WIREDGOV

Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan has yesterday received notification from the Welsh Assembly Government that its preferred date to hold the forthcoming referendum on Assembly powers is Thursday, 3 March 2011.

Mrs Gillan said: “I had previously asked the First Minister for his preferred date for the Welsh Referendum and in our discussions earlier today he indicated to me March 3rd was his preference. I told him I will do everything possible to accommodate that date and intend to lay the Referendum Order before Parliament next month.

“In the meantime, Wales Office officials continue to work with Welsh Assembly Government officials to fulfil the commitment to hold the referendum by the end of the first quarter of 2011.”