The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7295 p464
17 April 2004

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Welsh Assembly (www.wales.gov.uk)

Welsh report calls for more powers for Assembly

Welsh Assembly powers to develop health services in response to the needs of people in Wales have come a step closer with publication of the Richard Commission report. The report examines the future of Welsh devolution and was presented to the National Assembly for Wales last month.

The Richard Commission recommends that there should be a legislative assembly for Wales able to exercise powers where administrative and secondary legislation have been devolved, including health and education. Other recommendations include an interim expansion of the framework delegated powers approach, an increase in Assembly membership to 80 members, and reconstitution of the Assembly as a separate legislature and executive. The report states that these changes should be in place by 2011 or sooner.

Andrea Robinson, chairman of the Society’s Welsh Executive, said: “The report of the Richard Commission has been timely in that its recommendations give us an insight into how devolution in Wales may develop, which can be taken into consideration during the forthcoming Royal Pharmaceutical Society review of devolution.”

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: “Careful, collaborative and co-operative discussions will be needed with Westminster colleagues of all political persuasions if we are to build on the excellent start this report has provided in building a consensus for change.”

The Richard Commission report will now be considered by the Assembly and the Assembly’s response will be presented to the Secretary of State for Wales. An Assembly debate will be held on 28 April, with a second debate to be scheduled in the autumn. The Welsh Government’s official response to the report’s recommendations will be outlined at a Labour conference on 11 September.

The Richard Commission was established by the Welsh Assembly Government in July 2002 to gather evidence to establish whether the powers and electoral arrangements of the National Assembly for Wales are adequate to meet the needs of Wales.