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Welsh Office

Answer

Ms Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in establishing an independent body to advise on matters relating to the Welsh Assembly. [17480] Mr. Ron Davies: The White Paper stated that a multi-party Commission would be appointed to draft the Assembly's first standing orders. I propose to appoint that Commission following Royal Assent to the Government of Wales Bill. In the meantime I propose to set up an advisory group to assist me in preparing guidance to the Standing Orders Commission. The National Assembly Advisory Group will consider matters such as: the Assembly's decision-making arrangements, its business procedures, and the responsibilities of Assembly members. There will be opportunities for organisations and individuals around Wales to put their views to the advisory group. The group will include members from different political parties as well as individuals with expertise in a range of fields such as business, local government and the voluntary sector. I am pleased to announce that the Chairman of the National Assembly Advisory Group will be John Elfed Jones CBE. He is currently chairman of International Greetings plc. and a former chairman of the Welsh Language Board and of Welsh Water. He has extensive experience of both the private and public sectors in Wales. I am sure he will make an excellent chairman of the group. I expect to announce the names of the other members of the group shortly.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

17480; 302 c268W

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Devolution Public appointments National Assembly for Wales Wales Standing orders National Assembly for Wales Advisory Group

Legislation

Government of Wales Bill 1997/98