Too much excitement can be bad for you, so let's talk about LCOs. Wales's former First Secretary has given his views on Legislative Competence Orders here.
Old news to readers of Mr Michael's Penarth Times column, I grant you, but interesting nevertheless - who are these Ministers who "spent far too long deliberating over Ann's proposals instead of getting on with it"? Time for the Penarth Times to name and shame.
The LCO Parliament has spent more time debating than any other is the one to give the Assembly the power to legislate over the Welsh language. You can read it here if you don't have a copy handy or have yet to learn it off by heart.
One or two MPs were intrigued by the reference to organisations "engaged in central banking" assuming it to be a reference to the original proposal to include the Bank of England - the only central bank operating in the UK - in the mix.
This puzzled one or two MPs on the Select Commitee for Welsh Affairs who wondered what it could mean.
Bilingual banknotes, perhaps? The MPs wrote to the Secretary of State for Wales. Peter Hain has now told them: "I do not believe the Assembly will be able to legislate on the issue of Welsh banknotes."
A less than emphatic denial, perhaps, but there (probably) goes any plan Cardiff Ministers may have for their own quantitative easing or to put an image of Owain Glyndwr on one side of a tenner note.
Showing posts with label LCOs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LCOs. Show all posts
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Peter Hain, Father of LCOs
As anticipation mounts before the publication of the All Wales Convention's report into the National Assembly's powers, one of those politcians involved in the debate has tried to cool the excitement.
Peter Hain, whose agreement would be required before a powers referendum could be held, has again made it clear he doesn't expect to agree to one before the general election due before next June.
The Welsh Secretary's main opposition to the idea of an early vote appears tactical - he thinks it would be lost.
"I said when taking the 2006 Bill through that I didn't foresee circumstances in which a referendum was desirable or likely in the first Assembly term {in which the new arrangements operate}. That is still my default position.
"I am not going to be dogmatic or rigid about it but I can't really see any circumstance in which you could win a referendum.
"People may want a referendum, there may be some other imperative but I want to win it. I want to be part of a winning campaign. I just don't see circumstances in which we could win it before 2011 or on the same day as the Assembly elections in May 2011."
The All Wales Convention, chaired by Sir Emyr Jones Parry, is due to present its findings on the debate on November 18. This presents something of a diary clash for newshounds but perhaps Her Majesty would be kind enough to move the pre-arranged State Opening of Parliament.
Mr Hain told a Wales Office briefing this morning that he was pleased with the current legislative system - involved Legislative Competence Orders - as it was his invention. "LCOs......this was my baby."
Thereby a new role in Welsh politics was created. We already have "the architect of devolution" - now we have "the father of LCOs." Don't blame me if it doesn't catch on.
Peter Hain, whose agreement would be required before a powers referendum could be held, has again made it clear he doesn't expect to agree to one before the general election due before next June.
The Welsh Secretary's main opposition to the idea of an early vote appears tactical - he thinks it would be lost.
"I said when taking the 2006 Bill through that I didn't foresee circumstances in which a referendum was desirable or likely in the first Assembly term {in which the new arrangements operate}. That is still my default position.
"I am not going to be dogmatic or rigid about it but I can't really see any circumstance in which you could win a referendum.
"People may want a referendum, there may be some other imperative but I want to win it. I want to be part of a winning campaign. I just don't see circumstances in which we could win it before 2011 or on the same day as the Assembly elections in May 2011."
The All Wales Convention, chaired by Sir Emyr Jones Parry, is due to present its findings on the debate on November 18. This presents something of a diary clash for newshounds but perhaps Her Majesty would be kind enough to move the pre-arranged State Opening of Parliament.
Mr Hain told a Wales Office briefing this morning that he was pleased with the current legislative system - involved Legislative Competence Orders - as it was his invention. "LCOs......this was my baby."
Thereby a new role in Welsh politics was created. We already have "the architect of devolution" - now we have "the father of LCOs." Don't blame me if it doesn't catch on.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Grand Tweeting
The atmosphere is tense. The sense of anticipation is palpable throughout Westminster. Forget MPs' expenses, history will be made today when the Welsh Grand Committee devotes its attentions to an LCO for the first time.
More specifically, the 40 MPs from Wales and the co-opted shadow Welsh Secretary will be debating the "9th Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009, HC 348, and its implications for Wales."
