Press Releases
Friday 4 November 2011
SILK COMMISSION GETS UNDERWAY
The Commission on Devolution in Wales met for the first time today [Friday 4 November] at the Wales Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Speaking following the first meeting, Chair Paul Silk said: “It has been a pleasure finally to meet everyone at our first Commission meeting. I believe today’s meeting has set us on the right course and I have been interested to hear the views of members on how we go about our work.
“Over the next two years, I look forward to working closely together to deliver reports that not only have cohesive and well supported recommendations, but deliver real workable solutions that will benefit the whole of Wales.”
After the first Commission meeting, the following communiqué was agreed by Commission members.
FIRST COMMISSION ON DEVOLUTION IN WALES MEETING
The first meeting of the Commission on Devolution in Wales took place in Cardiff today.
A number of agenda items were discussed, including papers on how the Commission will operate; its draft work programme and its call for evidence.
Commission members discussed ideas for how the Commission can engage with the public. Members agreed to the creation of an independent website for the Commission which will be an important channel to host information on its work. It was also agreed that Commission agendas and minutes will be published online.
Members discussed a high level work programme and timetable which will be developed further by the Secretariat for discussion at future meetings.
A call for evidence paper was agreed and this will be issued as soon as possible, with evidence to be submitted by 27 January 2012. A copy will also be placed on the Commission’s website.
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan attended a part of the meeting to welcome members to the Commission and set out the background to its setting up.
Commission members received two presentations. Jonathan Price, the Welsh Government’s Chief Economist provided an overview of the socio-economic profile of Wales and the Secretariat provided a presentation the UK Government’s fiscal objectives. Both presentations provided a useful context for part one of the Commission’s terms of reference.
The next Commission meeting will be held in December. Thereafter, the Commission will meet initially on a monthly basis.
Commission on Devolution in Wales
This Communiqué has been agreed by all members of the Commission
Tuesday 1st November 2011
SILK COMMISSION TO HOLD ITS FIRST COMMISSION MEETING
The Commission on Devolution in Wales will hold its first Commission meeting on Friday 4 November at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
At the private meeting, Commission members will discuss the way the Commission will operate, its work programme for Part I and agree on how it will go about gathering evidence to support its work.
Speaking ahead of the first meeting, Chair Paul Silk said: “I look forward to meeting as a Commission for the first time on Friday and getting to know the other members as we embark on exciting challenge we have ahead.
“Over the coming months, we will be gathering evidence and engaging with people across Wales to hear their views on part I of our remit. Our first meeting on Friday will be an important step in taking this forward.”
Notes
Whilst a website for the Commission is under construction, you can follow the Commission’s work at http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/about/commission-on-devolution-in-wales/ and @silkcommission.