3. Legislative Consent Motion on the Direct Payments to Farmers (Legislative Continuity) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:19 pm on 22 January 2020.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 3:19, 22 January 2020

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I thank both Mike Hedges, as Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, and also Mick Antoniw, as the Chair of the CLA committee, for their comments. I think Mike Hedges explained very succinctly why this LCM was required and I thank him for his support.

In relation to Mick Antoniw's comments, I have read your report that came from your meeting on Monday, and if I could just say, in relation to the Henry VIII powers, I do note that you prefer an affirmative procedure, but given the very narrow scope of the power and that any consequential provisions made are likely to concern highly technical issues, we do consider the negative resolution procedure is appropriate.

In relation to the sunset provision applicable to regulation-making powers, again, given the very limited scope of the power in clause 6(1), which is just really to address any consequential matters arising from the other provisions in this very narrow Bill, a time limit on the power is unwarranted in this instance.

Regarding your third conclusion about UK Ministers making regulations in devolved areas, I hope I explained in my opening remarks why we did this, but in relation to Standing Order 30C being extended, that would be a matter for the Business Committee, Deputy Presiding Officer, but it does remain the Welsh Government's intention to ensure the Senedd's attention is drawn to any regulations made by UK Ministers in devolved areas with the consent of Welsh Ministers. Diolch.