§ 7. Gareth Thomas (Clwyd, West) (Lab)If he will make a statement on the effectiveness of present arrangements in relation to enacting primary legislation affecting Wales. [162548]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Peter Hain)The arrangements have been working well. The partnership between the Wales Office and the Assembly Government has delivered 24 legislative measures that have given the National Assembly additional powers.
§ Gareth ThomasMy right hon. Friend describes the effective partnership between the Government and the National Assembly. Does he agree that good reasons would need to be advanced to overturn the current arrangements, which were endorsed by the people of Wales in a referendum?
§ Mr. HainI accept my hon. Friend's point that a persuasive case would need to be made, but I am sure that he will join me in saying that if it were made, we would examine it properly and sympathetically. We will all read and digest the Richard report when it is published next week.