Government of Wales Bill

I am pleased to rise in support of the Bill and in opposition to the reasoned amendment tabled by Conservative Front Benchers. I begin by expressing my condolences on the deaths of Lord Merlyn-Rees and Lord Stratford. Their contribution to political life was inestimable and they will be greatly missed. In contrast to the rather odd comments made by the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd), I commend the speeches that Members have made so far. Although they have been poles apart, they have contributed to a constructive debate. Instead of being an ambitious apologist, I shall offer my own contribution without, I hope, suffering any inapt denigration. I commend the introduction of the Bill. The fact that it is opposed by some who feel that it does not go far enough and others who feel that it goes much too far suggests that the Secretary of State and his Front-Bench colleagues have got the balance right. The crux of the matter is that it is being perceived in both ways because it will succeed in putting the power very firmly with the Welsh public as opposed to any vested interests, think tanks, commissions and so on. People voted strongly for what was in the Labour manifesto. They made their choice, and I do not apologise for that. If there were to be any wholesale transfer of primary powers, they would need to vote again. The Bill has managed to achieve a fine balance in bringing together most complexions of political opinion. Much of it has already been agreed on across the Chamber. Splitting the Executive from the legislature is a relatively uncontroversial measure that will help hugely and is overdue, as the situation has been confused. Given the other two main areas, however, I am reminded of the Meatloaf song, ““One out of three ain’t bad””.