The Welsh Grand is the Marmite of parliamentary committees. One Plaid Cymru AM has described today's session as "pointless" and called for it to be scrapped, although I would be surprised if her party's MPs stayed away from the debate.
To reflect this historic development, I shall be tweeting throughout the committee meeting - another historic first. Apologies to Facebook friends and fellow Twitter users who may not share my fascination with Legislative Competence Orders but as the Welsh Grand has never been tweeted before I thought it worth experimenting with this new-fangled technology.
The meeting is due to start at 9.25am and you can follow it here.
More specifically, the 40 MPs from Wales and the co-opted shadow Welsh Secretary will be debating the "9th Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009, HC 348, and its implications for Wales."
The Welsh Grand is the Marmite of parliamentary committees. One Plaid Cymru AM has described today's session as "pointless" and called for it to be scrapped, although I would be surprised if her party's MPs stayed away from the debate.
To reflect this historic development, I shall be tweeting throughout the committee meeting - another historic first. Apologies to Facebook friends and fellow Twitter users who may not share my fascination with Legislative Competence Orders but as the Welsh Grand has never been tweeted before I thought it worth experimenting with this new-fangled technology.
The meeting is due to start at 9.25am and you can follow it here.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Happy Anniversary
We love anniversaries in journalism. It's 40 years today since the Prince of Wales was invested, if that's the right phrase.
It's two years this week since Labour and Plaid Cymru coalesced in Cardiff Bay. It's two - very long years - since Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair.
It's approaching the first anniversary of the last Welsh Conservative news conference at Westminster (or maybe it just feels like that).
It's 10 years today since power was devolved from Westminster to Edinburgh and Cardiff.
That means it's also the 10th anniversary of the Wales Office, where Peter Hain - Secretary of State for more than half that time - says they are busier than ever before.
Ten years ago, on what we could call D-Day, Mr Hain was a junior Welsh Office Minister. One day he was making key decisions on Welsh schools, the next he was metaphorically twiddling his thumbs as the education brief, along with others, was transferred along the M4.
The artist Mumph drew a cartoon of Mr Hain and a fellow junior Minister playing battleships in the power-free zone that their department became. It may have been a slight exaggeration, although those present at the time recall a surreal post-devolution atmosphere before Welsh Ministers found a new role at Westminster.
In those days, if anyone mentioned LCOs you might confuse it with a breakfast cereal or supermarket. These days they are the stuff of casual conversation in pubs up and down the land. Well, perhaps not.
The 10th wedding anniversary is normally marked by presents of aluminium or tin. I'll leave you to come up with suitable gifts for the Wales Office on its big day.
It's two years this week since Labour and Plaid Cymru coalesced in Cardiff Bay. It's two - very long years - since Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair.
It's approaching the first anniversary of the last Welsh Conservative news conference at Westminster (or maybe it just feels like that).
It's 10 years today since power was devolved from Westminster to Edinburgh and Cardiff.
That means it's also the 10th anniversary of the Wales Office, where Peter Hain - Secretary of State for more than half that time - says they are busier than ever before.
Ten years ago, on what we could call D-Day, Mr Hain was a junior Welsh Office Minister. One day he was making key decisions on Welsh schools, the next he was metaphorically twiddling his thumbs as the education brief, along with others, was transferred along the M4.
The artist Mumph drew a cartoon of Mr Hain and a fellow junior Minister playing battleships in the power-free zone that their department became. It may have been a slight exaggeration, although those present at the time recall a surreal post-devolution atmosphere before Welsh Ministers found a new role at Westminster.
In those days, if anyone mentioned LCOs you might confuse it with a breakfast cereal or supermarket. These days they are the stuff of casual conversation in pubs up and down the land. Well, perhaps not.
The 10th wedding anniversary is normally marked by presents of aluminium or tin. I'll leave you to come up with suitable gifts for the Wales Office on its big day.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
As if he'd never been away.....
It was just like old times at the Wales Office. The "Mandela for President" ANC poster had been restored to its place above the fireplace, although I struggled to spot the Nye Bevan statuette.
Peter Hain had his feet behind the Secretary of State's desk. Staff scurried around with an increased sense of purpose. One civil servant told me Mr Hain did more media interviews in his first week than Paul Murphy did in a year.
