§ 37. Mr. Gareth Thomas (Clwyd, West)If she will make a statement on the procedural consequences for the House of Welsh devolution. [72133]
§ The President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mrs. Margaret Beckett)I shall be giving oral evidence tomorrow to the Procedure Committee on the memorandum already submitted by the Government on the procedural consequences of devolution.
§ Mr. ThomasMy right hon. Friend may be aware that it is reputed that St. David drank nothing stronger than water. Will she take it from me that, this year, many people in Wales will be raising a glass to our patron saint with particular enthusiasm, given the imminent arrival of the National Assembly for Wales? However, does she agree that it is essential, even in a devolved era, for Wales to have a strong voice in Westminster, particularly through the Welsh Affairs Committee, given that primary legislative powers will remain in this place?
§ Mrs. BeckettI am aware of the tremendous reputation of St. David, although I was not aware that it was based on his drinking water. I assure my hon. Friend that I have the greatest respect, as do all hon. Members, for the fine 740 record of the existing Committees. He will know that the matters that he has raised are under consideration by the Procedure Committee. I await its recommendations with interest.