Hansard

Item 5 is consideration of the proposal by the Scottish Government to consent to UK Government legislating in devolved areas, as set out in the UK statutory instrument proposal for the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Regulations 2026. The proposed regulations would introduce a mandatory water efficiency labelling scheme for certain domestic water-using products, such as taps, showers, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers.The committee’s role is to decide whether it agrees with the Scottish Government’s position on consent. We can express a view both on whether we agree in principle to the UK Government legislating in this area, and on whether we agree with the specific manner in which it proposes to do so. If we are content for consent to be given, I will write to the Scottish Government accordingly. In doing so, the committee also has the option to draw matters to the Government’s attention, pose questions or to ask to be kept updated on particular matters. However, if the committee is not content with the proposals, it may make one of the recommendations that are outlined in the clerk’s note. I will not read those recommendations.The proposed labelling seems very similar to that used for electricity, including electricity used only for water, and we are used to seeing such signs—A, B, C, D and so on—on machines, so it seems to make sense.No member has any comments on the proposal, so I will move to the substantive question on the item. Is the committee content that the provision that is set out in the notification should be made in the proposed UK statutory instrument?Members indicated agreement.