The media arrived for what you would have to term a wide-ranging briefing and left, almost an hour later, with notebooks bulging.
Digital Britain? Legislative Competence Orders? the Calman Commission? Labour's Welsh woes? The Neath MP had views on them all.
His views on the latter were rehearsed in today's Western Mail. He argues that Labour is performing worse in Wales than elsewhere - "It's not good enough just to blame it on Westminster and the expenses issue."
I did try to find out who he had in mind, who had been blaming Westminster and the expenses issue? I failed to persuade Mr Hain to name names, although you may have your own ideas.
On the Calman Commission, he suggested the Welsh Assembly could get to keep some tax revenues raised in Wales - the landfill tax and the aggregates levy - if similar powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
On LCOs, he confirmed that the Assembly Government's housing plans were back on the drawing board, but hinted that it could ultimately acquire stronger powers.
As we left, civil servants entered the room carrying platefuls of crisps, nuts and other nibbles.
Had the head of the private office been promoted to butler under the new regime? Alas, not.
Besides the media, the Welsh Secretary was hosting 11 children with cancer and leukaemia from south Wales, for whom the spread was intended.
The children also got the chance to visit the Commons Speaker, Michael Martin, for one of his last engagements before he steps down at the end of this week.
They are currently visiting Downing Street, where the Chancellor's wife, Maggie Darling, is organising a tea party.
The children were marched up Downing Street by Welsh Guards and Queens Dragoon Guards in full ceremonial reds.
Unlike last year the soldiers left their regimental mascot - the goat, Shenkin - behind, sad news for the children although possibly not for the Wales Office cleaners.
Peter Hain had his feet behind the Secretary of State's desk. Staff scurried around with an increased sense of purpose. One civil servant told me Mr Hain did more media interviews in his first week than Paul Murphy did in a year.
The media arrived for what you would have to term a wide-ranging briefing and left, almost an hour later, with notebooks bulging.
Digital Britain? Legislative Competence Orders? the Calman Commission? Labour's Welsh woes? The Neath MP had views on them all.
His views on the latter were rehearsed in today's Western Mail. He argues that Labour is performing worse in Wales than elsewhere - "It's not good enough just to blame it on Westminster and the expenses issue."
I did try to find out who he had in mind, who had been blaming Westminster and the expenses issue? I failed to persuade Mr Hain to name names, although you may have your own ideas.
On the Calman Commission, he suggested the Welsh Assembly could get to keep some tax revenues raised in Wales - the landfill tax and the aggregates levy - if similar powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
On LCOs, he confirmed that the Assembly Government's housing plans were back on the drawing board, but hinted that it could ultimately acquire stronger powers.
As we left, civil servants entered the room carrying platefuls of crisps, nuts and other nibbles.Had the head of the private office been promoted to butler under the new regime? Alas, not.
Besides the media, the Welsh Secretary was hosting 11 children with cancer and leukaemia from south Wales, for whom the spread was intended.
The children also got the chance to visit the Commons Speaker, Michael Martin, for one of his last engagements before he steps down at the end of this week.
They are currently visiting Downing Street, where the Chancellor's wife, Maggie Darling, is organising a tea party.
The children were marched up Downing Street by Welsh Guards and Queens Dragoon Guards in full ceremonial reds.
Unlike last year the soldiers left their regimental mascot - the goat, Shenkin - behind, sad news for the children although possibly not for the Wales Office cleaners.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
There may be trouble ahead
"Historic" is a word used almost daily in Welsh politics, but a small landmark looms next week.
MPs are due to grill Ministers from Cardiff Bay and Westminster on the Welsh Assembly Government's request to be able to legislate on the Welsh language.
Assembly Government Culture Minister Alun Ffred Jones will be followed by Wales Office Minister Wayne David during next Monday's meeting of the Welsh affairs select committee.
Ministers from both Parliament and the Assembly frequently appear before the committee to discuss plans to transfer law-making plans to Cardiff Bay.
But this is likely to be the first time that the UK Government Minister doesn't simply endorse the request for powers but voices reservations about the Assembly Government's request.
Wayne David, if prompted, is expected to refer to the results of a Wales Office consultation exercise that insiders say proved overwhelmingly hostile to the idea of extra responsibilities on business to offer services in Welsh.
