder a grybwyllasoch; nid yw’n broblem.

It is important that the Assembly plays a major role in deciding who represents Wales in the new reformed body, be it through appointing members or through indirect elections. It is for the Assembly, as the premier directly elected body representing Wales, to decide on the method we should use to decide who the members should be. That is paramount as far as Wales is concerned, as we have a responsibility to ensure that Wales’s interests are properly represented. We will make our points and views known at the appropriate time. I am quite open as to how that might be best taken forward, but I agree that there should not be a dual mandate. I do not think that members could properly represent the people of Wales in the Assembly and in the new reformed body. A dual mandate is clearly something that should not figure.

Mae’n bwysig bod y Cynulliad yn chwarae rôl sylweddol wrth benderfynu pwy sy’n cynrychioli Cymru yn y corff diwygiedig newydd, boed hynny drwy benodi aelodau neu drwy etholiadau anuniongyrchol. Y Cynulliad, fel y prif gorff a etholir yn uniongyrchol sy’n cynrychioli Cymru, ddylai benderfynu ar y dull y dylem ei ddefnyddio i benderfynu pwy ddylai’r aelodau fod. Mae hynny’n hollbwysig o ran Cymru, gan fod cyfrifoldeb gennym i sicrhau y cynrychiolir buddiannau Cymru yn briodol. Gwnawn ein pwyntiau a’n safbwyntiau yn hysbys ar yr adeg briodol. Yr wyf â meddwl eithaf agored o ran y ffordd orau o ddatblygu hyn, ond cytunaf na ddylid cael mandad deuol. Ni chredaf y gallai’r aelodau gynrychioli pobl Cymru yn briodol yn y Cynulliad ac yn y corff diwygiedig newydd. Mae mandad deuol yn amlwg yn rhywbeth na ddylem ei ystyried.

This is an important debate. The left in Britain has a long and honourable tradition of trying to tackle the democratic deficit as far as the second chamber is concerned. I do not agree with those who say that, if there is a clear majority of directly elected members in the new body, it will inevitably be too much of a rival for the House of Commons. I do not think that that would be the case if the powers of the new body were clearly defined, in order to avoid any direct rivalry. I am sure that that could easily be done, and that is what should happen.

Mae hon yn ddadl bwysig. Bu traddodiad hir ac anrhydeddus ym Mhrydain yn yr adain chwith o geisio mynd i’r afael â’r diffyg democrataidd o ran yr ail siambr. Ni chytunaf â’r sawl sy’n dweud os oes mwyafrif clir o aelodau wedi eu hethol yn uniongyrchol yn y corff newydd, y bydd, yn anochel, yn ormod o gystadleuaeth i Dŷ’r Cyffredin. Ni chredaf y byddai hynny’n wir pe bai pwerau’r corff newydd yn cael eu diffinio’n glir, er mwyn osgoi unrhyw gystadleuaeth uniongyrchol. Yr wyf yn siŵr y gellid gwneud hynny’n hawdd, a dyna’r hyn a ddylai ddigwydd.

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 87

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in Welsh p. 87

Bûm yn gwrando’n ofalus ar yr holl ddadleuon yn ystod y drafodaeth hon, sydd wedi tueddu i ganolbwyntio ar y modd y dylid ethol aelodau i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Nid ydym wedi treulio cymaint o amser ag y dylem yn sôn am beth y dylid ei drafod yn yr ail siambr. Mae pawb yn cytuno ar rai pwyntiau, ac eithrio David Melding, sy’n gweld gwerth mewn cadw’r teitl ‘Tŷ’r Arglwyddi’. Mae gan y mwyafrif llethol o bobl feddwl agored am hyn, neu y maent am i’r enw hwnnw gael ei ddileu. Yr wyf fi yn yr ail garfan; hoffwn weld yr enw’n cael ei newid. Os oes ail siambr i fod, rhaid iddo fod yng nghyd-destun cyfansoddiad modern, a rhaid i’r enw adlewyrchu’r rôl y dylai’r ail siambr ei chwarae.

I have listened carefully to all the arguments during this debate, which have mainly concentrated on how we should elect members to the House of Lords. We have not given adequate consideration to what should be debated in the second chamber. There are some points on which everyone agrees, with the exception of David Melding, who believes that the title ‘House of Lords’ should be retained. The vast majority of people are either open-minded about this or they want the title changed. I fall into the second category; I would like to see the title changed. If there is to be a second chamber, it must be in the context of a modern constitution, and the name must reflect the role that the second chamber should play.

Fel y dywedodd Dafydd Elis-Thomas, dylid cefnu ar y syniad o deitlau yn yr ail siambr. Mae hynny’n bwysig. Dylid cyfeirio at bobl sy’n cael eu hethol i’r ail siambr fel aelodau yn hytrach nag arglwyddi, neu unrhyw deitl arall.

As Dafydd Elis-Thomas said, the concept of titles in the second chamber should be scrapped. That is important. People elected to the second chamber should be known as members rather than lords, or any other title.

Yn y fan hon, datganaf fuddiant fel anghydffurfiwr. Yr ydym wedi clywed bod gwahanol draddodiadau crefyddol yn y Siambr hon. Mae David Melding yn aelod o Eglwys Rufain, ac yr wyf fi’n anghydffurfiwr. Credaf ei bod yn bryd datgysylltu Eglwys Loegr oddi wrth yr ail siambr. Mae hefyd yn bryd inni sicrhau nad oes eglwys wladol yn cael ei chynrychioli yn yr ail siambr; dylid gwahanu’r Eglwys a’r Llywodraeth, neu yn sicr yr Eglwys a’r Senedd. Mae cefnogaeth weddol eang i hynny bellach. Gellid o hyd, drwy etholiad, gael pobl sy’n cynrychioli gwahanol grefyddau a chredoau mewn ail siambr. Fodd bynnag, ni chredaf y dylent fod yno yn sgîl y ffaith eu bod yn esgobion neu’n aelodau o wahanol draddodiadau crefyddol.

At this juncture, I declare an interest as a nonconformist. We have heard that various religious traditions are respresented in this Chamber. David Melding is a member of the Church of Rome, and I am a nonconformist. I believe that it is time for the Church of England to be disestablished from the second chamber. It is also time to ensure that a state church is not represented in the second chamber; the Church and the Government should be separated, or certainly the Church and the Houses of Parliament. There is now fairly broad support for that. You could still, by way of an election, have representatives of different faiths and creeds in a second chamber. However, I do not believe that they should be there simply by virtue of their status as bishops or members of various religious traditions.

Rod Richards siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 88

Rod Richards spoken in Welsh p. 88

A yw Ieuan yn dweud o ddifrif nad yw am weld y Bedyddwyr yn cael eu cynrychioli yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi?

Is Ieuan seriously saying that he does not want to see the Baptists represented in the House of Lords?

Ieuan Wyn Jones siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 88

Ieuan Wyn Jones spoken in Welsh p. 88

Mae’r Bedyddwyr yn cael eu cynrychioli yn y Cynulliad, ond mae hynny oherwydd etholiad yn hytrach nag enwebiad, a dyna fel y dylai fod.

The Baptists are represented in the Assembly, but that is as a result of election rather than nomination, which is how it should be.

Mae Plaid Cymru am weld aelodau’n cael eu hethol i’r ail siambr. Fodd bynnag, mae’n bwysig, o fewn y setliad cyfansoddiadol presennol, fod pwerau’r ail siambr yn cael eu cryfhau o safbwynt amddiffyn y cyfansoddiad. Oherwydd diffyg cyfansoddiad ysgrifenedig, mae’r setliad cyfansoddiadol presennol mewn sefyllfa fregus. Enoch Powell biau’r geiriau ‘power devolved is power retained’, sy’n golygu y gall Senedd y Deyrnas Gyfunol wrthdroi datganoli. Nid oes darpariaeth yn y drefn bresennol i amddiffyn y setliad cyfansoddiadol. Dylai ail siambr ystyried o ddifrif materion megis y setliad cyfansoddiadol. Mae Tŷ’r Arglwyddi ar hyn o bryd yn ystyried y setliad ariannol rhwng y Deyrnas Gyfunol a Chymru a’r Alban drwy fformiwla Barnett. Dylid neilltuo materion felly i ail siambr.

