Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:30 pm on 6 December 2022.
Diolch, Llywydd. Turning first to amendments 11 and 12, tabled by Janet Finch-Saunders, both amendments aim to achieve the same goal, namely to align the definition of 'single-use' to that applied elsewhere, such as in Scotland. The amendments propose the addition of 'conceived' to the terms 'designed' and 'manufactured' currently in the Bill. We discussed these amendments in committee at Stage 2. Prior to this, the key definitions within the Bill were debated at the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee's evidence session, where Members felt that these should reflect, word for word, those used in the EU's single-use plastics directive.
I've carefully considered the amendments and tested them against the Bill as drafted. I can assure the Senedd that we are confident that the intended practical effect is delivered more effectively, using the definitions that we have developed in the Welsh context. The drafting is not identical, as we have sought to clarify text or removed wording that we consider to be unnecessary. This is in accordance with our drafting practice. For the reasons outlined and outlined in committee, I do not support these amendments.
Turning to amendment 13, also proposed by Janet Finch-Saunders, this seeks to amend the definition of plastic by referencing the EU's registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals regulations, rather than including a description on the face of the Bill. Again, this is an amendment that was considered at Stage 2. As I stated then, the proposed change would not be in line with best drafting practice, or with our aim to make legislation more accessible. I maintain that the definition in the Bill is sufficient and worded to provide certainty and clarity. Amendment 14, which is another tabled by Janet Finch-Saunders, is consequential to the amendment, as she's just said. I therefore oppose amendments 13 and 14.
Amendment 1 was tabled by the Government. The purpose of the amendment is to simplify section 2(1)(b) of the Bill. It intends to address a possible ambiguity in interpretation that would be inconsistent with the policy. The amendment will omit provisions that no longer fully correspond with the provisions in the Schedule. Furthermore, the proposed change removes any possible doubt about the nature and scope of the power of the Welsh Ministers under section 3 to amend or add to the exemptions in the Schedule. The amendment is needed to ensure that the prohibition set out in section 2 accurately reflects the policy intention. It makes the Bill more straightforward and accessible, which corresponds to our wider aims when making legislation in Wales. I therefore ask Members to support and vote for this amendment. Diolch.