January
Glyn Davies

January 30th 2006

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE CHAIR CALLS ON WELSH PEOPLE TO REPORT ANY DEAD BADGERS TO ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly is calling on anyone in Wales who sees a dead badger on the roadside to immediately notify the Assembly Government office at Bangor, Llandrindod Wells or Carmarthen - or alternatively telephone one of the farming unions.

 Commenting on the reason for his call Glyn Davies said:

 "The Assembly Government tells us that 400 dead badgers must be tested before the Minister, Carwyn Jones, will officially accept that there is any relationship between Tb in cattle and Tb in badgers.  Assembly officials believe this will take 12 months on the current scale of testing. Let us do something about it.

 Cattle farmers who are watching their industry being devastated by bovine Tb will find this delay deeply frustrating.  I appeal to everyone to shorten this period by reporting every dead badger seen on the roadside to the nearest Government office or their farming union.  And, if possible, they should check the next day to ensure the dead animal was actually collected for testing.

 The remorseless and devastating spread of bovine Tb through the cattle herds of Wales is a deeply worrying animal health problem.  We must do what we can to deal with it quickly. The Assembly Government will not change its position from the requirement that 400 dead badgers be tested - so the sooner they are found the shorter will be the delay in developing an effective strategy."

TORY AM BACKS LORD CARLILE OVER ID CARDS

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales and Spokesman on Finance has welcomed Lord Carlile's unexpected public opposition to the introduction of ID Cards.  Lord Carlile, who lives in Berriew, Mid Wales has an important role advising the Government on anti terror laws and his opposition to ID Cards will be a major blow to the Government as it tries to force the plans through Westminster.  Lord Carlile outlined his opposition during an interview with GMTV over the weekend.

 Commenting on Lord Carlile's comments, Glyn Davies who is a good friend of the Liberal Democrat Peer said:

 "I have been implacably opposed to the whole unworkable idea of ID Cards since they were first announced as one of Tony Blair's 'eye-catching initiatives'. Lord Carlile is right to point out that they would have very little impact in the prevention of terrorist attack and neither would they have much effect on the fight against 'benefit cheats'.  ID Cards would be a massive intrusion by the State into people's lives for very little, if any, benefit. 

I was very pleased when the new Conservative Leader, David Cameron made clear his opposition to ID Cards.  I am now equally pleased that Alex Carlile has announced his opposition to them as well and I congratulate my next door neighbour on his usual good and sound judgement.  Over recent weeks the House of Lords has inflicted several defeats on the ID Cards Bill which I hope will eventually scupper it completely - saving the nation anything up to 20 billion pounds

TORY AM DESCRIBES NEW ASSEMBLY BUILDING AS A WORK OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales who led the opposition to the new Assembly Building being built has praised the design and described the new building as an artistic masterpiece.  As the Assembly prepares to move into the new Debating Chamber the 'arch critic' of the decision to construct the building says it is time to move on and extract the maximum value out of the £67 million investment.

 Commenting after taking a group of constituents around the new building Glyn Davies said:

 "The new, Lord Rogers designed Assembly Building, is a work of artistic excellence which will win praise from the most determined of those who opposed its construction.  The Debating Chamber itself as well as the open 'Court' with its panoramic view over the Bay are both stunning in their style and simplicity.  I hope that we Assembly Members will 'raise our game' and that the public will be enticed into the new 'Senedd' to meet their representatives in great numbers.

 Of course the building cost too much public money - which could have been invested in public services.  But it has been built and the money has been spent.  Every Assembly Member now has a responsibility to get the best value out of the investment.  It is a place for real power to be wielded, for great speeches to be delivered and it is a place for philosophy and wise decisions. 

  To me the new Assembly Building is like an old painting we bought 30 years ago.  It was more than we could afford and we should never have bought it - but it is still a lovely painting which for 30 years has brought immense pleasure.  I truly hope this Rogers building turns out to be a masterpiece which gives the Welsh nation pleasure for years to come"

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE GIVES FULL BACKING TO ANIMAL HEALTH BILL

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly has produced a formal report following consideration of the Animal Health Bill. Committee members were satisfied with the framework provisions of the Bill.  However, during discussions on proposals to control the tail docking of sheep and dogs members were satisfied that responsibility to introduce the codes of practice would be devolved to the Assembly.

