Hustings 2010
27 April 2010: Gartholwg Hustings (answers to the unanswered questions on the night)
Questions for Gartholwg Hustings
1. Last Saturday’s Western Mail had a 4 page spread on the Liberal Democrat
effect, are you worried?
2. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. In light of this, do the
candidates:
a) support the ban on fox hunting?
b) oppose the badger cull in Wales ?
3. If your party came to power how would you like it to balance the need to
reduce the budget deficit with the need to stimulate the economy?
4. Would the candidates give us their views on the war in Afghanistan ?
Answers
From: Lee Gonzalez (Conservative)
1. No
2. a)
I think that this is still an issue that needs to be addressed. There is still a
lot of support for fox hunting and still a lot of opposition. What we need to do
is clarify if there still is a case for fox-hunting, if there isn't then we are
moving forward in resolving this issue.
My opinion is this: we need to do what is in the best interests of foxes and fox
populations. There has been an increase in fox population in cities and I think
this is undoubtedly a bad thing. If we are going to resolve this issue we need
to have a proper debate. I think it is also the responsibility of those for and
those against to present their argument with clarity.
2 b)
There is mounting support that badger culls do not impact the long term spread
of bovine TB, and this issue needs to be addressed. I am not a farmer, I have
never owned cows, and because of these reasons may ability to assess the badger
cull is not one from experience. My fear is that without a proper cull, there
may be instances where badgers are targeted and killed in a cruel and inhuman
way. In principle I am opposed to the cull unless solid supporting evidence can
be provided.
3.
If the Conservative Party came to power I would like the government to reduce
our national debt and budget deficit through the following means:
- reducing bureaucracy, not only is there huge amounts wastage that comes with bureaucracy, but it also reduces the ability of people to start up and run profitable businesses
- reduce tax regulation. In 1997 Britain's tax system was one of the most competitive in the world. Now we have one of the most complicated. Innovation and sustainable development is directly related to tax burden and regulation. Our ability to offer a competitive place for businesses to create jobs is essential
- reduce corporation tax and small business tax. This will help businesses to become more profitable and grow, creating jobs and wealth
4.
We have invested a lot of time, money and most importantly men's lives in this
conflict. I think those who have died in this conflict would have died in vain
if we do not finish the job and create a stable, democratic and self governing
Afghanistan. A majority of the worlds heroin is produced in Afghanistan and
dismantling this operation is in the interests of the UK. I believe we should
make sure that all our troops have the resources they need to fight in this
conflict.
Best Regards
Lee Gonzalez