Welsh Ramblings suggests the Wales Office has skewed its consultation exercise to obtain the sceptical response it wanted. Either way, another outbreak of tension between politicians either side of Offa's Dyke looks inevitable.
MPs are due to grill Ministers from Cardiff Bay and Westminster on the Welsh Assembly Government's request to be able to legislate on the Welsh language.
Assembly Government Culture Minister Alun Ffred Jones will be followed by Wales Office Minister Wayne David during next Monday's meeting of the Welsh affairs select committee.
Ministers from both Parliament and the Assembly frequently appear before the committee to discuss plans to transfer law-making plans to Cardiff Bay.
But this is likely to be the first time that the UK Government Minister doesn't simply endorse the request for powers but voices reservations about the Assembly Government's request.
Wayne David, if prompted, is expected to refer to the results of a Wales Office consultation exercise that insiders say proved overwhelmingly hostile to the idea of extra responsibilities on business to offer services in Welsh.
Welsh Ramblings suggests the Wales Office has skewed its consultation exercise to obtain the sceptical response it wanted. Either way, another outbreak of tension between politicians either side of Offa's Dyke looks inevitable.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Willy-waving
It's an academic debate over a policy no-one seems to want to introduce.
But don't let that put you off the latest spat between MPs and Welsh Assembly Members.
The Welsh Assembly Government wants the power to scrap the right to buy council housing.
But it doesn't want to actually scrap the right to buy. Do keep up.
The Assembly Government wants to suspend the right to buy in some areas.
But to do that it is requesting wider powers that would allow Ministers to abolish the scheme.
MPs - whose approval is needed before any transfer of power - are not happy. At least, members of Parliament's Welsh affairs committee are not.
Their report says the Assembly Government should drop its request for wider powers or the order granting them should be blocked.
The (Plaid Cymru) deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies says the committee can scrutinise but the Assembly will decide.
The Liberal Democrat housing spokesman Peter Black has accused the MPs of trying to dictate housing policy from Westminster.
The MPs say they are trying to be helpful.
Although one committee member did confide in me his analysis of the conflict: "It's willy-waving, basically"
But don't let that put you off the latest spat between MPs and Welsh Assembly Members.
The Welsh Assembly Government wants the power to scrap the right to buy council housing.
But it doesn't want to actually scrap the right to buy. Do keep up.
The Assembly Government wants to suspend the right to buy in some areas.
But to do that it is requesting wider powers that would allow Ministers to abolish the scheme.
MPs - whose approval is needed before any transfer of power - are not happy. At least, members of Parliament's Welsh affairs committee are not.
Their report says the Assembly Government should drop its request for wider powers or the order granting them should be blocked.
The (Plaid Cymru) deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies says the committee can scrutinise but the Assembly will decide.
The Liberal Democrat housing spokesman Peter Black has accused the MPs of trying to dictate housing policy from Westminster.
The MPs say they are trying to be helpful.
Although one committee member did confide in me his analysis of the conflict: "It's willy-waving, basically"
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
MPs swamped
As a parliamentary correspondent, I'm often asked: "David, what do Welsh MPs do now devolution has reduced their role?"
The answer involves legislation - and a committee of Welsh backbenchers is rather worried there's too much of it.
A memo from the Welsh affairs select committee complains about the political system in both Wales and Westminster being "swamped" with legislative requests from the National Assembly for Wales.
It effectively suggests the Assembly should concentrate on quality rather than quantity when it comes to legislation.
The MPs say: "We urge the Assembly and the Wales Office to find ways of giving a proper focus to legislative work, aiming at producing a reasonable number of high-quality Orders {Legislative Orders in Council or LCOs} each year rather than allowing volume to swamp the system here and in the Assembly as seems to be happening at the moment.
"We are convinced that a concentration on quality will enhance the credibility and standing of the LCO process."
MPs on the committee (modestly) say their "constructive contribution" has "helped to significantly improve the quality of those LCOs that have come forward for formal approval to date."
"If the level of LCOs coming forward from the Assembly settles down at something
of the order of the four or five per year originally envisaged, this will enhance scrutiny,
facilitate better planning and avoid the danger that issues over capacity could become
an obstacle to effective working."
Some legislation takes longer to scrutinise than others. Gordon Brown has, it has been widely reported, created 2,823 new laws during his first year in office (the sort of total that will impress those who see law-making as a political virility symbol).