 Commenting on the report which is below Glyn Davies said:

 "We welcome the Animal Health Bill which brings legislation in the field of animal welfare up-to-date.  We particularly welcome simplification of the process of taking action against cruelty against animals, whether they be working animals or pets.

 I am aware that there are important decisions to be taken at a later date when the National Assembly drafts the subordinate legislation which will control sensitive issues such as docking the tail of sheep and dogs.  I am also aware that there are concerns about cross-border confusion and traffic in animals that might be caused by differences in regulations in England and Wales.

 Dealing with new legislation will form a much bigger part of the Committee's workload in the future.  The Animal Health Bill is the last major UK Bill in subject areas which have been devolved to be drafted wholly by the Westminster Government. In future, as much as possible of any new legislation is to be dealt with by the National assembly."

January 23rd 2006

GLYN DAVIES BACKS OSBORNE OVER CONSERVATIVE TAX POLICY

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales and Spokesman on Finance has welcomed and supported today's speech by Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne in which he accused the Labour Government of squandering the economic 'golden legacy' which Gordon Brown inherited from the Conservatives in 1997 and also welcomed the Shadow Chancellors commitment to a low tax economy based on stability and fiscal responsibility.

 Commenting on George Osborne's speech Glyn Davies said:

 "George Osborne strikes just the right balance between our low tax aspiration and our commitment to public services. Over the last few years Gordon Brown has got the balance badly wrong by massively increasing the power of the state. The Chancellor's only strategy has been to tax, tax and tax again so that the Government can spend, spend and spend again without any thought to value for the taxpayer's money he has been spending.  The inevitable downside has been that the British economy has dropped down the 'competitiveness league' as our international competitors have lowered their taxation levels.

 Britain today is falling behind our competitors because of our bloated bureaucracy and devilishly complex taxation arrangements.  The most damaging consequence of Gordon Brown's tax raising approach has been the destruction of what was the best private pension system in Europe through the £5,000 million extra he has taken out of the pension system as a stealth tax every year since 1997. Nowhere is the cavalier approach to 'state control' and 'tax and spend' more glaring that in Wales where the Assembly Government has piled extra money into a burgeoning bureaucracy and free state provision.

 The Assembly budget is totally dependent on a sound UK economy and in the long term interests of public services in Wales I am greatly relieved to hear the man who is likely to become Chancellor of the Exchequer after the next election talking about how we can lessen the tax burden.  It makes a welcome change from hearing Gordon Brown talk about new devious and stealthy ways of separating taxpayers from their money"

TORY AM WELCOMES MASSIVE CULL OF GREY SQUIRRELS

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has welcomed an announcement by Defra Minister, Jim Knight that there is to be a massive cull of grey squirrels and is pressing the Assembly Government to take similar action in Wales.

 Commenting on the announcement Glyn Davies said:

 "Our native red squirrel is a shy and beautiful little creature that is being driven out of Britain by the larger, bolder, imported grey squirrel and the squirrel pox virus that it carries.  We have known for many years that without a massive cull of grey squirrels, our native red will become extinct.  We have already left it shamefully late to act.

 Over recent years I have had to travel to the south-west corner of Ireland to see the native red squirrel in the wild -  though a few do still live in North Wales.  Volunteers, with some support from the Assembly Government have done wonderful work to preserve the red squirrel on Ynys Mon and we know that fundamental to this success is a full scale cull of greys. As a young lad in Montgomeryshire I remember watching red squirrels scampering amongst our trees and it saddens me greatly that the only squirrels my children will see are the greedy, pox-ridden greys that wreck such havoc in Britain's forests and gardens.

 At long last the Westminster Government has decided to take real action against the grey squirrel through the use of poison but I hope that research will continue into immuno contraception techniques which would be a more acceptable and effective form of control."

 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE TO VISIT IRELAND TO STUDY BOVINE TB CONTROLS

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly has announced that he intends to take the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee on a visit to Ireland next month to learn more about how the Irish Government has tackled Bovine Tb.  This disease is resulting in over 5000 cattle being culled every year and approaching £10 million being paid in compensation to cattle farmers.

