Government of Wales Bill

I realise that the hon. Gentleman is not a Welsh Member of Parliament, but he clearly does not understand the Bill. The Bill provides for Parliament to be in charge, just as it is now. Instead of providing for the devolving of powers to the Assembly through primary legislation, it provides an opportunity to devolve powers to the Assembly through Orders in Council—subject, as I shall explain, to prior scrutiny. And Conservative Front Benchers propose a referendum on that! What a bizarre, astonishing idea, and one that would cost £7 million. Can the hon. Gentleman imagine asking local people on their doorsteps, ““Do you want to vote yes or no on whether measures should be decided through primary legislation or through Orders in Council?””? Can he imagine the response that he would receive?