Hain warning on powers referendum

Peter Hain argued that devolution means Wales is already gaining law-making powers

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain has defended the way in which the Welsh assembly gains its law-making powers and warned against an early vote on getting more.

The assembly government is committed to a referendum on the issue by May 2011.

But Mr Hain, whose approval is required for a referendum, warned a vote within the next two years would be lost.

Plaid Cymru AM Elin Jones said he must explain why people in Wales are less capable than the Scots of creating laws in the interests of their nation.

Mr Hain's warning came in a speech to the Welsh Governance Centre at Cardiff University three weeks before the All Wales Convention is due to publish its report into the assembly's powers.

And it came just two days after a YouGov poll suggested a majority of voters would vote 'yes' in a vote on extra powers for the assembly - but only by a small majority.

Increasing clamour

The poll found that a large proportion of Welsh voters do want the assembly government to call a referendum - with 63% in favour and 20% objecting.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, who has led the £1.5m constitutional consultation, has already indicated the "extent of its recommendations" will surprise people.

Neath MP Mr Hain argued in his speech that the assembly is effectively acquiring law-making powers by the back door - in 45 separate areas so far.

He said he was looking forward to a day when the people of Wales want an assembly with full law-making powers, but that day has not yet arrived.

In an article in the Western Mail on Thursday, the Welsh Secretary wrote: "Many people have heard the increasing clamour for a referendum next year on full law-making powers for the National Assembly for Wales, seemingly regardless of whether or not it is winnable.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry's report is to be handed over in November

"Only a few people, however, seem to have heard that devolution in Wales IS already delivering those comprehensive law-making powers from Westminster at an ever-increasing pace."

In response, Plaid's Ms Jones, the rural affairs minister, said that "only a small number of MPs actually believe that the current LCO (Legislative Competence Order) system is working well - and it should come as no surprise that Mr Hain, as the architect of that system, is one of them" .

She also said this week's poll confirmed the Welsh public were ready for further powers and "want to see more decisions taken in the open, transparent and participative democracy of the national assembly".

The AM said Mr Hain was wrong to suggest that only "the chattering classes" want to see a law-making parliament in Wales.