Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 14 December 2016.
Well, it is disappointing that an RIA hasn’t been published alongside the consultation document, and is it not the case that a regulatory impact assessment hasn’t been issued because there is simply not enough scientific evidence to support the Welsh Government’s plans? Not only is there not enough scientific evidence, but these proposals will actually cripple farmers across Wales and have a significant effect on the wider rural economy. And it seems to me that these proposals are simply a sledgehammer to actually crack a nut and, no doubt, the findings of the consultation will actually echo these concerns. So, in the circumstances, can you tell us why the Welsh Government has not adopted a voluntary approach on this matter, and, following the consultation, will you now take on board the views of farmers and, indeed, the agricultural industry and consider working with them by adopting voluntary measures instead?