Legislative competence curtailed’

where future legislation might be needed.

The committee states: “Agreeing to frameworks will, as a minimum, limit the Welsh Government’s options within the area of policy covered. The extent to which this limitation reflects that currently established by EU frameworks will need to be considered.

“In the case of legislative frameworks, the Assembly’s legislative competence could be curtailed.

“Such fundamental decisions will require Assembly scrutiny and, in the case of legislative frameworks, the Assembly’s legislative consent.”

Last year the Welsh Government was criticised by Plaid Cymru after it dropped its opposition to the transfer of a number of powers in devolved policy areas to Westminster.

The report states: “To date, the process of developing these frameworks has been opaque and difficult to scrutinise... The Assembly needs to consider how it can shine the light of scrutiny on these decision-making processes.

“The Assembly also needs to consider how it balances the need to delve into policy detail while maintaining an eye on the overall impact of the frameworks programme for the devolution settlement and governance within the UK more generally.”

There are 21 policy areas where legislation may be needed, including the implementation of the EU emissions trading system; mutual recognition of professional qualifications; agricultural support; genetically modified organism marketing and cultivation; animal health and traceability; food compositional standards; food labelling; chemicals regulation; and food and feed hygiene law.