The majority of Welsh people wish to see greater law making powers devolved to Cardiff, a new report has suggested.

A group formed by the Welsh Assembly found a referendum on the issue could produce a yes vote, however, a poll landslide is not guaranteed.

The coalition government at Cardiff Bay sanctioned the All Wales Convention to compile popular views on transferring legislature powers from Westminster.

Members of the groups said a national referendum could produce a 47% vote in favour, with 37% polling no.

Welsh ministers are hopeful of holding a referendum by May 2011, provided it is winnable.

The matter was a centrepiece of the Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition agreement in the summer of 2007.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry chaired the Convention group, whose report spans 130-pages.

He said a "great fog" still surrounds the public's understanding of local government functions, namely how laws are currently made through the Westminster system.

Sir Emyr said he and his 16-member panel supported the establishment of further legislature powers at Cardiff Bay.

"What we found was that the current arrangements for giving the assembly law-making powers... were seen as cumbersome and slow," he said.

According to the All Wales Convention chair, a yes result at the polls would give "particular legitimacy to the National Assembly for Wales".

Outgoing First Minister and Labour leader Rhodri Morgan said he would make a full statement on the report's findings next week.

Deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said the panel's document provided no guarantees, suggesting the government would not enter a referendum if they thought losing was likely.

Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne said Sir Emry had "identified the failings of the current system and seen advantages in moving to full powers".

Tory Leader David Cameron has already made it clear he would not stand in the way of a referendum, if he was elected prime minister next year.

At present the Welsh Assembly can make laws, known as 'measures', in restricted areas such as health and education. However, some influence is still reserved by MPs sitting in the Commons in London.

(PR/BMcC)