Welsh Lib Dems to debate schools, health and housing

2.35.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Oct 2005

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are set to take the first steps on the road to the 2007 Assembly Election this Saturday, when they debate key policy areas such as health, housing and schools at their autumn conference in Llandrindod Wells.

Members and outside organisations will have chance to contribute to the party's policy making process through the six consultative sessions that will be held on the Saturday. These include continuing education, rural issues and "Meeting the Challenge", the Liberal Democrats' UK policy consultation exercise.

The party's Assembly leader, Mike German said: "Party members have the chance to discuss the policies which will be part of our manifesto, and the ways we can use the extended powers the Assembly will have post-2007. Our members are full of ideas for how to advance a Wales that is more liberal, fairer and freer and this conference gives everyone the opportunity to contribute.

Organisations such as WWF Cymru, Ofcom and Shelter Cymru have also been invited to address the conference.

In his conference welcome to representatives, Mr German writes:

"Welcome to our Autumn Conference and our celebration of another great year for the Welsh Lib Dems. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our members at all levels in the Party, we've had a superb year, doubling the number of our MPs in Westminster - congratulations to Jenny and Mark - and proving we're the real opposition to Labour in Wales.

"We've had a great couple of years with major gains in the Council and General Elections. Now we come together to collect our thoughts, pool our experiences and aim for new targets, new goals, and continue the march towards a Liberal Democrat Wales."

Mr German will deliver the closing address of the conference at 16.30 on Saturday and Lembit Opik, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats will deliver his speech at 11.20 on Saturday.

The conference will be at Coleg Powys, Spa Road, Llandrindod Wells, from 9.40 on Saturday and will be opened by Rob Humphreys, the party President.