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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:34 pm on 17 January 2023.

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Photo of Peredur Owen Griffiths Peredur Owen Griffiths Plaid Cymru 6:34, 17 January 2023

We welcome the introduction of this Bill to create a consolidated, accessible and modernised legislative framework for the conservation of Wales's historic environment that will better reflect the dynamics of the devolution landscape. We hope this will make the people of Wales feel more engaged with our rich and diverse national history, and better able to contribute to conversations on how we seek to preserve and memorialise our past. Increasing the availability of bilingual legislation is essential to realising this ambition, and, in this respect, we are pleased that the Bill will address the shortcomings identified in the current statute book.

There are a few things I would appreciate further clarification on. Could the Minister provide assurances that the removal of the provision for the establishment of an advisory panel for the Welsh historic environment, as featured in the 2016 Act, will not compromise the availability of expert and impartial advice to Welsh Ministers on the future historical conversion measures? Would the Minister provide further details on why planning policy provides greater protection to the archeological heritage of Wales compared to the provisions contained in the 1979 Act for the creation of archeological areas? And finally, can the Minister give assurances that increasing the availability of bilingual legislation will be a central aim of the future of Welsh law programme in future consolidation measures? Diolch yn fawr.