Plaid Cymru wants to see members elected to the second chamber. However, it is important that, within the current constitutional settlement, the powers of the second chamber are strengthened in terms of protecting the constitution. The lack of a written constitution means that the current constitutional settlement is in a precarious position. It was Enoch Powell who said ‘power devolved is power retained’, which means that the United Kingdom Parliament can reverse devolution. There is no provision in the current system to defend the constitutional settlement. A second chamber should give serious consideration to matters such as the constitutional settlement. The House of Lords is considering the financial settlement between the United Kingdom and Wales and Scotland through the Barnett formula. Such matters should be designated to a second chamber.

Nid yn unig y cawsom ddeddfwriaeth ar ddatganoli a’r cyfansoddiad yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf, cawsom hefyd ddeddfwriaeth ar hawliau dynol. Dylai ail siambr gryfhau hawliau dynol a sicrhau bod amddiffynfa bendant gan bobl pan fo hawliau dynol yn y fantol. Dyna pam na ddylai arglwyddi sydd yn farnwyr fod yn aelodau o’r ail siambr. Dylai’r llys fod yn gwbl ar wahân i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi. Gwn fod hwn yn fater hanesyddol ond, mewn egwyddor, ni ddylai barnwyr fod yn rhan o’r broses sy’n creu’r deddfau y byddant yn gweithio oddi tanynt.

Not only have we had legislation on devolution and the constitution over recent years, we have also had legislation on human rights. A second chamber should strengthen human rights and secure a positive defence when human rights are hanging in the balance. That is why lords who are also judges should not sit in the second chamber. The courts should be completely independent of the House of Lords. I know that this is a historical matter but, in principle, judges should not be part of the law-making process when they themselves work in accordance with those laws.

O dan y setliad cyfansoddiadol presennol, mae lle i’r ail siambr gryfhau’r berthynas rhwng y cyrff datganoledig yng Nghymru, yr Alban a Gogledd Iwerddon. O dan system etholedig, gobeithiaf y bydd cyfle i Gymru gael ei chynrychioli yn yr ail siambr mewn modd a fyddai’n adlewyrchu ein setliad cyfansoddiadol ac yn ystwytho’r problemau a ddaeth i’r amlwg dros y blynyddoedd.

Under the current constitutional settlement, there is room for the second chamber to strengthen relations between the devolved bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Under an elected system, I hope that there will be an opportunity for Wales to be represented in a second chamber in a way that would reflect our constitutional settlement and ease some of the problems that have arisen over the years.

Lorraine Barrett spoken in English p. 89

Lorraine Barrett siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 89

A minimum of 50 per cent of members should be elected to the House of Lords—I could be persuaded to agree to 60 or 70 per cent, but I am not sure about that yet—for perhaps a seven or 10 year cycle. That would ensure more balance among appointed peers from under-represented groups—women, disabled people, younger people and people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds—and a socio-economic mix. We must also consider salaried positions, since members of the House of Lords currently receive almost no support with staff or accommodation. I do not like the name ‘the Lords’; it is rather pompous and off-putting. Also, I do not want to see any official religious groups represented in the House of Lords. Of course, members will perhaps represent various religions, but they should not be given an official status. I declare an interest as an atheist.

Dylid ethol isafswm o 50 y cant o aelodau i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi—gellid fy narbwyllo i gytuno i 60 neu 70 y cant, ond nid wyf yn siŵr am hynny eto—efallai ar gyfer cylch o saith neu 10 mlynedd. Byddai hynny’n sicrhau mwy o gydbwysedd ymhlith arglwyddi a benodwyd o grwpiau a dangynrychiolir—merched, pobl anabl, pobl ifanc a phobl ddu o gefndir lleiafrif ethnig—a chymysgedd cymdeithasol-economaidd. Rhaid inni hefyd ystyried swyddi cyflogedig, gan nad yw aelodau presennol Tŷ’r Arglwyddi yn cael bron dim cymorth o ran staff na swyddfa. Nid wyf yn hoff o’r enw ‘yr Arglwyddi’; mae braidd yn rhwysgfawr ac annymunol. Hefyd, nid wyf am weld unrhyw grwpiau crefyddol swyddogol wedi eu cynrychioli yn Nhŷ’r Arglwyddi. Wrth gwrs, bydd yr aelodau yn cynrychioli crefyddau amrywiol efallai, ond ni ddylid rhoi statws swyddogol iddynt. Datganaf fuddiant fel anffyddiwr.

Owen John Thomas spoken in English p. 90

Owen John Thomas siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 90

Before voting, I hope that Members have read the motion. The important word is ‘any’—‘any reformed upper house’. That could mean anything. It could mean the meagre 50 per cent that Lorraine Barrett, who used to call herself a socialist, is prepared to accept. It could also mean the 100 per cent that most people who have socialist views would wish to see. Fifty per cent is totally unacceptable. We in Wales have a proud, radical tradition. We can go back to the Chartists in Newport, who called for the abolition of the House of Lords. They did not want to tinker with it, or have ‘any reform’; they wanted total abolition. The history of the popular vote in Wales shows that the people of Wales have never elected a Tory majority. Yet the House of Lords represents that kind of tradition; it is their tradition, not ours. This is a backward step. The future is in Europe and beyond, in world government, and not in some second chamber in Britain. That is old hat. It is too little, too late. Look to the future and vote against this motion and the amendment.

Cyn pleidleisio, gobeithiaf fod yr Aelodau wedi darllen y cynnig hwn. Y gair pwysig yw ‘unrhyw’—‘unrhyw uwch dŷ diwygiedig’. Gallai hynny olygu unrhyw beth. Gallai olygu y 50 y cant pitw y mae Lorraine Barrett, a arferai alw ei hun yn sosialydd, yn barod i’w dderbyn. Gallai hefyd olygu’r 100 y cant y byddai’r rhan fwyaf o bobl sydd yn arddel barn sosialaidd am eu gweld. Mae 50 y cant yn gwbl annerbyniol. Mae gennym ni yng Nghymru draddodiad balch, radical. Gallwn fynd yn ôl at y Siartwyr yng Nghasnewydd, a alwodd am ddiddymu Tŷ’r Arglwyddi. Nid oeddent am ymhel ag ef, na chael ‘unrhyw ddiwygiad’; yr oeddent am ei ddiddymu’n llwyr. Dengys hanes y bleidlais boblogaidd yng Nghymru nad yw pobl Cymru erioed wedi ethol mwyafrif Torïaidd. Ac eto, cynrychiola Tŷ’r Arglwyddi y math hwnnw o draddodiad; eu traddodiad hwy ydynt, nid ein traddodiad ni. Mae hynny’n gam tuag at yn ôl. Mae’r dyfodol yn Ewrop a thu hwnt, mewn llywodraeth fyd-eang, ac nid mewn rhyw ail siambr ym Mhrydain. Mae hynny’n hen hanes. Mae’n rhy ychydig, rhy hwyr. Edrychwch i’r dyfodol a phleidleisiwch yn erbyn y cynnig hwn a’r gwelliant.

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in English p. 90

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 90

I thank Members for their contributions to this debate. I will briefly enunciate some principles. It will be a short closing speech and I hope that Members will forgive me for not taking interventions unless they are absolutely burning to do so.

Diolchaf i’r Aelodau am eu cyfraniadau i’r ddadl hon. Datganaf rai o’r egwyddorion yn fras. Bydd yn araith gloi fer a gobeithiaf y bydd yr Aelodau yn maddau imi am beidio â derbyn ymyriadau oni bai eu bod ar dân eisiau gwneud hynny.

