Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Hart Excerpts

Wednesday 16th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con)]

2. What assessment she has made of the outcome of the referendum on devolving primary law-making powers to the National Assembly for Wales.

[Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) (Con)]

4. What assessment she has made of the outcome of the referendum on devolving primary law-making powers to the National Assembly for Wales.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mrs Gillan]

I think my hon. Friend is referring to what is known as the West Lothian question, or as we sometimes call it in Wales, the West Clwydian question. I have had words with the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper), and as he informed the House on 15 December, the Government will make an announcement this year on plans to establish a commission to consider the West Lothian question.

[Simon Hart]

Can the Secretary of State provide a timetable for the introduction of a Calman-style inquiry, as per the coalition agreement, and will she undertake a full consultation on the matter?

[Mrs Gillan]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. When we established the coalition Government, we committed in the coalition agreement to establishing a Calman-like process for the Assembly. I will announce further details on that in the coming months.