26. Colonel Arthur Evansasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, since post-war planning will be on a scale never before seen in this or any other country, he will take steps to establish a Welsh Advisory Council to assist him in his task, similar to the Advisory Council which has already been set up in Scotland to deal with the Scottish aspect of the case?
§ Mr. HicksIn framing the planning machinery for physical reconstruction, my Noble Friend is giving careful consideration to the arrangements necessary to ensure that planning reflects the requirements of particular areas. The Scottish Council, to which my hon. Friend refers, deals mainly with problems of economic and social reconstruction not included in my Noble Friend's field of responsibility.
Colonel EvansIn view of the fact that the Minister has stated this work would be on a scale never before seen in this or any other country, is my hon. Friend of the opinion that it can be satisfactorily carried out in the absence of a Welsh Advisory Council, so far as the affairs of the Principality are concerned?
§ Mr. HicksOur scheme, which has not. yet been launched, will include the appointment of regional representatives, and the representative of Wales, when appointed, will gather around him such consultative machinery as he may think desirable.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs it being suggested that the Noble Lord's Council will super- 972 sede the Department of Health in Scotland, so far as Scottish reconstruction is concerned?
§ Mr. HicksThe Council of the Secretary of State for Scotland will survey all problems of post-war reconstruction. My hon. Friend will see the statement he made on nth September in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Mr. McNeilOn what authority does my hon. Friend say that the Scottish Council will mainly take charge of social and economic reconstruction?