It will not fall to the Assembly to determine the overall scheme for the revised upper chamber at Westminster. That is a matter for the House of Commons to determine, followed by negotiation with the House of Lords so that they go quietly, as it were. It may fall to us to determine something else, namely whether and how the Assembly is involved in a scheme of direct election from among our Members or an indirect scheme to elect someone from outside. Relatively few views were expressed that actually engaged with this difficult issue. It is in some ways easier for Plaid Cymru or for us as Assembly Members—if not as entire parties—to express a view on the future of, or the right structure for, the House of Lords. We must engage with the actual issue—

Nid y Cynulliad fydd yn penderfynu ar y cynllun cyffredinol ar gyfer yr uwch siambr ddiwygiedig yn San Steffan. Mae hynny’n fater i Dŷ’r Cyffredin i benderfynu arno, a’i negodi wedyn gyda Thŷ’r Arglwyddi, fel eu bod yn mynd yn dawel, fel petai. Efallai mai ein cyfrifoldeb ni fydd penderfynu ar rywbeth arall, sef a fydd y Cynulliad yn gysylltiedig â chynllun ethol yn uniongyrchol o blith ein Haelodau neu gynllun anuniongyrchol i ethol rhywun o’r tu allan a sut y byddai’n gwneud hyn. Prin fu’r safbwyntiau a fynegwyd a oedd yn wirioneddol gysylltiedig â’r mater anodd hwn. Mewn rhai ffyrdd mae’n haws i Blaid Cymru, neu i ni fel Aelodau’r Cynulliad—os nad fel pleidiau cyfan—i fynegi barn ar ddyfodol Tŷ’r Arglwyddi, neu’r strwythur cywir iddo. Rhaid inni ymdrin â’r mater gwirioneddol—

Brian Hancock a gododd—

Brian Hancock rose—

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in Welsh and English p. 91

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg t. 91

Forgive me, Brian, I am not giving way. We must engage with the issue of whether we directly elect one or more of our Members, or whether we choose members from outside the Assembly to represent us. I think that the Westminster Government will allow the freedom to make that choice. We may, therefore, have to make that choice. Even if Plaid Cymru does not believe in it, it may have to engage in it, even though it may say ‘100 y cant yn etholedig, a dim ond etholedig—100 per cent elected, and nothing but elected’.

yn Saesneg Maddeuwch imi, Brian, nid ildiaf. Rhaid inni ymdrin â pha un a ydym yn ethol yn uniongyrchol un neu fwy o’n Haelodau, neu a ydym yn dewis aelodau o’r tu allan i’r Cynulliad i’n cynrychioli. Credaf y bydd Llywodraeth San Steffan yn caniatáu’r rhyddid i wneud y dewis hwnnw. Felly, efallai y bydd yn rhaid inni wneud y dewis hwnnw. Hyd yn oed os nad yw Plaid Cymru yn credu ynddo, efallai y bydd yn rhaid iddo ymdrin ag ef, hyd yn oed os bydd yn dweud ‘100 y cant yn etholedig a dim ond etholedig.

Deallaf yr egwyddor, ond pe na bai’n cael 100 y cant yn etholedig, ond yn hytrach 60 y cant, tri chwarter, dwy ran o dair, hanner yr aelodaeth, neu beth bynnag, erys y cwestiwn o sut y byddwn yn delio â’n cyfrifoldebau o gyfrannu mewn rhyw fath o etholiad, boed hwnnw yn anuniongyrchol neu’n uniongyrchol. Mater o ddewis fydd hynny yn y pen draw. Deallaf pam nad yw Plaid Cymru am ddweud beth fyddai ei safiad pe bai’r Llywodraeth yn datrys y broblem yn y modd hwnnw yn Llundain, gan adael y cyfrifoldeb dros ein cynrychiolaeth i ni.

in Welsh I understand the principle, but if it were not 100 per cent elected, but rather 60 per cent, three-quarters, two thirds, or half of the membership, or whatever it may be, the question remains as to how to deal with our responsibilities in participating in some sort of election, be that indirect or direct. It will ultimately be a matter of choice. I understand why Plaid Cymru does not say what its standpoint would be if the Government were to solve the problem in that way in London, thereby making us responsible for our own representation.

It is important that we try to reach a consensus. That is why I did not offer a view earlier in response to Glyn. We must try to reach a consensus on how we engage with that job, if we are given it. On the manner in which many Members wanted to register these points of view, it was only Dafydd Elis-Thomas’s speech—and I hope that nobody interprets this as a bit of seboni, or soft soaping, between the First Minister and the Llywydd—that concentrated entirely on the issue of our involvement in a direct election. However, not even his speech engaged the question; if it is to be by indirect election, will we vote as separate party groups, or as 60 individual Members voting in one list? If you chose the latter, the bigger parties could obviously then make an arrangement to sweep all of the posts, as it were. However, if it is done by party groups, it tends to be nominations rather than elections.

yn Saesneg Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn ceisio dod i gonsensws ar hyn. Dyna pam na chynigiais farn yn gynharach mewn ymateb i Glyn. Rhaid inni geisio dod i gonsensws ar y modd yr ymdriniwn â’r dasg honno, os caiff ei hymddiried i ni. O ran y modd yr oedd llawer o’r Aelodau am fynegi’r safbwyntiau hyn, dim ond araith Dafydd Elis-Thomas—a gobeithio na fydd neb yn dehongli hyn fel ychydig o seboni rhwng y Prif Weinidog a’r Llywydd—a ganolbwyntiodd yn llwyr ar y rhan a chwaraewn ni mewn etholiad uniongyrchol. Fodd bynnag, nid ymdriniodd ei araith ef hyd yn oed â’r cwestiwn; os caiff ei wneud drwy ethol yn uniongyrchol, a bleidleisiwn fel grwpiau’r pleidiau ar wahân, neu fel 60 o Aelodau unigol yn pleidleisio mewn un rhestr? Os dewisir yr opsiwn olaf, gallai’r pleidiau mwy o faint drefnu i ysgubo’r swyddi i gyd fel petai. Fodd bynnag, os caiff ei wneud gan grwpiau’r pleidiau, tuedda i fod yn enwebiadau yn hytrach nag etholiadau.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas a gododd—

Dafydd Elis-Thomas rose—

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in English p. 92

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 92

Is there time to take an intervention?

A oes amser i dderbyn ymyriad?

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 92

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 92

I think, on this occasion, that there is.

Credaf, ar yr achlysur hwn, fod amser.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 92

Dafydd Elis-Thomas spoken in Welsh p. 92

Ceisiaf helpu ein Prif Weinidog. Byddai’n eithaf defnyddiol inni ddefnyddio’r un math o brosesau ar gyfer ethol i Dŷ’r Arglwyddi, mewn trefn felly, ag yr ydym yn ei wneud ar gyfer ein Pwyllgorau, sef ceisio cydbwysedd pleidiol.

I will try to enlighten the First Minister. It would be extremely useful for us to use the same kind of processes for elections to the House of Lords, under such an arrangement, as those that we use for our Committees, namely to seek party balance.

Rhodri Morgan Prif Weinidog Cymru siaradwyd yn Gymraeg t. 92

Rhodri Morgan The First Minister spoken in Welsh p. 92

Gobeithiaf y byddwch yn derbyn bod anhawster, sef, pe gwnelem hynny, y byddai’n mynd yn agos at enwebiadau gan arweinyddiaeth y pleidiau. Mae’n gwestiwn anodd ac nid oes gennyf ateb sydd yn glir ac yn hollol foesol. Nid yw’n fater fy mod innau’n gywir a phob un arall â chanddo farn wahanol yn anghywir. Mae’n fater cymhleth dros ben. Er mwyn cyrraedd consensws, bydd yn rhaid inni gael llawer o drafodaethau rhwng y pleidiau cyn inni agosáu at y broses ddeddfwriaethol yn Llundain.

I hope that you would accept that there is a difficulty with that, namely that we would be verging upon having nominations by party leadership. It is a difficult question and I do not have an unequivocal and completely ethical answer. It is not a question of me being right and everyone else who is of another opinion being wrong. It is a exceedingly complex matter. To reach a consensus, we will need many more discussions between the parties before we approach the legislative process in London.

Gwelliant 1 Nick Bourne t. 92

Amendment 1 Nick Bourne p. 92

GwrthodwydRejected O blaidFor 19 YmatalAbstain 4 Yn erbynAgainst 21

Gwrthodwyd y gwelliant.

Amendment defeated.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (19)
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Dafydd Elis-Thomas
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • David Melding
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Peter Rogers
YmatalAbstain (4)
  • Andrew Davies
  • Brian Hancock
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Phil Williams
Yn erbynAgainst (21)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Geraint Davies
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Janice Gregory
  • Elin Jones
  • Gareth Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Lloyd
  • Tom Middlehurst
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Janet Ryder
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
  • Owen John Thomas

DerbyniwydAdopted O blaidFor 33 YmatalAbstain 9 Yn erbynAgainst 3

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Motion carried.

