06 August 2004
The Welsh Assembly will be given greater powers but will not become a primary law-maker without a further referendum, under plans published this week.
Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and first minister Rhodri Morgan said the Assembly's powers over secondary legislation would be extended, giving it greater control over how Westminster Acts are implemented in the principality.
They also agreed to publish a white paper setting out the options for increasing the Assembly's law-making powers. Two proposals are being considered.
The Assembly could be given Scottish-style powers to initiate and pass its own Bills, but this would first have to be backed by Welsh voters in a referendum. Alternatively, it could win the right to amend or repeal legislation covering policy areas for which it has responsibility.
Writing in the foreword to Better governance for Wales, published on August 4, Hain and Morgan say: 'These recommendations are based on a common commitment to moving devolution forward. They represent a practical route map toward a more effective Assembly.'
The consultation paper also contains a commitment to reform the Assembly voting system to stop candidates defeated in constituency contests still becoming Assembly members through the party lists.
In addition, it pledges to formalise the separation of powers between the Welsh Assembly and its government.
The paper is the government's response to the findings of the commission led by Lord Ivor Richard, which in March recommended that the Assembly should become a fully fledged parliament by 2011.
The package will be considered by a special conference of Welsh Labour party members in Cardiff next month. If agreed, it will be adopted as policy and implemented if Labour wins the next general election.
PFaug2004
