§ 40. Mr. STEPHEN DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to state the object and scope of, as well as the names of the persons who are to conduct, the proposed inquiry into the conditions obtaining in the county borough of Merthyr Tydvil; and whether, in view of the fact that his Department is already in full possession of all the necessary information, he will reverse his decision and immediately apply the appropriate measures to relieve that exceptionally distressed area?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)The object and scope of the inquiry is to consider the status of Merthyr Tydvil as a county borough and what other arrangements, if any, should be made for its local government. My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to announce the names of the commissioners, but hopes to do so shortly. An inquiry on the lines proposed is necessary for investigating satisfactorily the subject to be considered about which my right hon. Friend's Department is not already in possession of all the necessary information.
Viscountess ASTORIn view of the number of women and children in South Wales with whom the commission will have to deal, will not the Minister consider putting a woman on the commission?