Peter Hain has said that any move to give tax raising powers to the Welsh assembly would have to be approved by a referendum.

The Welsh secretary's comments came as he was challenged on how ministers would approach any recommendations made by the Richard Commission on the powers of the Cardiff assembly.

Lord Richard is set to deliver his recommendation to the Welsh Assembly Government in the Spring, and first minister Rhodri Morgan will then make his representations to ministers in London.

"If any changes are sought as a result of that Richard Commission...it will be for this House to decide, obviously in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government," said Hain.

Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said that any consultations should also involve the people of Wales.

He called for an undertaking that a referendum should be held on any increase in powers for the assembly.

Hain replied that, as in Scotland, there should be a referendum on the granting of tax raising powers.

"This Labour government will not be supporting any increase in taxes of that kind for Wales."

Scottish Labour MP George Foulkes said that it would be for MPs to pass any legislation increasing the powers of the Welsh assembly.

He cautioned that any proposed changes would affect "all parts of the United Kingdom and not just Wales".