THE six-month row over the powers of the Children's Commissioner was dismissed as a "storm in a teacup" yesterday as the Government refused calls to extend Peter Clarke's remit.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain insisted splitting the role of children's champion between England and Wales would make no practical difference to child welfare.

"I understand the interest in it but in practical terms I don't think it will make any real difference to the work of the Children's Commissioner for Wales," he said, "It is just a storm in a teacup."

His comments came as the Government issued a blanket dismissal of recommendations by the Welsh Affairs Committee to extend the role of the Children's Commissioner in Wales, Peter Clarke.

The Labour-dominated committee joined AMs and children's charities in pressing for Mr Clarke to be given powers over child welfare in non-devolved areas.

The call was prompted by the Children's Bill and the creation of an England Commissioner with powers over child welfare issues in Wales in non-devolved areas.

But in its official response the Government said yesterday, "The needs of children, wherever they are in the UK, have been of paramount importance to Ministers and officials throughout the development of the Children's Commissioner clauses of the Bill. It is for that reason that we have pursued the fairest, rather than the easiest way forward."