§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for establishing a Rural Development Board in Wales.
§ Mr. PeartUnder the Agriculture Bill the establishment of a Rural Development Board in Wales would be a matter for the Secretary of State for Wales and myself, acting jointly. The first step would be, before any formal proposal is published, to hold consultations with the local authorities and other interested public bodies in the area concerned. My right hon. Friend and I hope to open consultations, as soon as the Bill is passed, with a view to proposing the establishment of a board covering a substantial area of mid-Wales. The precise area to be included in a formal proposal would be decided thereafter in the light of the consultations to which I have referred.