HC Deb 21 November 1928 vol 222 cc1723-4
45. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a Secretaryship of State for Wales in the near future?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

My right hon. Friend regrets that he must reply in the negative.

Sir R. THOMAS

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an explanation why his reply should be in the negative?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

No, I am afraid, in the Prime Minister's absence, I cannot do more than state his decision. The hon. Gentleman will perhaps put another question down, and my right hon. Friend may go into the matter further.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that at the close of last Session I asked the same question and got a similar answer, and can he assure me that, if I put a question down again, I shall have a more satisfactory answer?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any further satisfaction than to suggest that he should put the question down again. What answer he will get, he probably realises himself.

Sir R. THOMAS

Will the right hon. Gentleman, having regard to his sympathetic reply, use his influence with the Prime Minister?

Mr. MARDY JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) turned down the same request in 1919–1921?

Sir W. JOYNSON-H1CKS

I was not aware of that fact.