The MPs say there were problems of misunderstandings about scope and intention with some LCOs but these have been overcome with goodwill on both sides.
They raise questions about clarity and say a clause should be added to each LCO making it legally clear "that the power is intended to provide the power that has been
requested and outlined by the Assembly".
An idea unlikely to find favour with their colleagues in Cardiff Bay.
Perhaps the pressure of work explains why the committee has yet to publish the results of its inquiry into globalisation 18 months after it began.
The answer involves legislation - and a committee of Welsh backbenchers is rather worried there's too much of it.
A memo from the Welsh affairs select committee complains about the political system in both Wales and Westminster being "swamped" with legislative requests from the National Assembly for Wales.
It effectively suggests the Assembly should concentrate on quality rather than quantity when it comes to legislation.
The MPs say: "We urge the Assembly and the Wales Office to find ways of giving a proper focus to legislative work, aiming at producing a reasonable number of high-quality Orders {Legislative Orders in Council or LCOs} each year rather than allowing volume to swamp the system here and in the Assembly as seems to be happening at the moment.
"We are convinced that a concentration on quality will enhance the credibility and standing of the LCO process."
MPs on the committee (modestly) say their "constructive contribution" has "helped to significantly improve the quality of those LCOs that have come forward for formal approval to date."
"If the level of LCOs coming forward from the Assembly settles down at something
of the order of the four or five per year originally envisaged, this will enhance scrutiny,
facilitate better planning and avoid the danger that issues over capacity could become
an obstacle to effective working."
Some legislation takes longer to scrutinise than others. Gordon Brown has, it has been widely reported, created 2,823 new laws during his first year in office (the sort of total that will impress those who see law-making as a political virility symbol).
The MPs say there were problems of misunderstandings about scope and intention with some LCOs but these have been overcome with goodwill on both sides.
They raise questions about clarity and say a clause should be added to each LCO making it legally clear "that the power is intended to provide the power that has been
requested and outlined by the Assembly".
An idea unlikely to find favour with their colleagues in Cardiff Bay.
Perhaps the pressure of work explains why the committee has yet to publish the results of its inquiry into globalisation 18 months after it began.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
LCO and out
Labour have picked up the suggestion by a Tory frontbencher, highlighted here 48 hours ago, that debating the transfer of powers to the Welsh Assembly isn't as exciting as you might think.
Gwenda Thomas, the Assembly Government's deputy social services Minister, said:
"I’m deeply concerned that a Conservative front bench spokesperson on Welsh Affairs is saying that the parliamentary scrutiny process of a vitally important piece of legislation is ‘tedious’.
"The aim of this LCO is to devolve the relevant powers to the National Assembly for Wales, which will allow the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government to legislate to achieve a fairer and more consistent approach to charging for all adult recipients of non-residential social services across Wales."
David Jones will doubtless reconsider his views and agree that the whole process is absolutely fascinating.
Gwenda Thomas, the Assembly Government's deputy social services Minister, said:
"I’m deeply concerned that a Conservative front bench spokesperson on Welsh Affairs is saying that the parliamentary scrutiny process of a vitally important piece of legislation is ‘tedious’.
"The aim of this LCO is to devolve the relevant powers to the National Assembly for Wales, which will allow the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government to legislate to achieve a fairer and more consistent approach to charging for all adult recipients of non-residential social services across Wales."
David Jones will doubtless reconsider his views and agree that the whole process is absolutely fascinating.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
House rules
Housing soared up the political agenda as prices rose and has remained there as prices fall. "We can't know how bad it can get" as the English Housing Minister put it.
Devolution means different responses in different parts of the UK. In the week Gordon Brown unveiled plans to increase shared equity schemes and buy unsold homes to rent them to tenants, the Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy presented to Parliament an order to allow the Welsh Assembly Government to suspend the sale of council houses.
Older readers may remember Mr Murphy's view on this Legislative Competence Order (LCO) when it was mooted last year. This is what he told the Welsh Grand Committee in December:
"I think that, overwhelmingly, most LCOs, when they come here, will be passed without too much fuss. However, there may be occasions when things are a bit more controversial, and I will cite two LCOs as examples.
