HC Deb 03 December 1997 vol 302 cc267-8W
13. Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how the standing orders of the Welsh Assembly will be formulated; and if he will make a statement. [17483]

Mr. Ron Davies

The Assembly's first standing orders will be prepared by a multi-party Commission and submitted to me for approval. I propose to appoint the Commission following Royal Assent to the Bill.

14. Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals the Government intend to make to accommodate the concerns of the areas that voted no in the referendum on the Welsh Assembly proposal. [17484]

Mr. Ron Davies

I propose to set up an advisory group to assist me in preparing guidance to the Commission which, subject to the provisions of the Government of Wales Bill, will draw up the Assembly's first standing orders. The advisory group will include people from different political parties and individuals with expertise in a range of fields such as business, local government and the voluntary sector. There will be opportunities for organisations and individuals from all parts of Wales to put their views to the advisory group.

24. Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to publish further details of how the Welsh Assembly will operate. [17494]

Mr. Ron Davies

The Government of Wales Bill was published on 27 November 1997. It establishes principles of openness, accountability and integrity under which the Assembly will operate. Standing Orders, prepared by Commissioners appointed by me and representing a wide range of political and other interests in Wales, will provide detailed working arrangements for the Assembly.

10. Ms Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in establishing an independent body to advise on matters relating to the Welsh Assembly. [17480]

Mr. Ron Davies

The White Paper stated that a multi-party Commission would be appointed to draft the Assembly's first standing orders. I propose to appoint that Commission following Royal Assent to the Government of Wales Bill. In the meantime I propose to set up an advisory group to assist me in preparing guidance to the Standing Orders Commission. The National Assembly Advisory Group will consider matters such as: the Assembly's decision-making arrangements, its business procedures, and the responsibilities of Assembly members. There will be opportunities for organisations and individuals around Wales to put their views to the advisory group. The group will include members from different political parties as well as individuals with expertise in a range of fields such as business, local government and the voluntary sector. I am pleased to announce that the Chairman of the National Assembly Advisory Group will be John Elfed Jones CBE. He is currently chairman of International Greetings plc. and a former chairman of the Welsh Language Board and of Welsh Water. He has extensive experience of both the private and public sectors in Wales. I am sure he will make an excellent chairman of the group. I expect to announce the names of the other members of the group shortly.