TNAG-0546-FCO40-641-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 35

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Written Answers

19 DECEMBER 1975

813 ther be effectively in the Assembly's own mands; but there is no requirement for the Committee's composition to re- flect party representation in the Assembly.

Mr. Wigley asked the Lord President of the Council if the Welsh Assembly will have the power to change the constitu- tion, terms of reference or number of mer.. ers of the nominated bodies exist- ing solely in Wales.

Mr. Edward Short: The Welsh Assembly will in general be given all governmental powers under existing legis lation affecting nominated bodies operat- ing wholly in Wales on devolved matters. If those powers would be sufficient to change the constitution, terms of reference or number of members, it will be up to the Assembly to decide whether or not to exercise them. In addition, the Sec- retary of State will be able by Order subject to negative resolution to provide that the Assembly itself should assume the functions of a particular nominated body operating only in Wales.

Mr. Wigley asked the Lord President of the Council what powers the proposed Welsh Assembly will have for mineral exploration in Wales.

Mr. Edward Short: Land use and development, including protection of countryside amenity and landscape, are among the subjects to be devolved as listed in Appendix D of the White Paper

Our Changing Democracy: Devolu- tion to Scotland and Wales". Further details will be set out in the draft Bill to be published in the spring.

Mr. Wigley asked the Lord President of the Council if the proposed Welsh Assembly will have the right to set up new nominated bodies operating only in Wales; and. if so, in what spheres it may do so for (a) executive purposes and (b) advisory purposes.

Mr. Edward Short: The answer to the first part of the question is Yes, as a matter of administrative machinery: and to the second, for any purpose connected with the devolved functions.

Mr. Wigley asked the Lord President of the Council if the Welsh Assembly will have the power to issue the equivalent of Orders-in-Council in matters which are

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Written Answers

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of concern to the Assembly but over which no executive responsibility has been devolved.

Mr. Edward Short: No.

Mr. Wigley asked the Lord President of the Council what powers the proposed Welsh Assembly will have to intervene in the case of factory closures or large scale redundancies in Wales.

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Mr. Edward Short: None of a formal kind. But the White Paper Our Scotland and Wales" stresses the impor- Changing Democracy: Devolution

tance of continuing close contacts and extensive consultation between the Gov- ernment and the Welsh Assembly on matters of common concern, which must obviously include the kind of matters mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Wigley asked the Lord President of the Council what powers the proposed Welsh Assembly will have to intervene to prevent closures of stations, railway line or passenger or freight railway services in Wales.

Mr. Edward Short: The Assembly will have a power similar to that of local authorities to subsidise railway passenger services. This will enable it to influence the pattern of railway services in Wales.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Staff Bar

Mr. Golding asked the Lord President of the Council if he will take steps to purchase additional drinking glasses for use in the House of Commons Staff Bar.

Mr. Dunn : I have been asked to reply. No. Adequate supplies are available upon request.

DEFENCE

Hong Kong

Mr. Whitlock asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to be able to announce a new defence costs agreement with Hong Kong.

Mr. William Rodgers: The House was informed in the Statement on the Defence Estimates-Cmnd. 5976-in March of