Swimming in Custard is holding Wales back

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Apr 2008

The Privy Council of the United Kingdom will meet tomorrow for the Queen to formally approve the National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Education and Training) Order 2008. However, Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, has voiced her concern over the long drawn out and complicated process of the new law making powers in Wales.

Ms Burnham said,

"Some have described this new law making process as sailing in unchartered water but I think that we are swimming in custard. Although I fully support this new Competence Order being granted to the National Assembly, getting to this stage has been a long drawn out affair. It has taken 9 months from the initial laying of the proposed LCO to the Queen formally approving the Competence Order.

"Welsh Assembly Members are competent enough to make and enact their own laws. Going to Westminster with Oliver's begging bowl to ask for the power to make certain laws case by case is not only a lengthy and time consuming process but also one hindered by hurdles. This is why the Welsh Liberal Democrats want the clarity that primary law making powers can bring so that the people of Wales understand what is going on in their Senedd and prove that we can competently legislate as a nation, for the nation.

"As the chair of the first ever Legislative Competence Order committee, I have seen up close just how complex and labrynthine the process is. I hope the government will bring forward the necessary measure as soon as humanly possible. We have waited long enough."

Ends/Diwedd