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National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language)

Yes, I think that was very unreasonable and I am extremely sorry that Matthew Parris missed his train. Before I make some general comments in conclusion, I shall refer to royal chartered bodies. That is something that the Wales Office has raised and with which the Welsh Affairs Committee has agreed. I think that the LCO, when drafted, will not include the named chartered bodies, but will include classes of body defined by the type of services provided. That is the best approach to ensuring that we are as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. The Secretary of State has made a firm commitment that he will give further consideration to the many excellent points made today. They need to be carefully considered and that will happen. Several other questions have been asked and, where appropriate, we shall give a comprehensive written reply. I am delighted that there seems to be a broad measure of agreement among hon. Members of all parties, including the Conservative party, although I am not quite sure where the shadow Secretary of State stands—there seems to be some difference, in emphasis at least, between the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham and the hon. Member for Clwyd, West. Nevertheless, I think that we have a degree of unity, and a consensus has certainly been established by and large between us. That is extremely important. My hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon began the debate, and I want to pay particular tribute to the huge contribution that he has made, not only today but as demonstrated in his chairmanship of the Welsh Affairs Committee. He referred to Iolo Morgannwg, who spent time in my home village of Cefn Cribwr. Iolo Morgannwg was known as the bard of liberty, a great supporter of the Welsh language and the Eisteddfod. It is important for us to recognise not just his historic contribution but how his spirit is still with us today. I very much hope that the LCO will be a modest step towards achieving the kind of liberty in Wales that Iolo Morgannwg dreamed of. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That the Committee has considered the matter of the Ninth Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee, Proposed National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009, HC348, and its implications for Wales.