THE MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, Roger Williams has called for the Welsh Grand Committee to be reformed, during a Westminster debate.
The Welsh Grand Committee normally meets when there is a bill or parliamentary event that will have implications for Wales, but which will not normally have sufficient time to be looked at from a solely Welsh angle, such as the Budget.
It is usually made up of all Welsh MPs and is a chance to question the Secretary of State for Wales on the effects of government policy.
Speaking after a recent debate, Roger Williams said: "It is important that the work of the Welsh Grand Committee carries on in this Parliament, but it needs to be more under the control of backbench Welsh MPs, and less under the control of the government and the Secretary of State.
“Backbenchers need to have the opportunity to determine the frequency of Grand Committee sittings and influence the subjects to be considered.
“Already the Welsh Grand allows questioning of Secretary of State for Wales on a wide range of issues, and in recent years Ministers from other Departments have been questioned on the effect of their policies on the Welsh public.
“Further consideration should be given to being able to call external witnesses to give evidence on matters affecting Wales.”
He added: “Cledwyn Hughes, a previous Secretary of State for Wales, set out the current operating structure of the Welsh Grand and it is important that the work he undertook is continued and allowed to evolve.
“I will be working with my parliamentary colleagues to look at ways in which that can be done."