§ 39. Mr. Wigleyasked the Lord President of the Council whether the Government will now amend their proposals in relation to the powers of a Welsh Assembly in order to provide it with equal powers as are proposed for the Scottish Assembly, in line with the wishes of the majority of the people of Wales as indicated in a recent opinion poll.
§ Mr. John SmithThe Government are currently considering representations about various aspects of their devolution proposals for both Scotland and Wales and they will announce their conclusions as soon as possible.
§ 40. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Lord President of the Council what steps the Government are taking to assess the level of demand in Wales for a legislative assembly.
§ Mr. John SmithThe Government are in consultation with numerous organisations in Wales about their devolution proposals and have encouraged members of the general public to make their views known.
§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Lord President of the Council if, in light of a recent opinion poll in Wales that showed that 75 per cent. of the population favoured a Welsh Assembly with the same status and power as the Scottish Assembly, Her Majesty's Government will reconsider the powers that should be devolved to Wales.
§ Mr. FootI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley).
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