SL(6)576 – The Free-Range Egg Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025

Background and Purpose

These Regulations amend Commission Regulation (EC) No. 589/2008 of 23 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs marketed in Wales (“Regulation 589/2008”).

Regulation 2 amends Annex 2 to Regulation 589/2008 to remove the limit on the length of time that laying hens can have their access to open-air runs restricted and still have their eggs marketed as free-range in Wales (where measures have been put in place to protect public or animal health).

Procedure

Draft Affirmative

The Welsh Ministers have laid a draft of the Regulations before the Senedd. The Welsh Ministers cannot make the Regulations unless the Senedd approves the draft Regulations.

Technical Scrutiny

The following point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

1. Standing Order 21.2(v) – that for any particular reason its form or meaning needs further explanation.

Paragraph 4.1 of the Explanatory Memorandum provides that “The purpose of this statutory instrument is to enable free range eggs to be marketed as such when mandatory housing measures are imposed, regardless of the duration they would be restricted access to open air runs.”

Regulation 2(2)(a) states “before “restricted”, in the first place it occurs, insert, “temporarily”,”.

The reason for inserting “temporarily” is unclear. Could clarification be provided as to why this addition is deemed necessary?

Merits Scrutiny  

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.

Welsh Government response

A Welsh Government response is required.

Committee Consideration

The Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 10 February 2025 and reports to the Senedd in line with the reporting point above.