HC Deb 05 November 1997 vol 300 cc234-5W
11. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the Government's White Paper on proposals for a Welsh Assembly. [12385]

Mr. Ron Davies

I have received representations in the form of letters both to me personally and to the Welsh Office, telephone calls to the Assembly information line, and e-mails to the Assembly website.

The great majority of the communications were requests for factual information, for example about absent voting arrangements in the referendum. Of the rest, there was generally a balance between those in favour of the Government's proposals, those neutral and those against.

Among the specific issues raised have been:

  • the powers of the Assembly
  • the use of Welsh language in the Assembly's work costs
  • the qualities required of Assembly members
  • the location of the Assembly.

18. Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales who will speak on behalf of Wales in the House if a Welsh Assembly is set up; and if that person will be authorised to speak on behalf of that body. [12392]

Mr. Ron Davies

The Secretary of State for Wales will continue to represent Welsh interests in this House. The holder of that office will need to take account of the Welsh Assembly's views on various issues.

20. Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the outcome of the referendum on a Welsh Assembly. [12394]

25. Mr. Hanson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the result of the referendum on the Welsh Assembly. [12400]

Mr. Ron Davies

I refer my hon. Friend's to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for Banbury, (Mr. Baldry).

Mrs. Laing

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the administrative cost of setting up the Assembly and of running it for the next five years.[12398]

Mr. Ron Davies

I have placed full details of the estimated set-up and running costs of the Welsh Assembly in the Library of the House, as part of the answer I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Swansea West on 23 July this year,Official Report, column 638.

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