Sut y pleidleisiodd yr AelodauHow Members voted
O blaidFor (33)
  • Lorraine Barrett
  • Mick Bates
  • Peter Black
  • Nick Bourne
  • Eleanor Burnham
  • Rosemary Butler
  • Alun Cairns
  • David Davies
  • Glyn Davies
  • Andrew Davies
  • Ron Davies
  • Dafydd Elis-Thomas
  • Sue Essex
  • Delyth Evans
  • Michael German
  • Brian Gibbons
  • William Graham
  • Janice Gregory
  • John Griffiths
  • Christine Gwyther
  • Peter Law
  • Huw Lewis
  • David Melding
  • Tom Middlehurst
  • Jonathan Morgan
  • Rhodri Morgan
  • Lynne Neagle
  • Alun Pugh
  • Jenny Randerson
  • Rod Richards
  • Peter Rogers
  • Karen Sinclair
  • Gwenda Thomas
YmatalAbstain (9)
  • Cynog Dafis
  • Jocelyn Davies
  • Brian Hancock
  • Elin Jones
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones
  • David Lloyd
  • Janet Ryder
  • Dafydd Wigley
  • Phil Williams
Yn erbynAgainst (3)
  • Geraint Davies
  • Gareth Jones
  • Owen John Thomas

Dadl Fer

Short Debate

Adferiad i’r Rhai sy’n Gaeth i Gyffuriau: Gwasanaeth a Esgeuluswyd?

Drug Rehabilitation: A Neglected Service?

Geraint Davies spoken in English p. 94

Geraint Davies siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 94

I declare an interest as a member of Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and a pharmacist. In line with protocol, I have agreed that Peter Black can contribute after my speech.

Datganaf fuddiant fel aelod o Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Rhondda Cynon Taf ac fel fferyllydd. Yn unol â’r protocol, yr wyf wedi cytuno y gall Peter Black gyfrannu ar ôl fy araith.

Substance misuse in Wales is a fact of life. It includes the abuse and use of a range of substances, from alcohol—the nation’s favourite drug of choice—to the so-called hard drugs, such as heroin and crack cocaine. The Assembly’s strategy ‘Tackling Substance Misuse in Wales: A Partnership Approach’ highlights the nature and extent of the problem and notes that the proportion of 15 and 16-year-olds who have used an illicit drug more than doubled between 1990 and 1996.

Mae achosion o gamddefnyddio sylweddau yng Nghymru yn ffaith. Mae’n cynnwys camddefnyddio a defnyddio amrywiaeth o sylweddau, o alcohol—hoff gyffur y wlad—i’r hyn a elwir yn gyffuriau caled, megis heroin a chrac cocên. Mae strategaeth y Cynulliad ‘Delio â Chamddefnyddio Sylweddau yng Nghymru: Y Dull Partneriaeth’ yn amlygu natur a graddfa’r broblem gan nodi i gyfran y plant 15 ac 16 mlwydd oed sydd wedi defnyddio cyffur anghyfreithlon fwy na dyblu rhwng 1990 a 1996.

Last week, the Audit Commission for England and Wales published a report, ‘Changing Habits’, which demonstrates the difficulties that individuals and services face in helping to address the serious problems associated with drug abuse. In each instance, and behind each statistic, there is a human story of pain, suffering and, often, courage, in facing the reality of addiction. As Assembly Member for the Rhondda, I hear this human story all too often as family members voice concern about the lack of services available to them. More often than not it is the parents or grandparents who approach me.

Yr wythnos diwethaf, cyhoeddodd Comisiwn Archwilio Cymru a Lloegr adroddiad ‘Changing Habits’, sy’n dangos yr anawsterau y mae unigolion a gwasanaethau yn eu hwynebu wrth helpu i fynd i’r afael â’r problemau difrifol sy’n gysylltiedig â chamddefnyddio cyffuriau. Ym mhob achos, ac yn sail i’r holl ystadegau, ceir stori ddynol am boen, dioddefaint ac, yn aml, dewrder, wrth wynebu’r realiti o fod yn gaeth i gyffuriau. Fel Aelod y Cynulliad dros y Rhondda, clywaf y stori ddynol hon yn aml iawn wrth i aelodau teuluoedd leisio eu pryderon ynglŷn â’r prinder gwasanaethau sydd ar gael iddynt. Yn fwyaf aml, y rhieni neu’r neiniau a’r teidiau sy’n cysylltu â mi.

A few weeks ago, a grandmother contacted me. She was distressed about her grandson, whom she had brought up since infancy. He is a heroin addict. Their relationship is at breaking point. She refuses to give him money, which she knows will be spent immediately on heroin, until his pleading and begging become too much to bear. They are both desperate to break his habit. Imagine how they felt when they sought help only to be told that they faced an 18-month wait for detox treatment. Imagine what that 18-month wait could do. Fortunately, in this instance, they were referred to the young man’s general practitioner through a voluntary agency—in this case, Taff Ely Drug Support, which does sterling work. However, he is one of the lucky ones. It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of GPs refuse to prescribe treatment for drug addiction. Another of my constituents is not so lucky. His GP is one of those 70 per cent. He has been waiting for over two-and-a-half years to receive residential detox treatment.

Ychydig wythnosau yn ôl, cysylltodd nain â mi. Yr oedd yn poeni am ei ŵyr, yr oedd wedi ei fagu ers yn faban. Mae’n gaeth i heroin. Mae eu perthynas ar fin chwalu. Mae’n gwrthod rhoi arian iddo, y gŵyr y bydd yn ei wario ar unwaith ar heroin, hyd nes na all ymdopi â’i bledio a’i ymbil. Mae’r ddau ohonynt yn wirioneddol awyddus i dorri ei arfer. Dychmygwch sut yr oeddent yn teimlo pan ddywedwyd wrthynt, ar ôl iddynt ofyn am gymorth, y byddai’n rhaid iddynt aros 18 mis am driniaeth ddadwenwyno. Yn ffodus, yn yr achos hwn, fe’u cyfeiriwyd at feddyg teulu y dyn ifanc drwy asiantaeth wirfoddol—yn yr achos hwn, Cymorth Cyffuriau Taf Elái, sy’n gwneud gwaith ardderchog. Fodd bynnag, mae ef yn un o’r rhai lwcus. Amcangyfrifir bod hyd at 70 y cant o feddygon teulu yn gwrthod rhagnodi triniaeth ar gyfer pobl sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau. Nid yw un arall o’m hetholwyr mor lwcus. Mae ei feddyg teulu ef yn un o’r 70 y cant. Bu ef yn aros dwy flynedd a hanner i gael triniaeth ddadwenwyno breswyl.

As a result of these concerns that I encounter frequently, I have attempted to establish the extent of the drug abuse problem in Wales. The Assembly’s response to date has amounted to no more than sticking a finger in the air to calculate the direction of the wind. When it comes to asking how many registered drug addicts there are in Wales, the answer is that we do not know. However, records show that almost 10,000 drug offences were committed in Wales in 1998, the majority of which concerned the possession of drugs. Therefore, it is incredible that we are so badly equipped, lacking even the most basic statistics as we seek to implement drug rehabilitation treatment.

O ganlyniad i’r pryderon hyn yr wyf yn dod ar eu traws yn aml, yr wyf wedi ceisio nodi graddfa’r broblem camddefnyddio cyffuriau yng Nghymru. Yn ei ymateb hyd yn hyn, ni wnaeth y Cynulliad fwy na chodi bys yn yr awyr i ganfod cyfeiriad y gwynt. O ran gofyn faint o bobl sydd wedi’u cofrestru fel rhai sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau yng Nghymru, ni wyddom yr ateb i’r cwestiwn hwnnw. Fodd bynnag, dengys cofnodion y cyflawnwyd bron 10,000 o droseddau a oedd yn ymwneud â chyffuriau yng Nghymru ym 1998, yr oedd y rhan fwyaf ohonynt yn ymwneud â meddu ar gyffuriau. Felly, mae’n anhygoel nad oes gennym yr adnoddau digonol i weithredu na hyd yn oed yr ystadegau mwyaf sylfaenol wrth inni geisio gweithredu triniaeth adfer i’r rhai sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau.

Drug abuse is not an attractive policy area. It is not a vote-winner. However, is there any other policy field in which such a lack of basic analysis would be acceptable? We cannot say with certainty that people are receiving the service that they need or that taxpayers’ money is well-spent, since the evidence on which we base such assurances does not exist. No centrally-held current figures are available on the number of drug addicts in Wales, on waiting list times for detox and rehabilitation treatment, or on spending on drug rehabilitation. Answers and action are desperately needed.