"I think that the LCO that deals with the ending of the sale of council houses will produce controversy. For the past two decades in Wales, the fact that houses have been sold by local authorities has meant that people in Wales, by becoming home owners, have improved their lot.
"There are areas of housing need that we must be careful about, and the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy touched on one or two of those issues today. However, a warning shot should be sent by those of us who represent constituencies that have traditionally contained a large proportion of council houses."
Perhaps the warning shot missed its target or has Mr Murphy shot himself in the foot?
Devolution means different responses in different parts of the UK. In the week Gordon Brown unveiled plans to increase shared equity schemes and buy unsold homes to rent them to tenants, the Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy presented to Parliament an order to allow the Welsh Assembly Government to suspend the sale of council houses.
Older readers may remember Mr Murphy's view on this Legislative Competence Order (LCO) when it was mooted last year. This is what he told the Welsh Grand Committee in December:
"I think that, overwhelmingly, most LCOs, when they come here, will be passed without too much fuss. However, there may be occasions when things are a bit more controversial, and I will cite two LCOs as examples.
"I think that the LCO that deals with the ending of the sale of council houses will produce controversy. For the past two decades in Wales, the fact that houses have been sold by local authorities has meant that people in Wales, by becoming home owners, have improved their lot.
"There are areas of housing need that we must be careful about, and the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy touched on one or two of those issues today. However, a warning shot should be sent by those of us who represent constituencies that have traditionally contained a large proportion of council houses."
Perhaps the warning shot missed its target or has Mr Murphy shot himself in the foot?
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Historic milestone
I can feel the hand of history tapping me on the shoulder again.
MPs have debated, for the first time, a Legislative Competence Order - effectively a request from the Welsh Assembly Government to legislate in a particular area.
The National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Education and Training) Order 2008 cleared the Sixth Delegated Legislation Committee with little fuss after 46 minutes of debate. You can read it here.
The Wales Office Minister Huw Irranca-Davies noted "this is an historic day and an historic moment". He was, as ever on message - so much so that a Tory MP pointed out that he was reading verbatim a speech made in the House of Lords by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin last week.
The LCO will now, in all probability, be nodded through the Commons chamber itself tonight before being rubber-stamped by the Queen via the Privy Council.
The Assembly should be able to use its new powers in this area from May.
MPs have debated, for the first time, a Legislative Competence Order - effectively a request from the Welsh Assembly Government to legislate in a particular area.
The National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Education and Training) Order 2008 cleared the Sixth Delegated Legislation Committee with little fuss after 46 minutes of debate. You can read it here.
The Wales Office Minister Huw Irranca-Davies noted "this is an historic day and an historic moment". He was, as ever on message - so much so that a Tory MP pointed out that he was reading verbatim a speech made in the House of Lords by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin last week.
The LCO will now, in all probability, be nodded through the Commons chamber itself tonight before being rubber-stamped by the Queen via the Privy Council.
The Assembly should be able to use its new powers in this area from May.
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Lords and LCOs
It wasn't just the panacotta and rhubarb ice cream that made history in the House of Lords last night.
Their lordships also devoted 54 minutes to their first debate on a Legislative Competence Order, or LCO as they're referred to in casual conversation among the chattering classes.
The National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Education and Training) Order 2008 cleared the Lords after a well-mannered debate. You can read it here.
The LCO now goes to the Commons next Tuesday, its final hurdle during its parliamentary passage.
AMs in Cardiff will then be able to start legislating in the area of additional learning needs. Stand by for the word "historic" to feature almost as often as "stability" in an Alistair Darling Budget.
Their lordships also devoted 54 minutes to their first debate on a Legislative Competence Order, or LCO as they're referred to in casual conversation among the chattering classes.
The National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Education and Training) Order 2008 cleared the Lords after a well-mannered debate. You can read it here.
The LCO now goes to the Commons next Tuesday, its final hurdle during its parliamentary passage.
AMs in Cardiff will then be able to start legislating in the area of additional learning needs. Stand by for the word "historic" to feature almost as often as "stability" in an Alistair Darling Budget.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Looks straightforward enough to me.....
One of the reasons Elfyn Llwyd is cool on the idea of an early referendum to give the Assembly full law-making powers is that he feels the current system needs to bed down first and is rather complicated.
Fortunately, this diagram from the House of Lords Constitution Committee should allay his fears.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)