Students demonstrate over the government's top up fees plan

The party leadership says the transfer of powers over tuition fees, part of the higher education package announced in last week's Queen's speech, is pointless without cast iron guarantees that more funding will be made available.

Plaid Cymru leader in the Welsh assembly Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "Everyone sees through this latest deceit. Top up fees are unfair and immoral.

If cash isn't given then let the powers stay in Westminster Ieuan Wyn Jones

"Giving the power to decide about them to the assembly is just downright cynical if the extra cash isn't there.

"There can only be a real choice if extra money is up front. New Labour is trying to use the Assembly to push through its own unpopular policies.

"Peter Hain has indicated as much in his comments on the matter. Frankly no more cash means no real choice.

"If the cash isn't given then let the powers stay in Westminster."

Last week Plaid Cymru's health spokesman Rhodri Glyn Thomas issued a challenge to his own party to "wake up" and engage with the debate on greater powers for the assembly.

Ieuan Wyn Jones - hits out at tuition fees "deceit"

He said there was a vacuum at the centre of the party's policy between the status quo and Plaid's constitutional aim of full independence.

The Richard Commission is due to publish its report on greater powers for Cardiff Bay in February.