Nid yw camddefnyddio cyffuriau yn faes polisi deniadol. Nid yw’n ennill llawer o bleidleisiau. Fodd bynnag, a oes unrhyw faes polisi arall lle y byddai diffyg dadansoddiad sylfaenol o’r fath yn dderbyniol? Ni allwn ddweud â sicrwydd bod pobl yn cael y gwasanaeth sydd ei angen arnynt neu y caiff arian trethdalwyr ei wario’n briodol, gan nad yw’r dystiolaeth yr ydym yn seilio sicrwydd o’r fath arni yn bodoli. Nid oes ffigurau cyfredol a ddelir yn ganolog ar gael ar gyfer nifer y bobl sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau yng Nghymru, amseroedd rhestrau aros ar gyfer triniaeth ddadwenwyno a thriniaeth adfer, nac ar gyfer y gwariant ar wasanaethau adfer. Mae angen atebion ac mae angen gweithredu ar frys.

It is clear from my consultation with service users and providers that they realise that a bottomless pot of money is not available. However, campaigners on this issue are not simply asking for more financial support; they are calling for greater leadership and strategic thinking from the National Assembly. The funding currently available goes some way towards ensuring that some form of service exists. Funding through the Communities Against Drugs programme, for example, enables Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council to provide limited substance misuse services. However, it is swimming against the tide. Evidence suggests that our current method of providing funding causes competition between agencies and leads to difficulties at the sharp end for the service user. The reliance on section 64 grants—although they have been extended for three years—still leads to insecurity in the voluntary sector. The lack of a central pot of money can lead to a professional parochialism or a grudging acceptance of multi-agency working.

Mae’n amlwg o’m gwaith ymgynghori â defnyddwyr a darparwyr gwasanaethau eu bod yn sylweddoli nad oes llif di-derfyn o arian ar gael. Fodd bynnag, nid yw ymgyrchwyr ar y mater hwn yn gofyn am fwy o gymorth ariannol yn unig; maent yn gofyn am fwy o arweinyddiaeth ac ystyriaeth strategol gan y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol. Mae’r arian sydd ar gael ar hyn o bryd yn mynd rhywfaint o’r ffordd tuag at sicrhau bod rhyw fath o wasanaeth yn bodoli. Mae’r arian a geir drwy’r rhaglen Cymunedau yn Erbyn Cyffuriau, er enghraifft, yn galluogi Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Rhondda Cynon Taf i ddarparu gwasanaethau cyfyngedig camddefnyddio sylweddau. Fodd bynnag, mae’n nofio yn erbyn y llif. Awgryma’r dystiolaeth fod ein dull cyfredol o ddarparu arian yn creu cystadleuaeth rhwng asiantaethau gan arwain at anawsterau i’r defnyddwyr sydd angen y gwasanaethau yn ddybryd. Mae’r ddibyniaeth ar grantiau adran 64—er iddynt gael eu hymestyn am dair blynedd—yn dal i arwain at ansicrwydd yn y sector gwirfoddol. Gall diffyg arian canolog arwain at blwyfoldeb proffesiynol neu at dderbyn gweithio aml-asiantaethol o anfodd.

Drug rehabilitation services in Wales, particularly in south Wales, are fragmented. There is no cohesion, only competition for resources. In one instance, a client was simultaneously receiving assistance from eight separate agencies, with none taking overall responsibility for her wellbeing and recovery.

Mae gwasanaethau adfer i’r rhai sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau yng Nghymru, yn enwedig yn y De, yn dameidiog. Ni cheir unrhyw gydlyniant, dim ond cystadleuaeth am adnoddau. Mewn un achos, yr oedd cleient yn cael cymorth gan wyth asiantaeth wahanol ar yr un pryd, ac nid oedd unrhyw un ohonynt yn cymryd cyfrifoldeb cyffredinol am ei lles a’i gwellhad.

The situation is better in north Wales, where a more successful unified treatment structure exists. Clwyd Alcohol Information Service, a drug and alcohol agency, is the main voluntary sector provider of drug and alcohol services in north Wales. It has a 24-bed detox and treatment facility, a residential rehabilitation unit and links with additional move-on accommodation across north Wales. As a voluntary sector organisation, CAIS works in partnership with statutory health and governmental agencies to provide counselling, assessment, training and rehabilitation for drug misusers. It was recently awarded substantial funding of £300,000 through the National Lottery’s community fund.

Mae’r sefyllfa yn well yn y Gogledd, lle y mae strwythur triniaeth unedig mwy llwyddiannus. Gwasanaeth Gwybodaeth Alcohol Clwyd (CAIS), sef asiantaeth cyffuriau ac alcohol, yw prif ddarparwr gwasanaethau cyffuriau ac alcohol yn y sector gwirfoddol yn y Gogledd. Mae ganddo gyfleuster ar gyfer dadwenwyno a thrin, sydd â 24 gwely, ynghyd ag uned adfer breswyl a chysylltiadau â chyfleusterau adfer pellach ar draws y Gogledd. Fel mudiad y sector gwirfoddol, mae CAIS yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth ag asiantaethau iechyd a llywodraethol statudol i roi cyngor, asesiadau, hyfforddiant a phroses adfer i’r rhai sy’n camddefnyddio cyffuriau. Dyfarnwyd swm sylweddol o £300,000 iddo yn ddiweddar drwy gronfa gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaethol.

Strategy involves more than money. It involves the acceptance that there is more than one way of treating drug addiction. Service users tell me that they want to receive services that meet their needs rather than those that fulfil the ideologies of various service agencies. There must be room in our strategy for differing approaches, from properly assessed educational programmes to harm reduction, behavioural therapy, brief intervention and 12-step programmes. There must also be room for service users to be helped through the various stages of beating substance misuse. They need help to navigate detox and rehabilitation programmes, access to mental health services, where appropriate, and many other forms of assistance.

Mae strategaeth yn ymwneud â mwy nag arian. Mae’n ymwneud â derbyn bod mwy nag un ffordd o drin pobl sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau. Mae defnyddwyr gwasanaethau yn dweud wrthyf eu bod am dderbyn gwasanaethau sy’n diwallu eu hanghenion yn hytrach na’r rhai sy’n gwireddu ideolegau asiantaethau amrywiol. Dylid sicrhau bod lle yn ein strategaeth ar gyfer dulliau gwahanol, o raglenni addysgol a asesir yn briodol i raglenni lleihau niwed, therapi ymddygiadol, triniaeth ymyrryd am gyfnod byr a rhaglenni â 12 cam. Yn ogystal, dylid sicrhau bod lle i ddefnyddwyr gwasanaethau gael eu cynorthwyo yn ystod camau amrywiol y broses o oresgyn y broblem o gamddefnyddio cyffuriau. Mae angen iddynt gael cymorth i lywio rhaglenni dadwenwyno ac adfer, mynediad i wasanaethau iechyd meddwl, lle y bo’n briodol, a llawer o fathau eraill o gymorth.

One Rhondda community deserves to be mentioned for its drug rehabilitation work. The residents of Penrhys have recognised the need for a counselling and support programme during the long wait for referred detox treatment and as part of the longer-term rehabilitation progress. The Penrhys partnership has established a community-led project, offering help and support to addicts and, importantly, their families. It enables clients to develop a sustained relationship of trust with their counsellor, establishing long-term action plans tailored to each individual’s needs, with an input from a network of professionals.

Mae un cymuned yn y Rhondda yn haeddu cael ei chrybwyll am ei gwaith adfer gyda’r rhai sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau. Cydnabu trigolion Penrhys yr angen am raglen cwnsela a chymorth yn ystod y cyfnodau hir pan fydd pobl yn aros i gael eu cyfeirio at driniaeth ddadwenwyno ac fel rhan o’r broses adfer yn y tymor hwy. Sefydlodd partneriaeth Penrhys brosiect a arweinir gan y gymuned, yn cynnig help a chymorth i bobl sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau ac, yn bwysig, i’w teuluoedd. Mae’n galluogi cleientiaid i ddatblygu perthynas barhaus o ymddiriedaeth â’u cwnsler, gan sefydlu cynlluniau gweithredu hirdymor wedi’u teilwra i ddiwallu anghenion pob unigolyn, gyda chyfraniad gan rwydwaith o weithwyr proffesiynol.

One of the easiest ways to receive drug treatment in Wales is to break the law. That is a shocking and provocative statement. However, is it true? Yes, if we consider the experiences of a magistrate working in south-east Gwent. Of the 23 cases dealt with by that magistrate in one session last week, 16 involved drug addicts, the majority of whom were on treatment waiting lists. If sentenced, they would be placed on drug treatment and testing orders and would receive treatment within weeks, compared to the 18-month wait for referrals outside the criminal justice system.

