DEMANDS to prevent the Welsh Secretary from torpedoing the wishes of the Assembly were last night rejected by the government. Ministers refused to bow to backbench criticism of the flagship Government of Wales Bill. The Bill allows the Cardiff-based Assembly to "bid" to Westminster for "orders in council" -- but only if approval is given from the Welsh Secretary and both houses of parliament. The legislation would also allow a referendum on full law making powers to be triggered after a two-third majority vote in the Assembly - again only with backing from the Secretary of State. Last month Welsh Affairs Select Committee MPs slammed the powers the Bill hands the cabinet minister. But yesterday the government defended a politician's role in blocking what he or she may consider a "defective, unworkable, or premature" proposals.. The government response added: "The government does not agree that the question of request for a referendum should by-pass the government of the day." | 
