10% cut in MPs 'would tear up political map'

First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Welsh Secretary Peter Hain accused Conservative leader David Cameron of floating a "half-baked’’ policy without considering its impact.

The Tories insisted Mr Cameron was leading the debate on cutting the cost of politics and said Wales would continue to have a "powerful voice’’ in Westminster under a Conservative Government.

Mr Cameron outlined a 10% cut in the number of MPs in September, together with plans to slash ministerial salaries and Westminster perks like subsidised food and drink.

But Labour said his proposal could only be achieved in Wales by creating vast new constituencies which took no notice of communities, local councils' responsibilities or geography.

It would also have implications for the Assembly as the Government of Wales Act requires its seats to share boundaries with parliamentary constituencies.

Speaking to reporters in the Senedd, Mr Hain said: "I just think this is rather typical of half-baked ideas floated on the basis of short-term populism.

"It shows again that for the Conservative Party Wales counts for nothing, just as the Tories themselves can't count.’’ Mr Morgan said bigger constituencies under the Conservatives would lose their "community interest’’.

"All they have said is 'Cut 10% off. Bingo.’’'

Mr Morgan, whose wife Julie is the MP for Cardiff North, denied MPs had less work to do now that major policy areas such as health and education were devolved to the Assembly.

"Being married to one I can say it definitely doesn't feel like that,’’ he said.

A Welsh Conservative spokesman said: "David Cameron is leading the debate about cutting the cost of politics.

"And as part of that agenda we believe there is a strong case for reducing the overall number of UK MPs.

"We've not said which seats we'd cut, but we will ask the Boundary Commission to set out detailed proposals.

"What we are committed to ensuring is that Wales continues to have a powerful voice in the House of Commons.’’