Response by Margaret Hunt for the Newport and Valleys branch of the CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROTECTION OF RURAL WALES (CPRW)

1. The CPRW branch is pleased to be given the opportunity to make a limited response to the above consultation. It does so from the standpoint of its central remit, that of protecting the Welsh landscape from inappropriate and ill-sited development, and of seeking to promote the well-being and indigenous culture of local communities, those in rural areas in particular. The mode of governance in Wales has a major bearing upon these interests.

2. General comments on the draft are:

a) The 'question and answer' format is a useful means of focusing the attention of consultees upon the specific issues under consideration, though CPRW is pleased to note that in the fifth paragraph under Background, this arrangement is not intended "to limit debate". Numbering of questions would, however, have been an aid to response.

b) A comment - not a criticism - is made that the Commission does not include any member who lives east of Cardiff, or has a particular concern for the South Wales Valleys' unique situation and problems.

c) The Commission's Terms of Reference is a useful addition. It is well placed at the end of the consultation paper in that it avoids having an undue influence upon consultees' responses. CPRW especially welcomes the items under Procedural matters as being properly based upon the need for open and inclusive working arrangements.

CONSULTATION PAPER

The Commission's approach

First question (on page 2): in what practical ways...

Newport and Valleys CPRW branch's "practical" contact with the Assembly is mainly via its response to consultation documents. On the occasions in which I (on behalf of CPRW) have needed to make a telephone call to officers - maybe to request a short time-extension to the deadline for response - I have always had courteous and considerate treatment. I have been appreciative of the fact that officials have been prepared to take the time to engage in brief informal conversation. Branch Executive Committee members are of the opinion that the Assembly contact procedure and attitude is an improvement upon that in place in Welsh Office days.

Are the powers of the National Assembly sufficient to meet the needs of Wales?

First question (on page 2): does the Government of Wales Act...

When "the formal plan-making powers" have been evaluated (third paragraph under the above heading), it ought to be possible for a full answer to be given to this current imponderable. The qualities (and defects) that distinguish Wales from England need to be recognised and celebrated (or addressed) by extending, strengthening and changing the powers of the Assembly.

Second question (on page 3): whether, and if so, how,...

Please see the response to the question immediately above.

Structure and working arrangements of the National Assembly

I make a drafting quibble in respect of first paragraph, clause a. - "new laws" have to be ENACTED, not merely PROPOSED, before policies can be implemented.

First question (on page 3): if the Assembly were to acquire...

In the context of this question, it is interesting that almost by chance, it might be said, the Assembly model has developed into an entity that is closer than originally intended to a parliamentary model (third paragraph). CPRW does not see reconstitution "on the Parliamentary model" as inevitably being required, given an effective Assembly law-making mechanism.

Second question (on page 3): if so what organisational changes...

The organisational changes needed might not be profound.

A GAIN would be: THE ASSEMBLY'S MORE COMPLETE MASTERY OVER THE TOTALITY OF WELSH GOVERNANCE.

There would arguably be no LOSSES unless the change included abolition of the involvement of "groups outside the Assembly" in its work (second paragraph under the above heading) - a feature to be welcomed under the present regime.

The Relationship between the Assembly in Cardiff and the Parliament in Westminster

First Question (on page 4): how effective has the Assemby been...

Newport and Valleys CPRW leaves the enlightened to answer this question.

Second question (on page 4): what are the advantages...

In response, the Commission is referred to an article by Ian Lucas MP that appears in the Autumn 2002 edition of the Bevan Foundation Review (contact telephone number: 01495 725214). The views expressed by Mr. Lucas are relevant to this question.

Third question (on page 4): what would be gained or lost...

A GAIN would be: BETTER RECOGNITION OF THE DISTINCTIVE NEEDS OF WALES (AND OF ITS INHERENT DISTINCTIVENESS).

CPRW is obliged to 'pass' on the subject of LOSSES.

Fourth question (on page 4): how would Welsh interests be affected if the role of Welsh MPs...

The contents of the article by Ian Lucas MP, referred to above, is also pertinent to this question. So far as UK matters are concerned, Welsh MPs would continue to have equality of standing with their colleagues from other parts of Great Britain.

The role of the UK Government and the Secretary of State for Wales

Question (on page 4): how would Welsh interests be affected if the Secretary of State's role...

Reduction in the Secretary of State's role need not be disadvantageous, provided that he or she retains a UK Cabinet place and continues to be committed to urging Welsh interests as the need arises.

Relations between the Assembly and Whitehall

Question (on page 5): what would be gained or lost if there was a clearer separation...

When the "case studies" relating to Welsh and English 'understanding' (mentioned in the paragraph immediately above this question) have been 'looked at', a more complete picture should emerge.

As a GAIN, CPRW sees INCREASED CONCENTRATION UPON THE INDIVIDUALITY OF WALES AND ON ITS POWER OF SELF-DETERMINATION; LOSSES are difficult to assess until separation - if this happens - has been in place long enough for undesirable effects to become evident - and in need of being reversed.

The financial context

First question (on page 5): how should we evaluate the costs...

CPRW cannot answer this question directly, but would point out that financial resources other than those needed for strengthening the "support and research functions" (paragraph 3 under the above heading) would be needed in connection with moving to a different Welsh devolution format.

Second question (on page 5): what are the benefits that should be included...

When evaluating a move to a changed form of devolution in Wales, HIGH values should be attached to THE OVERALL BENEFIT TO THE PEOPLE OF WALES AND TO THE WELSH ENVIRONMENT IN ALL ITS ASPECTS.

Funding streams

Question (on page 6): is this an issue for you...

The Newport and Valleys CPRW branch is an involved onlooker in the matter of funding streams in the Valleys area that it covers. This is not an issue for the charity itself, except insofar as all voluntary groups are in need of additional funds.

Margaret Hunt

Newport and Valleys CPRW