4. Mr. Astorasked the Minister without Portfolio whether his Department has under consideration the proposals for the industrial redevelopment of South Wales drawn up by Colonel E. C. Devereux, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what action is being taken to carry the necessary investigation further.
§ Sir W. JowittThese recommendations are being considered together with other proposals for the establishment of our industries on a firm foundation after the war. I may add that these particular proposals were made available to the Welsh Reconstruction Advisory Council and Colonel Devereux has given evidence before that body. I hope shortly to receive from the council their first interim report.
Mr. AstorWhen that report is received, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman make a limited number of copies available for persons interested in this most important matter?
§ Sir W. JowittYes, Sir, certainly.
§ Mr. James GriffithsWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that the report of this Council is widely expected in Wales and if only a limited number of copies is available, it might not be possible to give the publicity required? Will he consider the advisability of publishing it in the ordinary way?
§ Sir W. JowittCertainly. I have not yet seen the report, but, subject to the exigencies of paper and so on, I would like to give it the widest possible publicity.
§ Mr. MainwaringMay I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to amplify his statement that these representations and advice are being considered? By whom are they being considered, and how, precisely, is the responsibility for postwar planning distributed over the various Government Departments?
§ Sir W. JowittIt is being considered by a Committee of the Cabinet over which my noble Friend the Minister of Reconstruction presides.
§ Mr. MainwaringIs there any likelihood of a decision being arrived at?
Mr. AstorIf the recommendations are generally favourable, will the Government consider making available the necessary money and technical information for the further exploration of this matter?
§ Sir W. JowittAt the present moment that is a rather hypothetical question.