Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Williams Excerpts

Wednesday 28th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD)]

5. What steps he plans to take to implement the recommendations of the first report of the Commission on Devolution in Wales published in November 2012.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

I welcome the publication of the commission’s first report. It is an important piece of work that is thorough and wide-ranging, and I am giving each of the 33 recommendations my full consideration in consultation with Treasury and other Cabinet colleagues. The Government will respond formally in due course.

[Mr Jones]

This matter has been referred to Her Majesty’s Treasury and is the subject of negotiations with the Welsh Government. I can confirm that the legislation will be looked at with a view to proceeding as expeditiously as possible.

[Mr Mark Williams]

The Silk Commission makes a compelling case on the devolution of partial income tax to the Assembly. How swiftly does the Secretary of State believe that we can proceed on this, given the apparent reluctance of the First Minister to countenance reform before full Barnett reform, despite a very good agreement that was brokered in October?

[Mr Jones]

The First Minister’s position is a matter for him, but Paul Silk makes it clear that the commission recommended the devolution of income tax-varying powers within different bands, subject to agreement between the Welsh and the British Governments on issues such as funding. That matter must continue to be looked at.