Welsh OK Assembly by Narrow Vote

Britain’s march toward constitutional restructuring continued today in Wales, where voters followed Scotland and narrowly endorsed a self-rule plan that calls for creation of an elected assembly to oversee the operations of government here.

The result, which was not clear until final returns were counted from the last of 22 voting districts, represented a victory for Prime Minister Tony Blair, who staked his personal prestige on the outcome. But the margin of victory was a disappointment for proponents of the plan, who had hoped for another strong show of support here to go along with last week’s overwhelming affirmative vote in Scotland.

The vote affirmed the second step toward completion of the most far-reaching constitutional changes in modern Britain. The results from both Scotland and Wales put Britain on a course that, over time, is expected to reduce the power of the central government in London and give greater authority over local and regional affairs to elected bodies throughout the United Kingdom. Such bodies are at the heart of Blair’s agenda to modernize the country.

“I am very pleased that the people of Wales have said ‘yes,’ ” Blair said in London this morning.

With all 22 local districts reporting, results showed 50.3% of the voters in favor of the new assembly and 49.7% opposed, a margin of 6,721 votes out of more than 1.1 million cast.

The vote creates a 60-member assembly. But the Welsh will not have power to set taxes, unlike the Scots.