13. Initial Consideration Debate on the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:32 pm on 17 January 2023.

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Photo of James Evans James Evans Conservative 6:32, 17 January 2023

I'd just like to thank the Chair of the LJC committee for quite eloquently removing 99.9 per cent of my speech, so thank you for that. My contribution, Llywydd, will be extremely short, because I don't think we need to go over old ground.

Now, I did take part in the scrutiny of this Bill, and I'd just like to pay tribute to the Counsel General for his attendance at committee, and the openness of Welsh Government in engaging with the LJC committee. It's very well appreciated, and your attendance at the committee is always appreciated. And I know I and colleagues enjoyed getting into the nitty-gritty of this. So, it's the first consolidation Bill of its type going through the Senedd, and I think it's gone quite smoothly to date.

As you said, Counsel General, it's about consolidating law to make it more accessible. In this instance, the Bill is doing that, and I think that we've come to a good position, I believe, here. We took very detailed evidence from the Law Commission, and, when the Law Commission provided that fantastic evidence, I think I was sold, so I don't think there's any more to add there. But I also think it's very important for us to remember that we owe it to the people of Wales to produce legislation that is understandable, that it is of high quality and relevance to the people here, and I think that this consolidation Bill does just that.

I'd also like to stress the importance of the Counsel General seeking consent from UK Government Ministers across in Westminster, and, as you've confirmed, you have done that, so that takes another part out of my speech. So, as I said, I would just like to thank you, Counsel General. So, at this time, Llywydd, the Conservative Party will be supporting this going through the Senedd as a consolidation Bill. Diolch.