At last weeks Committee meeting members discussed Minister Carwyn Jones's December statement of his strategy for tackling Bovine Tb.

Commenting on the decision to visit Ireland, Glyn Davies said: 

"It is clear to me that some Committee members are dissatisfied with the progress being made to bring Bovine Tb under control. I believe that meeting with representatives of the Irish Government, Irish farming and Irish wildlife interests would provide the Committee with useful information.  Where there has been successful progress in controlling Bovine Tb in Ireland, it is sensible that Committee members should know how it was achieved - and at what price.

 There is now widespread agreement that 'something must be done'.  Bovine Tb is causing devastation throughout Welsh farming and many farmers are now telling me that this disease is 'worse than foot and mouth'. It is also costing the Welsh budget a huge amount of money which inevitably puts pressure on other Government budgets.

 Committee members are determined to keep the issue of Bovine Tb as a high priority and have asked for regular updates on how the Assembly Government's strategy is progressing."

MORGAN, HAIN AND LABOUR ARE RIGGING THE VOTING SYSTEM SAYS TORY AM

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has responded to publication of the Arbuthnott Report by accusing Rhodri Morgan, Peter Hain and their Labour colleagues of rigging the Assembly voting system in Labours favour.

 The Arbuthnott Commission was established by the Labour Government at Westminster to report on the voting system in Scotland and whether any changes are needed.  After two years work the Commission has concluded that 'preventing dual candidacy would be undemocratic' and would restrict the democratic rights of voters.  Labour is currently forcing through this system in Wales because they see it as benefiting Labour.  The plan by Labour to stop individuals fighting a constituency and being a candidate on a party's regional 'list' has already been condemned by the Electoral Commission and many other independent commentators

In a recent Assembly debate Glyn Davies said the 'By their current actions to rig the electoral system in Labour's favour, the reputations of Rhodri Morgan and Peter Hain will be scarred forever and the legacies of both men will be forever polluted'.

Responding to the publication of the Arbuthnott Commission Report Glyn Davies said:

"The Arbuthnott Commission Report has caught out Rhodri Morgan and Peter Hain red handed, as they strive to rig the Assembly voting system in Labour's favour.  This wholly independent Commission, set up by the Westminster Government, states unequivocally that 'Preventing dual candidacy would be undemocratic' and would restrict the democratic rights of voters.

And yet, even now, after being caught with their fingers in the ballot box, these two men and their collaborators on the Labour benches are determined to force their anti-democratic plans through parliament.  By their current actions to rig the electoral system in Labour's favour, the reputations of both Rhodri Morgan and Peter Hain will be scarred forever and the political legacies of both men will be forever polluted.

By their deeply partisan and cynical behaviour these two men are damaging the reputation of every Labour politician in Britain and the standing of politics in the eyes of the young voters of Britain.  And they are reducing Welsh politics and the National Assembly to a level that will bring ridicule upon our nation.  The Prime Minister should intervene in this emerging scandal. For the sake of Britain's deserved good reputation as a fair parliamentary democracy, Labour should immediately abandon their plans to rig the next Assembly Election in their own favour."

January 19th 2006

 RIGGING THE ASSEMBLY FOR LABOUR SHOULD BE MAIN ELECTION ISSUE SAYS TORY AM

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales is encouraging all opposition parties in the National Assembly to make the Labour Party's strategy of rigging the National Assembly in Labours favour after the 2007 Assembly Elections as the main election issue.

 The Labour Government at Westminster is forcing through a new Government of Wales Bill at present which has unique elements wholly designed to rig the system in Labour's favour.

 Commenting on the current position Glyn Davies said:

 "We have known for some time that Labour wants to gerrymander the Assembly Election system by preventing candidates standing for a constituency and on the regional list - a system rejected by every other country in the world and condemned by the Electoral Commission.  Now we find an equally disgraceful tactic has been slyly slipped into the Bill so that MPs can ensure that there will be Labour majorities on every Assembly Committee even if Labour lose the election in 2007. 

