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The Welsh Devolution Debate
9 September 1997
Two More Labour MPs Rebel
Two more Labour MPs have declared they will vote against a Welsh Assembly in
the referendum on September 18. Rhondda MP Allan Rogers said he was unhappy about the way the Assembly would be elected - partly by proportional representation - and she says not enough is being done to abolish unelected public bodies or quangos. Swansea West MP Alan Williams's office confirmed this afternoon to BBC Wales that he would also be voting "No" . They join Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith and Ogmore MP Sir Ray Powell who have also signalled their opposition. TheLabour party points out that 30 out of its 34 Welsh MPs are likely to vote Yes next week.
CBI Wales Chief Attacks Jobs Claim
The chairman of CBI Wales has condemned campaigners for a No vote who say that jobs could be lost if a Welsh Assembly was set up. Ian Spratling said there was no evidence whatsoever for the claim. Welsh Secretary Ron Davies had what he called a constructive meeting with Mr Spratling today when he gave an assurance that an Assembly would not add to bureaucracy for business.
Tory on Business Visit
Shadow Constitutional Affairs Secretary Michael Ancram said the burden on
businesses would grow with a Welsh Assembly. He met "No" voters during visits to businesses in Newport and in the Gwent Valleys.
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