In line with established parliamentary practice, and in light of recent concerns that have been raised around the independence of Natural Resources Wales, the Chair of the Assembly's Environment and Sustainability Committee, Alun Ffred Jones AM, has called for the Committee to play a part in assessing the Welsh Government's preferred candidate prior to their appointment.
In a letter to the Minister for Natural Resources, Alun Ffred Jones says:
"Similar positions at a UK-level are subject to a pre-confirmation hearing in Parliament. For example, the Chair of Natural England and the Chair of the Environment Agency are both posts subject to this procedure.
"Additionally, the National Assembly for Wales has held such hearings prior to the appointment of the Public Services Ombudsman and the Auditor General for Wales.
"I therefore ask that the Environment and Sustainability Committee has the opportunity to hold a hearing with the preferred candidate prior to you making their appointment.
"As a Committee, we are aware of a perception out there that NRW has been too close to Government; that it has not been as independent as some of its predecessor bodies.
"Allowing independent scrutiny of the preferred candidate for this important post will offer public reassurance over the eventual appointment; enhance the appointee's legitimacy; and, crucially, provide evidence of the candidate's independence of mind."
The Committee awaits the Government's response.