7. What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government on a UK-wide plan for the removal of all asbestos from Welsh public buildings? OQ59901

Llywydd, there have been no recent discussions with the UK Government on this matter. The Welsh Government, particularly through the work of the education directorate and Ystadau Cymru, has focused on ensuring that asbestos is managed properly in public buildings across Wales, creating a safe environment for the workforce and for visitors.

Diolch. On Sunday 2 July, The Sunday Times launched its campaign calling on the UK Government to act now on asbestos. The cross-party campaign is calling on the UK Government to develop a national plan for the removal of all asbestos over the next 40 years. Asbestos was banned in new buildings in the UK in 1999, but, according to Airtight on Asbestos, which campaigns for its removal, more than 6 million tonnes of it may still be found in as many as 1.5 million buildings throughout the UK. Sir Stephen Timms, the MP and chairman of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee, conducted an inquiry into asbestos last year, which said: 

'When you mention asbestos to most people, they tend to think it was a problem of the past that’s been dealt with. When you tell them it’s still all around us, they’re surprised. When you tell them it’s the UK’s biggest work-related killer, they’re shocked. And when you tell them it’s in most of our schools, they tend to become worried.'

First Minister, more than 5,000 people a year are still dying from diseases caused by asbestos, primarily mesothelioma. The period between being exposed to the inhalation of asbestos fibres and developing symptoms ranges from 10 to 50 years. So, what further representations will the Welsh Government make to the UK Government after its complete refusal to acquiesce to a 40-year programme of removal of asbestos from all non-commercial buildings and to establish a national register of all with asbestos in situ and a record of its condition? Because none of us in this Senedd can rest whilst any Welsh public building remains riddled with latent killer materials that could potentially take the lives of Welsh citizens in the years ahead.

First Minister, what are the Welsh Government's ambitions and plans for dealing with this ongoing public health emergency in Wales, and would you be willing to meet with me to discuss this vital issue?

I thank Rhianon Passmore. She's right, Llywydd, that it is are very, very important public health issue. It was disappointing that the UK Government, when it responded to the Work and Pensions Committee report on this matter in July of last year—. The DWP select committee had asked for a removal of asbestos from all commercial and public buildings within a defined period of time, and the UK Government declined to accept that recommendation. Without their willingness to take it forward, then I'm afraid the Welsh Government, by ourselves, are unlikely to persuade them otherwise. But there is the cross-party campaign that the Member mentioned. I know there are efforts being made by Members of Parliament from many parties to generate a debate in the House of Commons as early as this week, and we will certainly be following that very carefully.

In the short run, our focus can therefore only be on making sure that those buildings are as safe as they can be and that, as buildings come to the end of their natural life span, that we replace them with construction material that doesn't pose the same difficulty. Going it alone in this field, Llywydd, we know is fraught with legal complications. I was the health Minister when the Senedd passed the mesothelioma Bill promoted by Mick Antoniw. It successfully passed through the Senedd here, and the Supreme Court found that the Senedd hadn't the powers to do what we would like to have done. So, going it alone I think is fraught with those sorts of dangers. We'll be associated with campaigns at a UK level to do better. We'll discharge our own responsibilities in a way that keeps people safe. I was able to discuss with Rebecca Evans, who is the Minister who has responsibility for Ystadau Cymru, the question, as I saw it come in, and I know she'd be very happy to meet with you and to make officials available for that discussion as well.

Finally, question 8, Ken Skates.