Storm over call for `Assembly power'.

WALES' Counsel General sparked a political storm yesterday by calling for the Welsh Assembly to be handed primary law-making powers.

Winston Roddick, the Assembly's chief lawyer, said he was a committed devolutionist and wanted to see ``real devolution'' in Wales.

But his comments prompted outrage from the Conservatives who said as a civil servant Mr Roddick should not become embroiled in controversial political issues.

Welsh Tory leader Nick Bourne accused him of tainting the reputation of the whole Civil Service.

Mr Roddick was giving evidence yesterday to the Richard Commission that is looking into the powers of the Assembly.

Speaking about giving the Welsh Assembly the same law-making powers as the Scottish Parliament, he said: ``Putting my cards on the table it is a move that I personally am wedded to and always have been.''

Speaking afterwards he said: ``There is no point holding high office in the church if you do not believe in it. That is the position I am in. I am a committed devolutionist, I always have been and I want to see real devolution.''

But Mr Bourne said he was outraged by Mr Roddick's ``distasteful'' comments. Mr Bourne said he would immediately write to the Assembly's permanent secretary, Jon Shortridge, demanding an apology and retraction by Mr Roddick. ``A senior civil servant should not be entering the political arena,'' he said.

``He is effectively saying he agrees with the agenda of some political parties and not others.''