Welsh assembly: Lacking powers?

A Welsh parliament is needed to deliver key pieces of legislation, Plaid Cymru has said.

At an event in Cardiff, the nationalists unveiled a series of new laws that a devolved parliament could pass.

Plaid is saying that the current assembly lacks the powers needed to make a difference for Wales.

Parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd and assembly leader Ieuan Wyn Jones are also challenging Labour to set out its own position.

"With a proper law-making parliament we could scrap tuition fees, ban smoking in public places, introduce free care for the elderly, change the law on hunting, and provide a proper framework for housing - particularly affordable housing," said Llwyd.

"We would also introduce a new Welsh Language Act and put forward measures to tackle climate change."

He added: ""With only 10 days to go before the general election on May 5, we are here today to challenge Rhodri Morgan and Peter Hain to come clean on their proposals for devolution.

"Our firm understanding is that all this talk from New Labour recently on extending the National Assembly's powers is just that - all talk - and that there will be very little in the actual white paper to strengthen the assembly's powers.

"Plaid Cymru is the only party that is being honest with the electorate over this issue. We want a proper parliament for Wales as recommended by the Richard commission."

Devolution

Reports have suggested that Welsh Labour MPs are sceptical about giving more powers to the Cardiff assembly, while AMs would prefer greater devolution.

But Plaid says that Labour should "come clean with the people of Wales" and set out their devolution plans in greater detail.

"If they have nothing to hide over the matter of devolution, they should make public their plans so that the people of Wales are under no illusion when they go to the polls in 10 days time," said Jones.

The nationalists have said that their long-term goal remains independence for Wales, but at this election they are calling for a "proper parliament" to be established, modelled on the Edinburgh institution.