Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:48 pm on 15 December 2020.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. We considered and reported on these regulations yesterday. Our report identified two merits points under Standing Order 21.3. Our first point noted that the Secretary of State has been consulted regarding these regulations. Such consultation is required under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 for EU exit regulations that come into force before the end of the implementation period.
Our second point noted that the regulations set out and amend complex and intricate rules on plant health. We were unclear about the reasoning behind some of the changes, particularly changes to various fees. We welcome the Minister's helpful response to this reporting point, which sets out in greater detail the background to the changes. We would encourage Welsh Government to consider including this level of detail in future explanatory memoranda. Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd.