Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Roberts of Conwy (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 28 February 2012.

Devolution: Wales

Question: My Lords, one of the remaining issues after more than a decade of devolution is the dire state of the Welsh economy after the Welsh Labour Government have ruled the country. They have got rid of the Welsh Development Agency, which has cost us a great deal, and one Welsh academic has described it as, "““the worst policy decision made in Wales in living memory””." Does my noble and learned friend agree with that verdict?

Answer: My Lords, I am not in a position to agree with that, not having read that particular report. Clearly the economy of Wales is a matter in which your Lordships' House has a legitimate interest, concerning, as it does, both devolved and non-devolved matters. I understand that on St David's Day later this week the House of Commons will be debating Welsh affairs generally, and I strongly expect the economy to dominate and not least the Welsh Development Agency and the point made by my noble friend.

Secondary information