Morgan rejects call for AMs to quiz UK Ministers

3.16.51pm GMT Tue 14th Feb 2006

Rhodri Morgan today rejected calls for the Assembly to be able to quiz UK government ministers over decisions which affect Wales.

Under Labour's proposed legislation AMs would not be able to ask questions of UK government Ministers - despite the fact that Members of the Scottish Parliament can do so. Mr Morgan's comments came under questioning from Mike German at First Minister's Questions,

Speaking afterwards, Mr German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "The Government of Wales bill includes the new power for the Assembly to summon anyone to give evidence to it about how the powers of this Assembly are exercised. Anyone, that is, except UK Government Ministers. That means that we could not ask questions of the Secretary of State for Wales, who under this bill will be the most influential driver of the future of Wales. That cannot be right."

But Mr Morgan rejected the idea saying that he would provide answers to any questions from AMs.

Mr German added: "Rhodri Morgan has a growing reputation for not answering questions - whether it be on Iraq, or any other issue. I find it incredible that he thinks we should ask him questions, rather than the UK ministers making decisions which impact on Wales.

"On tuition fees, we may need to question the UK Education Minister, or we may have questions for the Home Secretary say, where he is interfering in the policing of Wales.

"Without this amendment to the Government of Wales bill, we will struggle to challenge the UK Ministers whose decisions can have unexpected implications for Wales. Labour continues to ensure that Wales gets a second class treatment compared with Scotland."

Notes:

In Scotland MSPs can require a UK Minister to give evidence on any subject for which "any member of the Scottish Executive has general responsibility".