The conference is calling for more powers for the Welsh assembly

Liverpool University law professor Dr Laura McAllister is expected to call for the Richard Commission proposals on law-making powers to be implemented.

She has previously criticised First Minister Rhodri Morgan for "retreating" from his support of its report.

Sunday's event in Cardiff was called by the Parliament for Wales Campaign.

The event is set to call for the full implementation of the report by the Labour peer Lord Richard.

Lord Richard headed the two-year commission which recommended law-making powers for the assembly

Dr McAllister, who was the Plaid Cymru appointee on the Richard Commission, was part of his team and is to speak at the conference.

The event will also be addressed by another Richard commissioner, Peter Price, as well as Plaid Cymru AM for Rhondda, Leanne Wood, on the official response to the report.

Lord Richard spent two years preparing his report

Campaign spokesman Gareth Butler said: "It was ironic that the lack of law-making powers was preventing the assembly from banning smoking in public places when they voted to do it last year.

"The restrictions on assembly powers is clearly having the effect that we now have a reputation of following other countries with innovative policies in health rather than leading the field.

"The Government has obviously got 'smoke in their eyes' and it needs to sort out how law making for Wales can reasonably take place, rather than making us add-on to laws at Westminster, if and when they see fit."

The conference is taking place at a hotel in Tongwynlais, Cardiff.

This month saw the Welsh Assembly Government take formal control of the fire service in Wales from the Home Office.

Extra powers were granted earlier this year under changes agreed at Westminster.

It adds to the growing portfolio of powers - like health and education - enjoyed by ministers at Cardiff Bay.