I am utterly shocked that Rhodri Morgan and Peter Hain should have anything to do with this reprehensible behaviour - which really is the stuff of third world dictatorships.  The reputations of both men are scarred by their current actions and the legacies that they leave behind will be forever polluted by the stench of political 'fixing'.

 The people of Wales will not like being ruled by political fixers and all parties should adopt an ABL (Anyone But Labour) campaign at the next Assembly Election.  For the sake of democracy we must find a way of making these political fixers pay for their outrageous behaviour with their jobs - and exposure followed by electoral failure would do it."

TORY AM 'UTTERLY APPALLED' BY CANABIS DECISION

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has condemned the shambles of the Governments policy on Cannabis use.  Following indications that the Government was intending to reclassify Cannabis as a Class 'B' drug it is expected to announce today that it is to be left as a Class 'C' drug.

 Glyn Davies was deeply critical of the Labour Governments decision to change the classification from B to C two years ago.

 Commenting in a personal capacity on today's decision Glyn Davies, who is a father of 4 children, said:

 "Cannabis is a dangerous drug and the behaviour of the Labour Government in regulating its use has been reduced to a total shambles.  In an irresponsible and pathetic attempt to win the drug user vote, before the last election, the Labour Government has put the health of our young people at risk.  And even now when it has realized its mistake the Government does not have the courage to put things right.  The Governments behaviour is utterly despicable. 

As a result of this dreadful Governments cavalier approach to drug use and its willingness to play fast and loose with mental health, our young people have been left with totally confused messages about the danger that the evil drug cannabis can cause.

 Government should give a clear message - 'Cannabis is bad, bad, bad and it will cause you harm and you are breaking the law if you use it'.  For its failure on this issue alone the Labour Government should be kicked out of office."

TORY AM WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF PLANNING GUIDANCE ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND PLANNING

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has welcomed today's publication of a Consultation by the Assembly Government on future planning policies in respect of the relationship between nature conservation and planning.

 Commenting on the TAN 5 Consultation Document Glyn Davies, who has recently taken over as Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee, said:

 "It is crucial that planning policy protects and enhances biodiversity and geological conservation.  I hope that every organisation in Wales with an interest in nature conservation will study the consultation document and respond with their views.

 I want to see nature conservation interests integrated into the planning decision process.  It is not the role of the Assembly Government or of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee to stop development but to ensure development does not have unacceptable effects on biodiversity.

 Nothing will be more injurious to nature conservation than climate change and it should be an objective of the Assembly Government to encourage development that will reduce damaging emissions and energy consumption."

 TORY AM INSPIRED BY 'FIRST' MEETING IN NEW ASSEMBLY BUILDING

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has expressed his great pleasure at being present at the first ever meeting in the New Assembly Building.

 Last night at 5.45pm there was a formal meeting of the Panel of Chairs in the Committee Room in the new Assembly Building.  The meeting began with the Presiding Officer, Dafydd Elis Thomas and Committee Chair Glyn Davies present.

 Commenting on the momentous occasion Glyn Davies said:

 "No one did more to stop the New Assembly Building being built than I did but I have to concede that the structure is hugely impressive.  Along with Lord Elis Thomas, I was privileged to be one of the two Assembly Members present at the opening discussions in the New Building.  It is absolutely crucial that we celebrate the opening of the New Building as a new confident beginning for the National Assembly after a faltering first seven years.

 I made my opening speech in the New Building in the Welsh Language and felt a real sense of occasion as Lord Elis Thomas and I began debating the way in which the National Assembly will operate from 2007 onwards - which was the item under discussion.

 The New Assembly Building has cost a huge amount of money and we must make the very best use of it.  I hope the inspiration which will flow from its glamour and style will stimulate glamorous and stylish speeches laced with wisdom and commitment to Wales.  We owe it to Wales to squeeze every ounce of value out of our new 'crucible of democracy'."

January 18th 2006

'CLIMATE CHANGE' POLICY IS KEY TO CONSERVATIVE SUCCESS SAYS TORY AM

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative Am for Mid and West Wales is telling his Party that putting in place policies to combat global warming and reduce the threat from climate change at the heart of its manifesto commitments is key to Conservative success in future elections.

