National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Environment) Order 2010

My Lords, this is an extremely complex LCO. Even after the massive scrutiny that has taken place on it, when contrasted with the previous LCO that we considered on modifications, this is a much more complex order. Witness the massive length of the Explanatory Memorandum document. It clearly affects the Welsh environment and waste disposal. When looking at this LCO in the other place, my colleague the Member for Ceredigion said that, ""it will enable the Welsh Assembly Government to pursue with coherence, and with an holistic approach, the areas of prevention, reduction, collection management, the disposal of waste and the protection and improvement of the environment in relation to pollution and nuisance".—[Official Report, Commons, 19/1/10; cols. 9-10.]" If we look at what is in front of us—for example, in describing its legislative context—I note that it covers no fewer than 10 Acts of Parliament and eight European Union orders. In the UK context, I note that it stretches from the Clean Air Act to the Anti-social Behaviour Act. Much of the legislation covers waste management, and the overall context is that of the One Wales programme of government. It also incorporates sustainable development—a commendable objective—and specifically addresses climate change, including carbon reduction objectives. The LCO adds to exceptions already contained in the Government of Wales Act 2006 and takes amendments on carve-outs from existing exceptions that relate to listed matters. Although I can see why it has become necessary to do this, largely because of new matters introduced by the Assembly that impact on existing legislation, it still seems overcomplicated to me. Indeed, I also commend the work of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in doing much of the spadework to make this LCO more understandable. In fact, that demonstrates the value of close scrutiny and amendment. Issues such as pollution and environmental harm are clearly important. The need to define the meaning of the implications for the environment in this LCO’s contents is very detailed indeed. The noble Lord, Lord Roberts of Conwy, addressed the question of the downturn in the economy and its impact on Wales. All I can say is that there are not enough companies based in Wales with research and development capacity. We have an enormous mountain to climb in terms of entrepreneurial activity that is based in Wales. The noble Lord, Lord Roberts, referred to the departure of Bosch and other important matters. I remember an occasion when LG was welcomed to Newport, but it never took off. We have to work very hard to ensure that we have our own industry, our own basis and our own employment opportunities in Wales. I can see, however, that under this LCO lawyers and inspectors will be scanning this legislation and its detail with a great deal of interest. Let us hope that, in the environmental and public interests of Wales, they reach the right conclusions. This legislation is required and I hope it will be interpreted rather more simply than it appears to be in these documents.