MPs debate the Commission on Devolution in Wales
4 November 2011 (updated on 4 November 2011)
Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan, moved a debate in the House of Commons on Thursday 3 November on the Commission on Devolution in Wales, the Silk Commission.
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, responded in the debate on behalf of the Opposition. Watch and read the views expressed by MPs during the debate on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
- Parliament TV: Commission on Devolution in Wales
- Commons Hansard: Commission on Devolution in Wales
- Topics: National Assembly for Wales
Silk Commission
The Silk Commission was was established by the Secretary of State for Wales to review the present financial and constitutional arrangements in Wales. The Commission will be chaired by Paul Silk, former Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales and a former Clerk in the House of Commons.
The review will be spilt into two parts; the first part will review the case for fiscal powers to the National Assembly for Wales and is expected to report by the Autumn of 2012. The second part will look at the powers of the Assembly, and recommend modifications to improve the present constitutional arrangements and will report by the end of 2013.
Further information on the Silk Commission can be found on the Wales Office website and in a Written Ministerial Statement from 11 October 2011.
- Wales Office: Commission on Devolution in Wales (external website)
- Commons Hansard: Written Ministeral Statement on Commission on Devolution in Wales
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produce briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The Library has produced a briefing paper on the Silk Commission.
Debates
Debates are an opportunity for MPs to discuss government policy, proposed new laws and current issues. It allows MPs to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents.