§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Prime Minister what recent assessment he has made of the implications of giving additional powers to the Welsh Assembly. [161194]
§ The Prime MinisterSince devolution on 1 July 1999, the Government have agreed to transfer additional functions to the National Assembly for Wales, including this past year responsibility for the fire service, student support and the Children and Family Courts Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). They are also considering a request from the Assembly Government for the transfer of responsibility for Animal Health.
The Richard Commission established by the National Assembly for Wales to consider its powers and electoral arrangements is due to report to the Welsh Assembly Government soon. The Government will consider any representations which the Assembly Government may make in response to the Richard Commission's report.