The next group of amendments is group 6, and this group relates to sub-groups of the social partnership council. The lead amendment is amendment 3, and I call on Peredur Owen Griffiths to move and speak to the amendment. Peredur Owen Griffiths.

Amendment 3 (Peredur Owen Griffiths) moved.

Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. The purpose of this amendment is to amend section 9 of the Bill, which sets out the arrangements for the public procurement sub-group. This will add a requirement for Welsh Ministers to produce guidance to which the social partnership council must have regard when appointing members to its public procurement sub-group. In particular, that guidance must include requirements regarding the composition of the sub-group to ensure its membership is representative of the various sectors that will be impacted by the procurement duties. 

Concerns have been expressed to me by groups within the third sector that they may be excluded from discussions that could really benefit from their expertise. We need to ensure that there is a mechanism to include such expertise and ensure that voices are heard in the room during the relevant discussions. In essence, this will reinforce the engagement of the aforementioned sectors within the overarching goals of the Bill, as well as the transparency of decision making. I look forward to listening to what the Minister has to say on this, and I'd like to move the amendment. 

The Deputy Minister, Hannah Blythyn.

The social partnership council will be responsible for establishing the statutory public procurement sub-group. Procurement sub-group members will be selected to provide expert advice, and not to represent particular groups of stakeholders. However, in order for that advice to be balanced, members will need to possess relevant expertise and be able to reflect the perspectives of those affected by the procurement duties, including public bodies, private and third sector organisations, and social partners.

This amendment would require the Government to issue guidance to the social partnership council on how this balance may best be achieved. Given the important role the public procurement sub-group will play, I agree it would be helpful to the social partnership council to have guidance relating to the appointment of members to ensure that the right blend of expertise and experience is brought together. On that basis, Llywydd, the Government is happy to support this amendment. Diolch.

Peredur Owen Griffiths to respond.

Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your comments. I would like to thank the many third sector organisations and charities that have offered views and suggestions about this area of the Bill and the real concern that their voices might not have been heard. I thank the Government for their willingness to support this amendment, which is about ensuring that the right voices are being heard according to the expertise that is required. Many organisations will now be waiting to see how the guidance is developed, and I hope that they will take comfort from the assurances given by the Minister. It is reassuring to know that there are still political parties out there who are prepared to put their faith in experts. Diolch yn fawr.

The question is that amendment 3 be agreed to. Does any Member object? No, there is no objection. Therefore, amendment 3 is agreed. 

Amendment agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Amendment 39 is next.

Amendment 39—Joel James, is it being moved?

Amendment 39 (Joel James) moved.

Yes.

Yes, it's being moved. The question is, therefore, that amendment 39 be agreed to. Does any Member object? [Objection.] Yes, there is objection. Therefore, we will have a vote on amendment 39. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 14, one abstention, 41 against. Amendment 39 is not agreed.

Amendment 39: For: 14, Against: 41, Abstain: 1

Amendment has been rejected

Amendment 40.

Joel James, is it being moved?

Amendment 40 (Joel James) moved.

Yes.

Yes. Amendment 40 is moved. Is there objection? [Objection.] Yes, there's objection. Therefore, we will have a vote on amendment 40. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 15, no abstentions, 41 against. Therefore, amendment 40 is not agreed. 

Amendment 40: For: 15, Against: 41, Abstain: 0

Amendment has been rejected

Amendment 41 is next. Is it being moved, Joel James?

Amendment 41 (Joel James) moved.

Yes.

Yes, it is. Therefore the question is that amendment 41 be agreed to. Does any Member object? [Objection.] Yes, there is an objection. Therefore, we will have a vote on amendment 41. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 15, no abstentions, 41 against. Therefore, amendment 41 is not agreed. 

Amendment 41: For: 15, Against: 41, Abstain: 0

Amendment has been rejected

Amendment 42.

Is it being moved?

Amendment 42 (Joel James) moved.

Yes.

Yes. Is there objection to amendment 42? [Objection.] Yes, there is. Therefore, we'll have a vote on amendment 42. Open the vote. Close the vote. In favour 15, no abstentions, 41 against. Therefore, amendment 42 is not agreed.

Amendment 42: For: 15, Against: 41, Abstain: 0

Amendment has been rejected