According to the explanatory memorandum, DEFRA engaged with representatives of the landfill, incineration and recycling sector, and the measures were broadly welcomed. Importantly, as noted in the statutory instrument consent memorandum, it is appropriate for the SI to make the provisions, because there is a need to amend out-of-date references to European law. The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 transpose the revised waste framework directive in England and Wales on a composite basis. However, it was not possible to act compositely this time as some amendments required are to UK or GB-wide legislation.

The changes made are purely technical and uncontroversial, and there is no change in policy. The memorandum is correct—the changes are technical. Regulation 2 updates references, as do regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6. Consideration has also been given to the memorandum by the LJC committee, and I note their conclusion that

'We are content with the Memorandum.'

I agree, but note that, in the letter to the LJC committee dated 2 September 2020, you advised that

'The Devolved Administrations will make their own regulations for further amendments needed to legislation which fall outside this.'

So, can you provide some clarity, Deputy Minister, as to what amendments you intend to bring forward? What steps are being taken to publish updated guidance to industry and the public regarding the changes covered in this SI? According to Clyde & Co LLP, the regulations and focus on the circular economy do provide a key window of opportunity for businesses to seize on fresh innovation and ideas. Your ambition is for Wales to become a zero-waste nation by 2050. According to the 'Beyond Recycling' strategy, a core theme is to support businesses to save and make money and become resilient.

Similarly, it is stated that shifting to a circular economy has the potential to create green jobs. Certainly, in light of COVID-19 and the climate crisis, the creation of green jobs has never been more essential. So, what steps are you taking to ensure that businesses can pursue innovative ideas and create jobs? We need to see you reflect the ambition of our Prime Minister, who is pushing forward today with a green industrial revolution, pledging £160 million to upgrade ports and factories for building turbines.

Finally, Part 4 of the SI relates to waste separately collected for preparing for re-use and recycling not to be incinerated. A report from the Waste and Resources Action Programme, WRAP Cymru, found that 75 per cent of commercial and industrial waste is still sent to incineration or landfill in Wales, and it is actually recyclable. It is vital that proposals for new incinerators are subjected to proper public consultation. There are concerns, however—and I've made them clear in letters to the Minister—that the pandemic is having a negative impact on planning consultations. So do you agree with me that there should be a moratorium on planning consultations for incinerators during this pandemic?

The Welsh Conservatives will be voting in favour of the memorandum today, but I really would be grateful if you would outline what immediate steps are being taken to help our businesses to embrace the circular economy and to pursue green innovation, with the hope of creating a better climate and green careers for our nation. Thank you. Diolch.