The Proposed Statute Law (Repeals) (Wales) Bill

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution – in the Senedd at 3:00 pm on 9 November 2022.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 3:00, 9 November 2022

Thank you. Announcing the consultation on the statue law (repeals) (Wales) Bill, you did advise that the measure would tackle the

'disorganised state of our vast and sprawling statute book.'

I acknowledge that provisions can fall out of use or are never commenced. However, I am concerned that this work is going to contribute to the delay we are experiencing in the implementation of new Welsh law. The clean air Act is late; the Minister for Climate Change is refusing to legislate to replicate sections 116 to 125 of the UK Building Safety Act 2022; we've still not established an environmental governance body; and the Bill comes at a time when the focus of the Welsh Government should be on matters of greater importance, such as the cost-of-living crisis facing people across Wales.

Whilst I appreciate that you are only now consulting on the Bill, do you agree with me that the priority should now be on focusing Welsh resources on the creation of new Welsh laws that our society and our country desperately need?