§ 47. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extreme dissatisfaction felt and expressed by the people of Wales with respect to post-war planning and reconstruction, he will now introduce legislation for the appointment of a Secretary of State for Wales?
§ Mr. AttleeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DaviesIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the deep and profound concern that exists to-day in Wales, which suffered so grievously after the last war, at the apparent inability of the Government to make any preparations for post-war reconstruction, and has he no better answer to give than that to these people, who cannot forget their experiences after the last war?
§ Mr. AttleeThat is not strictly relevant to the point that my hon. Friend put about a Secretary of State for Wales. I am not aware of the feeling to which he has alluded in his Question as widespread, or that there is a general desire at the present time that there should be a Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. David GrenfellWill the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Prime Minister as to whether the time has not come when special attention should be paid to the condition of industry in Wales and to the very gloomy prospects facing that country when the war comes to an end?
§ Mr. AttleeI quite agree. The matter is being investigated very closely. There is an Advisory Committee on the whole question of Wales, on which I think there is very full representation. I assure my hon. Friend that the question of the future of Wales is not being neglected by any means.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the anomaly that while Scotland has a Secretary of State and a large number of Government offices in Scotland, there is nothing of that kind for Wales?
§ Mr. StephenWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Scotland also wants an independent Parliament?
§ Mr. S. O. DaviesI beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.