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Government of Wales Bill

I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, for welcoming the amendment. It is good to be working with him, albeit on some modest amendments at the present time. I am grateful to the Minister for his ““modest”” contribution. I could say that he has so little to be modest about, but I would not dream of doing so. People considering these debates will be totally confused. The amendment would insert the provision that Welsh Ministers may do anything ““within their powers”” that they consider appropriate. I am not quite sure that the Minister has addressed the effect of the amendment. As I understand it, there are powers that would cover the areas that he is talking about. The Welsh National Opera is very close to my heart, as he will know—15 years ago we were able to take steps to ensure that the Welsh National Opera went from strength to strength; it is a touring company and is often to be heard in our major cities and in London. The powers are there already. If we are to allow the existing powers to continue, that would be good enough. I would like time to consider what the Minister has said. I agree strongly with the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, that we are concerned to ensure the promotion or improvement of the economic, social and environmental well-being of Wales. We all share the concern that the GDP has slipped back a little. That is causing great concern for those who want to see Wales going from strength to strength. Obviously I will reflect carefully on all that the Minister has said. Meanwhile, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 45 had been withdrawn from the Marshalled List.] Clause 60 agreed to. Clause 61 [Support of culture etc.]: