§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what(a) financial and (b) other support the Welsh Office intends to give the organisation Senedd i Gymru for its yes campaign on devolution; and if he will make a statement. [1280]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesI do not intend to provide financial and other support to the organisation Senedd i Gymru.
§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to set up, fund and support an official all-party organisation to campaign in favour of a yes vote in the devolution referendum; and if he will make a statement. [1279]
§ Mr. DaviesI have no plans to set up or fund an official all party organisation to campaign in favour of a yes vote on the Government's proposals for a Welsh Assembly.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales which of the current powers and duties of the Secretary of State he assesses will remain his responsibility in the event of devolution. [1089]
§ Mr. DaviesI will continue to represent Welsh interests in Cabinet contributing to the formulation of the Government's policy and proposals for legislation. Details of the Government's proposals, including my role will be set out in the White Paper to be published in the summer.
Mr. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what budget has been allocated by his Department to support the Government's campaign for devolution.[1088]
204W
§ Mr. DaviesThe Welsh Office running cost and publicity budgets set for 1997–98 by the previous Government made no specific provision for expenditure related to devolution. Welsh Office budgets are being reviewed.