Un o’r ffyrdd hawsaf o gael triniaeth ar gyfer camddefnyddio cyffuriau yng Nghymru yw drwy dorri’r gyfraith. Mae hwnnw’n ddatganiad syfrdanol a herfeiddiol. Fodd bynnag, a yw’n wir? Ydyw, os ystyriwn brofiadau ynad sy’n gweithio yn ne-ddwyrain Gwent. O’r 23 o achosion yr ymdriniodd yr ynad â hwy o fewn un sesiwn yr wythnos diwethaf, yr oedd 16 ohonynt yn ymwneud â phobl a oedd yn gaeth i gyffuriau, yr oedd y rhan fwyaf ohonynt yn aros am driniaeth. Pe caent eu dedfrydu, caent eu gosod ar orchmynion trin a phrofi am gyffuriau a chaent driniaeth o fewn wythnosau, o’i gymharu ag aros 18 mis i gael eu cyfeirio y tu allan i’r system cyfiawnder troseddol.

Given the extent of the problem that we face, we cannot afford to wait until next spring to review the situation. This issue must be prioritised now. Devolution means that we should be willing to step forward and fight for Wales. It carries a responsibility for strategic leadership. We need urgent statistical analysis, a comprehensive national strategy and substantial core funding. I mentioned the work being done by CAIS in north Wales. Lottery money has been of great benefit to that organisation. However, we cannot allow drug rehabilitation to be a lottery. My constituents, and yours, deserve better.

O ystyried graddfa’r broblem a wynebwn, ni allwn fforddio aros tan y gwanwyn nesaf i adolygu’r sefyllfa. Rhaid rhoi blaenoriaeth i’r sefyllfa hon yn awr. Mae datganoli yn golygu y dylem fod yn barod i gamu ymlaen a brwydro dros Gymru. Mae’n gosod cyfrifoldeb ar ein hysgwyddau i ddangos arweinyddiaeth strategol. Mae arnom angen dadansoddiadau ystadegol ar frys, strategaeth genedlaethol gynhwysfawr ac arian craidd sylweddol. Crybwyllais y gwaith a wneir gan CAIS yn y Gogledd. Bu arian y loteri o fudd mawr i’r sefydliad hwnnw. Fodd bynnag, ni allwn ganiatáu i’r broses adfer i bobl sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau fod yn loteri. Mae fy etholwyr i, a’ch etholwyr chi, yn haeddu gwell.

Peter Black spoken in English p. 98

Peter Black siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 98

I welcome this debate. This is the second time that this issue has been debated in the Chamber. It has been the subject of a short debate on both occasions. It is important that we continue to discuss the drug rehabilitation problem given that, as Geraint said, there is huge dissatisfaction in our communities in terms of how this issue is being dealt with. The National Assembly Government has increased funding for drug rehabilitation. However, there are problems in terms of the different pots from which that money is coming, be it from health authorities, the National Assembly, the lottery or confiscated goods from the UK Government Home Office. We need to control how, and how effectively, that money is being spent. The Minister for Health and Social Services has started to do that. However, much more work needs to be done. I look forward to the fruition of that work so that the National Assembly can have a better picture of how that money is being spent, how the treatment is being funded and how we are starting to tackle the reported problems that the Audit Commission identified in England and Wales, and other reported problems, particularly the 18-month waiting time for rehabilitation treatment for heroin addicts. There is huge concern about this issue. The more time that we spend debating it, the easier it will be to reach a solution and deal with the problem.

Croesawaf y ddadl hon. Dyma’r eildro inni drafod y mater hwn yn y Siambr. Bu’n destun dadl fer ar y ddau achlysur. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn parhau i drafod y broblem o ran adfer y rhai sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau, o gofio, fel y dywedodd Geraint, bod anfodlonrwydd mawr yn ein cymunedau o ran y ffordd yr ymdrinnir â’r mater hwn. Mae Llywodraeth y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol wedi cynyddu’r arian ar gyfer adfer y rhai sy’n gaeth i gyffuriau. Fodd bynnag, mae problemau o ran ffynonellau gwahanol yr arian hwnnw, boed yn awdurdodau iechyd, y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, y loteri neu nwyddau a atafaelir gan Swyddfa Gartref Llywodraeth y DU. Rhaid inni reoli sut, a pha mor effeithiol, y caiff yr arian hwnnw ei wario. Mae’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol wedi dechrau gwneud hynny. Fodd bynnag erys llawer mwy i’w wneud. Edrychaf ymlaen at weld y gwaith hwnnw yn dwyn ffrwyth er mwyn i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol weld yn gliriach y ffordd y caiff yr arian hwnnw ei wario, sut y caiff y driniaeth ei hariannu a sut yr ydym yn dechrau mynd i’r afael â’r problemau a nodwyd gan y Comisiwn Archwilio yng Nghymru a Lloegr, ynghyd â phroblemau eraill a nodwyd, yn enwedig y ffaith fod yn rhaid i bobl sy’n gaeth i heroin aros 18 mis i gael triniaeth adfer. Ceir cryn bryder ynghylch y mater hwn. Po fwyaf o amser y treuliwn yn ei drafod, bydd y broses o ddod o hyd i ateb ac ymdrin â’r broblem yn haws.

Brian Gibbons The Deputy Minister for Health spoken in English p. 99

Brian Gibbons Y Dirprwy Weinidog dros Iechyd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 99

I welcome the opportunity to reply to Geraint on this issue. We both live in areas where drugs are a problem, and we share a professional interest in this issue.

Croesawaf y cyfle i ymateb i Geraint ar y mater hwn. Mae’n ddau ohonom yn byw mewn ardaloedd lle y mae cyffuriau yn broblem, a rhannwn fuddiant proffesiynol yn y mater hwn.

We all know about the personal consequences of the problems that substance abuse creates for many individuals in our own communities. You highlighted the problems that it presents for families and friends in a distressing and personal way. We are aware of wasted lives and needless deaths of youths, which the official statistics probably seriously underestimate. In my constituency, although around four to six young people have died in the past few years from drug use, probably only one or two of them were registered as official drug deaths. They have died from road traffic accidents, as the result of street violence, and from suicides. Therefore, the official statistics underestimate the seriousness of the problem.

Mae pob un ohonom yn gwybod am bobl yn ein cymunedau a effeithiwyd gan ganlyniadau personol y problemau sy’n deillio o gamddefnyddio sylweddau. Bu ichi amlygu’r problemau a wynebir gan deuluoedd a ffrindiau gennych mewn modd gofidus a phersonol. Yr ydym yn ymwybodol o fywydau a wastreffir ac o farwolaethau diangen pobl ifanc, y rhydd yr ystadegau swyddogol, yn fwy na thebyg, amcangyfrif llawer rhy isel ohonynt. Yn fy etholaeth i, er y bu tua phedwar neu chwe pherson ifanc farw o ganlyniad i ddefnyddio cyffuriau yn ystod yr ychydig flynyddoedd diwethaf, mae’n debyg mai dim ond un neu ddau ohonynt a gofrestrwyd yn swyddogol fel marwolaethau o ganlyniad i gyffuriau. Buont farw o ganlyniad i ddamweiniau ar y ffordd, trais ar y strydoedd a thrwy hunanladdiad. Felly, mae’r ystadegau swyddogol yn rhoi amcangyfrif rhy isel o ddifrifoldeb y broblem.

In my constituency, near where I live, a community has virtually been brought to its knees because of substance abuse problems. There is hope in that community, even in the darkest and most pessimistic situations. Its problems have not been solved and they could resurrect themselves at any moment. However, the situation is moving in the right direction. That community’s success gives us an idea of the way forward.

Yn fy etholaeth i, yn agos i fy nghartref, mae cymuned sydd bron â chwalu o ganlyniad i broblemau yn ymwneud â chamddefnyddio sylweddau. Gwelir gobaith yn y gymuned honno, hyd yn oed yn y sefyllfaoedd mwyaf tywyll a phesimistaidd. Ni ddatryswyd problemau’r gymuned honno a gallent ailgodi ar unrhyw adeg. Fodd bynnag, mae’r sefyllfa yn symud i’r cyfeiriad cywir. Rhydd llwyddiant y gymuned honno syniad inni o’r ffordd gywir ymlaen.

