§ 48. Major OWENasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the persistence of the situation in South Wales and the impossibility of securing any immediate appreciable improvement in the coal industry, he will consider the appointment of a small temporary development commission endowed with necessary funds for the purpose of surveying the possibilities of the whole of Wales, with particular reference to South Wales, for large-scale schemes of afforestation, land reclamation, and arterial road construction, and other works of a national character?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe possibilities of development to which the hon. and gallant Member refers are constantly under examination by the Government not only from the point of view of South Wales, but from that of the country as a whole, and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a body such as the hon. and gallant Member suggests.
§ Major OWENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as things are at present, a sum of £100,000 per week is 3007 spent in South Wales alone, on relief; and would it not be better to employ that money in carrying out schemes of national development in those areas where they are so badly needed?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAnd is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Liberal party opposed the Bill of the Labour party which had that object in view?