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The Welsh Devolution Debate
15 September 1997
Sixth MP Speaks Out Against Assembly
The Labour MP Ted Rowlands today spoke out against the Government's plans for devolution in Wales, though he said he still intends to vote yes in Thursday's referndum. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's World at One the member for Merthyr and Rhymney argued that the White Paper outlining the Government's proposals was seriously flawed. He particularly criticised the role envisaged for the Secretary of State, saying he would be left "a eunuch without a budget or executive functions" and added that he did not believe that there are full-time jobs for 100 politicians, 40 at Westminster and 60 in a Welsh Assembly.
Welsh Secretary Ron Davies dismissed these concerns saying that the 60 new representatives would counter the power currently wielded by quangos in Wales and that the position of the Secretary of State would be strengthened by the democratic strength of the Assembly
Politicians Out in Force
With just two whole days left before the polls open, the political parties are stepping up their campaigns. Three ministers were despatched from London today while Liberal Democrat leader PaddyAshdown and Plaid Cymru president Dafydd Wigley were also campaigning in Cardiff. The No Campaign say they're growing in strength and were canvassing support in Cardigan this morning.
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