§ 11. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for constitutional reform in Wales in the current Parliament. [19383]
§ Mr. HughesAs a far more authentic Welshman than the Secretary of State, may I ask him what overwhelming amount of written support he has received in the Welsh Office for his recently announced reforms of the Welsh Grand Committee? Have letters flooded in saying what a wonderful proposal it is, and that it will change everything for the people of Wales?
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not just people in Wales—and those born and brought up in Wales—but many people throughout the United Kingdom feel strongly that Wales should have proper self-governance? They want that for themselves, and they feel that Wales should have it too. The right hon. Gentleman should take their views into account as much as those of people in the Principality.
§ Mr. HagueI am not sure how many letters I have received about the Welsh Grand Committee, but I know that the proposals were carried in the House by a large majority.
§ Mr. HughesHow many telephone calls?
§ Mr. HagueQuite a few of those as well.
Wales is benefiting tremendously from the current constitutional arrangements. It benefits in terms of public expenditure per head, and it benefits from being part of a successful and growing United Kingdom economy. I do not think that it would do the people of Wales any favours to create separate and divisive constitutional arrangements. I know that the hon. Gentleman would like a federal United Kingdom within a federal Europe, but I disagree with him on both counts.