 Glyn Davies who has recently taken over as Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly will outline his ideas on policy in a speech at the National Botanic Gardens next month. 

 Speaking in the National Assembly this week preparing for his first meeting as Chair Glyn Davies said:

 "I support the high priority that the new Conservative Leader, David Cameron, is giving to tackling climate change.  This is the most important issue facing the world today and I want the Welsh Conservative Party to become fully engaged with the policy changes needed to reduce the devastation that global worming is predicted to cause. 

Climate change is an issue that matters to young people in particular and if my Party is to engage with the new generation of voters we have to talk about what matters to them.

 A key aspect of climate change policy must be increasing energy production from renewable sources.  We must face the massively difficult issues of where our renewable energy is going to come from over the next few years and in particular accept the challenge of an open discussion on the case for new nuclear power generation."

ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN WELCOMES FARMERS SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly has welcomed a recent survey published by the Farmers Union of Wales which shows far higher levels of support for the National Assembly for Wales than for how farmers are treated in England.

 In a recent survey of members of the FUW 30% believed the National Assembly is doing a good job while just 8% thought the same of Defra, the agricultural department in England.  And while 24% of farmers believed the National Assembly to be doing an unacceptable job the equivalent figure in England is 48%. 

Commenting on the survey Glyn Davies said:

 "Many people are very quick to criticise the National Assembly - but amongst the farming community I hear a great deal of praise.  I am not at all surprised to learn that devolution is popular amongst FUW members and that a large majority want 'primary' law making powers transferred to the National Assembly.

 There is a range of opinion about the National Assembly's performance but there can be not the slightest doubt that the willingness of AM's to communicate with the farming community and the release of the Single Farm Payment (SFP) in early December has won over the majority of farmers to 'devolution' of powers to Wales.

 Neither the Environment, Planning and Countryside Minister or the Committee will always win the approval of farmers but I very much hope we can build on a generally positive view of the National Assembly that is held in the Welsh countryside."

January 11th 2006

CHAIR OF ASSEMBLY SUBJECT COMMITTEE WANTS MEETINGS TO BE HELD AWAY FROM CARDIFF

 Glyn Davies, new Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee would like some of the Committees meetings to be held away from Cardiff.

 In a statement today, he says he hopes that members of the Committee will agree to at least one meeting in West, Mid and North Wales every year.

 "I want every part of Wales to feel that the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee has an equal concern for their distinct region.  As a strong expression of intent I want the Committee to hold some of its meetings in West Wales, Mid Wales and North Wales.  Since the National assembly was set up in 1999, a recurring question has been how our new Welsh system of government is to connect with and be relevant to the whole of Wales.  I have always believed that setting up 'Regional Committees' is not enough and that the main 'Subject Committees' should also occasionally hold meetings away from Cardiff."

January 10th 2006

COMMITTEE CHAIR REASSURES FARM UNION THAT AGRICULTURE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly has reassured the Farmers Union of Wales that the Committee will not ignore the agriculture industry.

 He was responding to comments made by union members on a farm visit at the FUW's invitation in North Wales yesterday.

 Commenting after the meeting Glyn Davies, who is himself principal of a farming business, said:

 "I can understand why the FUW is concerned about the status of agriculture in Assembly Committee discussion.  The Committee responsible for agriculture now has the important added responsibilities of Environment and Planning.

 There will also be extra time pressure on the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee as a result of dealing with 'Primary' legislation in the future.  It is also the case that consideration of climate change issues and planning impact on affordable housing will inevitably be priorities for the Committee - both of which are important to future agricultural policy.

 However, I am determined that agriculture will not be ignored.  Farming remains a hugely important industry in rural Wales and I intend to stay in close touch with the issues that matter to the sector."

FUW CONCERNS SHARED BY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE CHAIR

 Glyn Davies, Chair of the Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee of the National Assembly has met with Farmers Union of Wales representatives at Mold Livestock Auction followed by a meeting with a group of concerned livestock farmers on a North Wales farm yesterday.

 The main item of discussion was the likely impact of the ending of the OTMS (Over Thirty Month Scheme) on beef prices during the period until the export of British beef begins again. The OTMS will end on 22^nd January.