No single initiative made the big difference. It was better and more targeted policing, better and more vigorous action by the courts, a determination by the community to stand up to threats and intimidation, improved youth facilities, better job prospects, support from our local authority, and improved services from our local health group and substance abuse services. It is therefore not surprising to see that, even in this small case history, only 5 to 10 per cent of Government spending in tackling the drug problem is health-related. However, this is very much the focus of Geraint’s short debate.

Nid un fenter unigol a wnaeth y gwahaniaeth pwysig. Yr hyn a gafwyd oedd plismona gwell a dargedwyd yn fwy effeithiol, gweithredu cadarnach a gwell o du’r llysoedd, penderfyniad gan y gymuned i wynebu’r bygythiadau, cyfleusterau gwell i bobl ifanc, rhagolygon gwell o ran swyddi, cymorth gan ein hawdurdod lleol, a gwasanaethau gwell gan ein grŵp iechyd lleol a chan wasanaethau camddefnyddio sylweddau. Felly, nid yw’n syndod gweld, hyd yn oed yn hanes yr achos bach hwn, mai dim ond rhwng 5 a 10 y cant o’r arian a gaiff ei wario gan y Llywodraeth i fynd i’r afael â phroblem cyffuriau sy’n ymwneud â iechyd. Fodd bynnag, dyma ganolbwynt dadl fer Geraint, i raddau helaeth.

We all share the concern about access to treatment and rehabilitation services throughout Wales. I am sure that Geraint will remember that the Minister announced in Brecon on 14 February her intention to undertake a review of the treatment and rehabilitation services for substance users across Wales. Considerable interest is being expressed in the treatment and rehabilitation services, and I share the concerns that Geraint has raised.

Yr ydym oll yn rhannu’r pryder ynglŷn â chael mynediad i wasanaethau trin ac adfer ledled Cymru. Yr wyf yn siŵr y bydd Geraint yn cofio i’r Gweinidog ddatgan yn Aberhonddu ar 14 Chwefror ei bwriad i ymgymryd ag adolygiad o’r gwasanaethau trin ac adfer ar gyfer defnyddwyr sylweddau ledled Cymru. Mynegir diddordeb sylweddol yn y gwasanaethau trin ac adfer, a rhannaf y pryderon a nodwyd gan Geraint.

I will deal with three main areas. First, I will discuss the review of the treatment and rehabilitation services. Secondly, I will address some of the issues that were raised in relation to the Audit Commission report. Thirdly, I will outline some of the support that the National Assembly is giving to the treatment and rehabilitation services in Wales. There is a large body of evidence to show that treatment works. The challenge is to provide access to this treatment programme at a time when people genuinely need it and are motivated to change. To achieve this, we must first have a clear idea of the patterns of need and service use across Wales.

Byddaf yn ymdrin â thri phrif faes. Yn gyntaf, soniaf am yr adolygiad o’r gwasanaethau trin ac adfer. Yn ail, byddaf yn ymdrin â rhai o’r materion a godwyd yng nghyd-destun adroddiad y Comisiwn Archwilio. Yn drydydd, byddaf yn amlinellu rhywfaint o’r cymorth y mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn ei roi i’r gwasanaethau trin ac adfer yng Nghymru. Ceir llawer o dystiolaeth i ddangos bod triniaeth yn llwyddiannus. Yr her yw darparu mynediad i’r driniaeth hon ar adeg pan fydd ei hangen yn wirioneddol ar bobl a phan fyddant yn awyddus i newid. I gyflawni hyn, mae’n rhaid inni gael syniad clir yn gyntaf o’r patrymau o ran anghenion a’r defnydd o a wneir o wasanaethau ledled Cymru.

When we published our strategy, ‘Tackling Substance Misuse in Wales: A Partnership Approach’, the four aims, which were warmly welcomed at the time, were: to enable young people and adults to resist substance abuse in the first instance; to protect families and communities from anti-social behaviour and the health risks arising from substance misuse; to stifle the availability of illegal drugs; and, lastly—and this is pertinent to today’s debate—to enable people to overcome substance misuse problems and live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Pan gyhoeddwyd ein strategaeth, ‘Delio â Chamddefnyddio Sylweddau yng Nghymru: Y Dull Partneriaeth’, ein pedwar nod, a groesawyd yn gynnes ar y pryd, oedd: galluogi pobl ifanc ac oedolion i ymwrthod â chamddefnyddio sylweddau yn y lle cyntaf; diogelu teuluoedd a chymunedau rhag ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol a’r peryglon i iechyd sy’n deillio o gamddefnyddio sylweddau; rhwystro argaeledd cyffuriau anghyfreithlon; ac, yn olaf—ac mae hyn yn berthnasol i ddadl heddiw—galluogi pobl i oresgyn problemau camddefnyddio sylweddau ac i fyw bywyd iach a boddhaus.

The importance placed on treatment and rehabilitation is reflected by our intention to carry out a review, which Geraint mentioned, on access to treatment and rehabilitation over the next year. It is important that we work in partnership with the various service providers in the field to find out precisely what they feel are the priorities and the needs. National Assembly officials will be working with the five drug and alcohol action teams that are responsible for ensuring the local delivery of our substance abuse services. They will undertake this work in consultation with the NHS directorate. Part of the work will focus on the key issues that you have raised—waiting times for treatment, and looking further into the causes of substance abuse in local situations. The commissioning of treatment services will also play a key role in this review.

Mae ein bwriad i gynnal adolygiad, a grybwyllwyd gan Geraint, o fynediad i wasanaethau trin ac adfer dros y flwyddyn nesaf yn amlygu pa mor bwysig yr ystyriwn y gwasanaethau hynny. Mae’n bwysig ein bod yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth â’r amryw o ddarparwyr gwasanaethau yn y maes i ganfod beth yn union, yn eu barn hwy, yw’r blaenoriaethau a’r anghenion. Bydd swyddogion y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn cydweithio â’r pum tîm gweithredu dros gyffuriau ac alcohol sy’n gyfrifol am sicrhau bod ein gwasanaethau camddefnyddio sylweddau yn cael eu darparu’n lleol. Byddant yn cyflawni’r gwaith hwn drwy ymgynghori â chyfarwyddiaeth y GIG. Bydd rhan o’r gwaith yn canolbwyntio ar y materion allweddol a godwyd gennych—amseroedd aros ar gyfer triniaeth, ac ymchwil bellach i achosion o gamddefnyddio sylweddau mewn sefyllfaoedd lleol. Bydd y broses o gomisiynu triniaeth yn chwarae rôl allweddol yn yr adolygiad hwn hefyd.

You mentioned ‘Changing Habits’, the Audit Commission report. Having read it, this is an informative and useful report, and we have much to learn from it. It makes several detailed recommendations for service development and ensuring consistency in the availability and quality of service. Having read the report, there is obviously considerable variation in how services are delivered, and also in the efficacy of the various treatment regimes that are offered.

Bu ichi grybwyll ‘Changing Habits’, sef adroddiad y Comisiwn Archwilio. Wedi ei ddarllen, credaf ei fod yn adroddiad defnyddiol sy’n llawn gwybodaeth, ac mae gennym lawer i’w ddysgu ohono. Gwna sawl argymhelliad manwl ar gyfer datblygu gwasanaethau a sicrhau cysondeb o ran argaeledd ac ansawdd gwasanaethau. Wedi darllen yr adroddiad, mae’n amlwg bod gwahaniaethau sylweddol yn y dull y caiff gwasanaethau eu darparu, ac yn effeithiolrwydd y triniaethau amrywiol a gynigir.

The Welsh Assembly Government supports individual organisations and partnerships in developing education, training, and leisure services that support treatment and rehabilitation. This is done mainly with specific grants from the the drug and alcohol treatment fund. We have already announced that we intend to double the amount that was available in this fund in 1999-2000 by 2003. This increase will provide support for a range of treatment and rehabilitation services, such as the development of the shared care schemes with primary care, which Geraint mentioned, as well as specialist services for young people. Furthermore, a range of voluntary sector schemes are supported through section 64 grants, including grants for residential rehabilitation services such as Dyfrig House in Cardiff and Rhoserchan near Aberystwyth. Additionally, health authorities are exceeding their target budget expenditure of 0.4 per cent in addressing the health implications of substance misuse. Their expenditure is probably closer to 0.6 per cent.

