Government of Wales Bill

My Lords, since the drowning of Tryweryn, we have seen a change in many directions. The relationship between Wales and the big cities—Birmingham and Liverpool have Welsh water—has become much more sensitive and understanding. A few months ago, we had an apology from the city of Liverpool to the people of Wales for the way in which the drowning of Tryweryn and the reservoir was handled. I do not think that that would happen again. This is a time when there is a great water shortage. My noble friend Lord Livsey spoke about there being 40 per cent less water in the future. There will be a demand for more reservoirs and for extending reservoirs. Two weeks ago, a report on water management referred to that. I am sure that the people of Wales now need to have confidence that they will be directly involved in any discussions on the use of their water resources. Should any new valleys be required for use in a different way or any reservoirs need to be extended, the voice of the Assembly of the people of Wales, which we did not have 40 years ago, should be listened to. That is why we are happy to support the amendment.