The Secretary of State for Wales should answer questions from Assembly Members more than once a year, Welsh Conservatives have said.

Shadow Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan MP insisted she would attend Q&A sessions in Cardiff Bay three times a year if part of a David Cameron government. This would be on top of the statutory obligation to attend Assembly plenary sessions after the Queen's Speech.

Mrs Gillan, who opened the Welsh Conservatives' party conference at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff, called for an 'open dialogue' between Westminster and the Assembly rather than the 'annual arrangement' under Labour.

Cheryl Gillan MP said: "Conservatives want an open dialogue and a strong working relationship between governments, and between Westminster and the National Assembly. The relationship between Westminster and the National Assembly must be strong - not just between ministers but between the bodies themselves."

And she added, "At present the Assembly only sees the Secretary of State once a year. To deliver the best for Wales there needs to be an open dialogue, not an annual arrangement. Welsh politicians of all parties and at both places need to be working together for Wales. Working together to help Wales through the recession and towards future success."

Mrs Gillan will also call today for more regular meetings of the Commons' Welsh Grand Committee in Wales, rather than at Westminster.

"It is only right that a committee entirely focussed on Welsh matters should meet on occasion in Wales."