Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:38 pm on 20 September 2017.
I thank the Member for the question. I did extend it, as you say, to 30 September, following representations from the farming unions and other environmental organisations. And, certainly, over the summer recess, when I’ve been attending the agricultural shows and doing visits in both agriculture and environmental settings, it was very clear, particularly over the summer as well, that the document was a large one, and they felt that to make sure they gave views that would be considered, they needed the extension. So, I did extend it to 30 September. I don’t think I’m in a position really to extend it any further, and one of the reasons—and you mentioned Brexit—is probably Brexit. I think it’s really important we get as many views as possible in around regulatory changes, around what legislation we might need, and I need to be ready to go at probably very short notice. We don’t have the luxury of time, so, no, I don’t think I can extend it.