Y Pwyllgor Materion Cyfansoddiadol a Deddfwriaethol

Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee

Mark Drakeford AM

Minister for Health and Social Services

Welsh Government

5th Floor

Tŷ Hywel

Cardiff Bay

CF99 1NA

13 May  2013

Dear Minister

CLA235 - The Food (Miscellaneous Amendment and Revocation) (Wales) Regulations 2013

The Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee considered the above Statutory Instrument at its meeting on 15 April 2013 and agreed that I should bring to your attention the Committee’s consideration, under Standing Order 21.3, on the merits of the Instrument.

Whilst we were generally content with the instrument and have not reported on it, we did have some concerns about the Explanatory Memorandum and in particular, the lack of information it contains on how the existing General Food Regulations 2004 provide equivalent public protection to the various regulations being revoked.

In our view, in revoking legislation applying to food safety because of legislative duplication, it would be helpful and reassuring to have a clear explanation of how food safety and public health will continue to be protected to the same level by the legislation that remains in force.

I would be grateful if you could consider these points and let the Committee have your response in due course. 

Yours sincerely

David Melding AM

Chair