Group 6: Senedd procedure and process for making regulations (Amendments 85, 87, 88, 89, 96, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 66, 110, 111, 118)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:09 pm on 21 June 2022.

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Photo of Laura Anne Jones Laura Anne Jones Conservative 5:09, 21 June 2022

Diolch, Llywydd. I want to speak to my own amendments first. The purpose of amendment 85 and several others within the group is to require any direction from Welsh Ministers to be done so by statutory instrument, subject to the affirmative procedure, and to be done only following consultation with the relevant Senedd committee. This is in line with recommendation 21 of the committee and with maintaining a true arm's-length situation whilst ensuring the proper checks and balances are present regarding any actions from the Welsh Government.

Amendments 87 to 89 and 96 are probing amendments designed to encourage clarification on the designation of any other providers of tertiary education and consultation with appropriate bodies.

On amendment 105 and its conditionals, I'm resubmitting the amendment to change the powers under section 138 to the affirmative procedure. My group and I remain of the opinion that it is a mistake to place the procedure in the negative, given the quantity of negative regulations that have been tabled throughout the Bill and its consequential impact on Senedd scrutiny. 

Amendment 108 serves also as a probing amendment to seek clarity on the categories of registration and consultation with appropriate bodies.

On amendment 111, I'm resubmitting this amendment as a precaution to ensure the removal of Henry VIII powers and to reiterate the opposition of both myself and of Cardiff University to such elements within the legislation.

Finally, on amendment 118, I also seek here to subject regulation-making power under section 143 to affirmative procedure, as well as to remove Henry VIII powers.

As for the Minister's amendment, I am happy to support this amendment as I understand that it's necessary housekeeping for the Bill. Diolch.