Group 8: Statutory instruments: Changes to procedures (Amendment 23)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:31 pm on 5 December 2018.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 6:31, 5 December 2018

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Following on from Llyr Gruffydd's amendment in Stage 2 of the Bill, we believe that the superaffirmative procedure for the Bill should still be followed, hence the reason why amendment 23 has been tabled.

During the investigations of the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee at Stage 1, it was clear that there are serious concerns about the nature of the Bill and the reliance of the Minister on future regulations to provide flexibility. We find that these concerns have been carried forward to both Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the Bill. Quite clearly, the Minister does not intend to routinely consult on the draft regulations, which include important policy directions, such as the offer itself and where it will be directed. Due to the dependence of the Bill on subordinate legislation, through regulations, it is critical that the National Assembly for Wales, and associated stakeholders, are provided with an opportunity to properly scrutinise legislation in this place. 

Both the Children, Young People and Education Committee and CLA committee were in favour of superaffirmative regulations, should less detail be published on the face of the Bill. Therefore, we believe that this should be an inherent part of regulation-making powers, at least from the very beginning of the Bill's application. Thank you.