 Commenting after the meeting Glyn Davies said:

 "I fully understand the deep concern of cattle farmers about the market for mature beef after 22^nd January when the Government scheme to buy in cattle over 30 months old comes to an end.  The OTMS has maintained a reasonable floor in the market since British beef was banned from export in 1996.  There is a real possibility that the mature beef market will collapse completely and also have a consequential negative effect on the entire beef market.   It is deeply disappointing to the farming industry that the export of British beef is not beginning at the same time - and it seems that there will be a delay of at least 2 months until the Ban is lifted.  I have promised to put every pressure that I can on the European Commission to lift the Beef Export Ban as soon as possible.  I intend to travel to Brussels later this month to lobby officials personally.  I want the commission to realise how concerned I am that this position is resolved quickly."

January 9th 2006

GLYN DAVIES REQUESTS PUBLIC MEETINGS IN MID WALES ON THE FUTURE OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN SHROPSHIRE

Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has written to Tom Taylor, Chief Executive of The Shrewsbury & Telford NHS Hospitals Trust, asking that public meetings be held in Newtown and Welshpool during the consultation period on the future of NHS services in Shropshire which is expected to be launched next month.

 Last month, Glyn Davies and Tom Taylor met to discuss the financial situation facing the NHS in Shropshire and the accessibility implications for the population of Mid Wales.

 Commenting after writing formally to Tom Taylor, Glyn Davies said:

 "I accept that the financial problems facing NHS Trusts in Shropshire will mean unwelcome changes - but I have made it absolutely clear that emergency services at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital must not be moved to the Princess Royal at Telford under any circumstances.  For the sake of the people of Mid Wales, Accident and Emergency Services and other 'emergency' services must stay at Shrewsbury.  It is essential that the people of Mid Wales have their opportunity to tell NHS Managers in Shropshire how much the services at Shrewsbury are valued.  There must be public meetings at Newtown and Welshpool during the 'Consultation period' on proposed changes to the NHS in Shropshire (expected to begin in February).  The Royal Shrewsbury (or 'Copthorne' as many know it) has been saving the lives of Mid Wales patients for a hundred years and we want this wonderful hospital to be there for us for the next 100 years as well".

January 6th 2006

TORY AM WARNS THAT THREAT OF 'BIRD FLU' PANDEMIC GROWS AFTER FAMILY DIES IN TURKEY

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has described yesterday's news that the death of three young members of the same family in Turkey after being infected by the High Pathological Avian Influenza strain H5N1, as a reminder that the bird flu threat has not gone away.  It had been anticipated that the infection would spread to Turkey and other adjacent countries since it was discovered in migratory birds in Northern Russia whose flight paths travel over Turkey.

 The deaths in Turkey are the first outside the Far East, where there have already been about 60 deaths since the current outbreak of avian influenza began in 1997. Over the last few months, many leading health experts around the world have been predicting that the H5N1 stain will mutate into a virus which can pass from human to human - at which point it will have the potential to kill millions of people.

 Commenting on this latest, deeply worrying news, Glyn Davies said:

 "The reports emerging from Turkey that three members of the same family have died following infection by the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza is a tragic reminder that the threat of a bird flu pandemic have not gone away.  The threat of a bird flu pandemic may have dropped out of the headlines but unfortunately the reality is that it becomes more threatening by the day. The relevant authorities must act quickly to understand what is happening in Turkey and whether this represents another stage on the path to the catastrophe that we know could happen.  This news increases fears that at some point in the future the H5N1 strain will mutate into a virus which passes from human to human - a step that would be the prelude to a pandemic that could kill millions of people around the world.  There remains no need for panic in the UK because the risk of an outbreak here remains low - for the time being. There is no reason to introduce any new measures beyond the extreme vigilance which we pray is part of our Government preventative strategy.  However government ministers responsible for animal welfare and human health the world over will be reviewing their contingency plans for the bird flu pandemic which looks rather more likely today following the disturbing news from Turkey."

January 5th 2006

GLYN DAVIES WANTS WALES TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE NEW GOVERNANCE SYSTEM AT GOBOWEN ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has visited the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital at Gobowen to discuss the fundamental changes that will soon be taking place in how the world renowned hospital is managed within the NHS.