Mae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn cynorthwyo sefydliadau a phartneriaethau unigol i ddatblygu gwasanaethau addysg, hyfforddiant a hamdden sy’n cynorthwyo’r broses o drin ac adfer. Gwneir hyn yn bennaf drwy gyfrwng grantiau penodol o’r gronfa trin cyffuriau ac alcohol. Yr ydym eisoes wedi cyhoeddi ein bod yn bwriadu dyblu’r swm a oedd ar gael yn y gronfa hon yn 1999-2000 erbyn 2003. Bydd y cynnydd hwn yn darparu cymorth ar gyfer ystod o wasanaethau trin ac adfer, megis y gwaith o ddatblygu cynlluniau rhannu gofal â gofal sylfaenol, a grybwyllwyd gan Geraint, yn ogystal â gwasanaethau arbenigol ar gyfer pobl ifanc. Yn ogystal, caiff ystod o gynlluniau’r sector gwirfoddol eu hategu drwy grantiau adran 64, yn cynnwys grantiau ar gyfer gwasanaethau adfer preswyl megis Tŷ Dyfrig yng Nghaerdydd a Rhoserchan ger Aberystwyth. Yn ogystal, mae awdurdodau iechyd yn mynd y tu hwnt i’w gwariant cyllideb a dargedwyd, sef 0.4 y cant wrth fynd i’r afael â goblygiadau iechyd camddefnyddio sylweddau. Mae’n debyg bod eu gwariant yn nes at 0.6 y cant.

The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to working in partnership to tackle substance misuse problems. Treatment and rehabilitation services are the key. Our partnership working has been exemplified in the joint working with residential treatment and rehabilitation services providers, undertaken as part of the new standards in care homes consultation programme. We have also responded to concerns expressed by those residential providers, and the new arrangements will take account of their need to avoid a reduction in the current capacity. We recognise the particular needs of the sector, which offers specific treatment and rehabilitation programmes over a set period of time to vulnerable people.

Mae Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru wedi ymrwymo i weithio mewn partneriaeth er mwyn mynd i’r afael â phroblemau camddefnyddio sylweddau. Yr allwedd i hyn yw gwasanaethau trin ac adfer. Enghraifft o’n gwaith partneriaeth oedd y cydweithio a gafwyd â darparwyr gwasanaethau trin ac adfer preswyl, a gyflawnwyd yn rhan o’r rhaglen ymgynghori o ran safonau newydd mewn cartrefi gofal. Yr ydym hefyd wedi ymateb i bryderon a fynegwyd gan y darparwyr preswyl hynny, a bydd y trefniadau newydd yn ystyried eu hangen i osgoi lleihau’r capasiti presennol. Cydnabyddwn anghenion penodol y sector, sy’n cynnig rhaglenni trin ac adfer penodol dros gyfnod penodedig i bobl ddiamddiffyn.

However, we must not forget that the rehabilitation of substance misusers is a process that is shared with a range of agencies, as I noted in my introductory remarks and as was graphically illustrated by the Audit Commission report. The Employment Service Progress to Work initiative, for example, is intended to support people with substance misuse problems in gaining and keeping employment. Peter Black will know of the Domino project in Swansea, where substance abusers have been given a wide range of life skills, such as computer and cookery skills.

Fodd bynnag, ni ddylem anghofio bod y broses o adfer y rhai sy’n camddefnyddio sylweddau yn broses a rennir ag ystod o asiantaethau, fel y nodais yn fy sylwadau agoriadol ac fel yr amlygwyd yn fanwl gan adroddiad y Comisiwn Archwilio. Bwriad y fenter Cynnydd at Waith gan y Gwasanaeth Cyflogi, er enghraifft, yw cynorthwyo pobl â phroblemau camddefnyddio sylweddau i gael cyflogaeth a’i chadw. Bydd Peter Black yn ymwybodol o’r prosiect Domino yn Abertawe, lle y rhoddwyd ystod eang o sgiliau bywyd, fel sgiliau cyfrifiadurol a sgiliau coginio i bobl sy’n camddefnyddio sylweddau.

Treatment and rehabilitation services for substance misusers are affected by a major skill shortage, as are other social and health care services. This issue has been included in the service review remit that I have already mentioned. There is also a recognised need to implement the national occupational standards, to improve training and to develop the capacity to provide training and the consequent service delivery in the Welsh language.

Mae prinder difrifol sgiliau yn effeithio ar wasanaethau trin ac adfer i’r rhai sy’n camddefnyddio sylweddau, yn ogystal ag ar wasanaethau gofal cymdeithasol a iechyd eraill. Cynhwyswyd y mater hwn yng nghylch gwaith yr adolygiad o wasanaethau a grybwyllwyd gennyf eisoes. Cydnabyddir hefyd bod angen gweithredu’r safonau galwedigaethol cenedlaethol, gwella hyfforddiant a datblygu’r capasiti i ddarparu hyfforddiant ac, yn sgîl hynny, y ddarpariaeth o wasanaethau yn yr iaith Gymraeg.

We currently support the development of the drug and alcohol national occupational standards. The field-testing of this strand of the project has been completed recently, involving colleagues in Wales. We look forward to further developments in this area.

Ar hyn o bryd, cefnogwn y gwaith o ddatblygu’r safonau galwedigaethol cenedlaethol o ran cyffuriau ac alcohol. Cwblhawyd y gwaith o faes-brofi’r llinyn hwn o’r prosiect yn ddiweddar, gan gynnwys cydweithwyr yng Nghymru. Edrychwn ymlaen at ddatblygiadau pellach yn y maes hwn.

The development of the Royal College of General Practitioners certificate in management of drug misuse in primary care is another area of training that is being addressed, as Geraint may have mentioned. Funding has been provided to enable the successful rollout of this qualification across Wales. We hope that this will lead to an increase in the number of GPs who are willing to work in this area and will increase their skills and confidence. This approach has been underlined in the Audit Commission report.

Mae’r gwaith o ddatblygu tystysgrif Coleg Brenhinol yr Ymarferwyr Cyffredinol mewn rheoli achosion o gamddefnyddio cyffuriau o fewn gofal sylfaenol yn faes hyfforddiant arall yr ymdrinnir ag ef, fel y crybwyllodd Geraint o bosibl. Darparwyd arian i alluogi i’r cymhwyster hwn gael ei gyflwyno’n llwyddiannus ledled Cymru. Gobeithiwn y bydd hyn yn arwain at gynnydd yn nifer y meddygon teulu sy’n barod i weithio yn y maes hwn ac y bydd yn gwella eu sgiliau a’u hyder. Tanlinellwyd yr ymagwedd hon yn adroddiad y Comisiwn Archwilio.

I stress the importance that we place on raising awareness of services needed to tackle substance abuse. With this in mind, the Minister for Health and Social Services is organising an awareness-raising event during lunchtime in the National Assembly on 18 April. It will predominantly consist of short presentations from the people at the front line from the five drug and alcohol teams in Wales. All Assembly Members are welcome to attend this event, which will take place in the neuadd. This short debate, and that given by Peter Black, along with events such as that being organised by the Minister, will hopefully raise the profile of this important issue and increase its priority in the National Assembly.

Pwysleisiaf y pwysigrwydd a osodwn ar godi ymwybyddiaeth o’r gwasanaethau sydd eu hangen i fynd i’r afael ag achosion o gamddefnyddio sylweddau. O ystyried hyn, mae’r Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol yn trefnu digwyddiad i godi ymwybyddiaeth yn ystod amser cinio yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ar 18 Ebrill. Yn bennaf, bydd yn cynnwys cyflwyniadau byr gan bobl yn y rheng flaen o’r pum tîm gweithredu dros gyffuriau ac alcohol yng Nghymru. Mae croeso i bob Aelod o’r Cynulliad fynychu’r digwyddiad hwn, a gynhelir yn y neuadd. Gobeithio y bydd y ddadl fer hon, a honno a roddwyd gan Peter Black, yn ogystal â digwyddiadau megis y rhai a drefnir gan y Gweinidog, yn codi proffil y mater pwysig hwn ac yn codi ei flaenoriaeth yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol.

John Marek The Deputy Presiding Officer spoken in English p. 104

John Marek Y Dirprwy Lywydd siaradwyd yn Saesneg t. 104

That brings today’s proceedings to a close.

Daw hynny â thrafodion heddiw i ben.

Daeth y cyfarfod i ben am 12.47 p.m.

The session ended at 12.47 p.m.