 Commenting after his meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Hospital Trust Glyn Davies said:

 "Over the next few months, the world renowned Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen will begin the process of becoming a 'Foundation Hospital' which means it will be 'governed' by a 'Council of Governors' elected by members of the public who have an interest in the Hospital.  This 'Council of Governors' will, in effect, take over responsibility for the Gobowen Hospital from the Department of Health.  This is a fundamental change to how the hospital functions.   Between 30% and 40% of the Orthopaedic's patients currently come from Wales and I want to help ensure that Wales plays a major part in the new governance arrangements.  I am particularly impressed and pleased that the Chair and Chief Executive of the hospital are very supportive of Wales' involvement.  In our discussions we agreed that it is important to ensure that the England/Wales border should have no impact on patient perception and patient treatment.  Foundation Hospital status is a revolutionary change within the NHS in England and I agree with it - but this change must not have a negative effect on Wales.  Even though the Orthopaedic hospital is over the border we must do all we can in Wales to ensure the changes are brought about effectively."

January 4th 2006

GLYN DAVIES CONGRATULATES POWYS ON 'POSITIVE' MOVEMENTS IN ITS PRIMARY SCHOOLS REORGANISATION POLICY

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has welcomed changes made by Powys County Councillors to their policy to reorganise primary schools in the County.

 Commenting on yesterday's decisions by the County Council's Board, Glyn Davies said:

 "I remain deeply concerned about the wholly unnecessary secrecy of the Council in not naming the schools that they are talking about closing - this simply is not the way local councils should behave.  However, I am pleased that changes have been made, following consultation, which means that schools will now be under less threat of closure.

 I particularly welcome the deduction of the 'occupancy rate' where a school is considered for closure from 85% to 80%.  This will reduce the threat to rural schools.  And I also welcome the end to the dispiriting principle of 'continuous review'.  Schools cannot function properly with a 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over them continuously.

 I just hope that the Council will quickly bring to an end the silly and undemocratic policy of keeping the names of threatened schools secret - even from councillors.  However, I admire the way Councillors have remained very united in their commitment to their review of how primary schools are organised - and it is clear that Councillors have listened to the concerns that I and others have articulated.  Long may this responsible approach continue."

GLYN DAVIES BACKS DAVID CAMERON ON DEVOLUTION POLICY

 Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales has responded to a Liberal Democrat attack on new Conservative Leader David Cameron's approach towards devolution to Wales. This week Lembit Opik MP, Mick Bates AM and Powys County Councillor Noyce, for some obscure reason, put out a press release accusing David Cameron of not wanting devolution to work.

 Glyn Davies is very disappointed that these Liberal Democrats are, knowingly, making misleading statements about Conservative policy and he is suggesting that they are descending to these untruths because they know the Conservative Party in Wales, led by David Cameron, is becoming a very real threat to them.

 Speaking at a Conservative function in Montgomeryshire this week, Glyn Davies said:

 "David Cameron has said repeatedly that he is committed to making a success of 'devolution' and he has visited the National Assembly twice in the last few weeks to discuss Welsh policy issues with Assembly Members.  What neither he nor any of us support is greatly increasing the powers of the Welsh Assembly via a back-door method - without the support of Welsh people.  And neither does David or any other Conservative support the truly disgraceful attempt by Labour in the Bill currently before Parliament, to 'fiddle' the election system for the benefit of the Labour Party.  I believe that most Liberal Democrat supporters agree with us.  Over the last few weeks I have discussed our approach to the Welsh Assembly with several people in mid Wales who have long supported the Liberal Democrats - and every single one of them agrees with the David Cameron policy about devolution.  I often feel that in mid Wales, most Liberal Democrat supporters agree with me much more than they do with their own MP and Assembly Members - and now Liberal Democrat AM's, MPs and councillors are criticising David Cameron for saying what most of their own supporters think.  It is no wonder that some of them are coming over to us.  I think it would be more sensible for Opik, Bates, Noyce, etc. to concentrate on the failings of their own leader, Charles Kennedy - rather than trying to find fault with David Cameron"

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