HC Deb 13 July 1949 vol 467 cc436-7
63. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health in view of the fact that no separate report has been published dealing with population in Wales and that about 500,000 people have migrated from Wales during the last 25 years, if he will arrange for an inquiry, along similar lines as the recent Royal Commission on Population, but dealing specially with Wales.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Blenkinsop)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer about the Report of the Royal Commission on Population which was given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Swingler) on 23rd June. In the circumstances it would be premature even to consider whether a similar inquiry would be justified or appropriate in the case of any particular part of Great Britain.

Mr. Freeman

In view of the fact that a large number of people have migrated from Wales does it not mean that many of these statistics, and the information derived from them, are useless and misleading both in regard to England and Wales? Will not my hon. Friend review the position, and see what information can be given to the House?

Mr. George Thomas

Is my hon. Friend aware that this Question is in itself misleading in so far as 500,000 people were driven from Wales before 1939?

Mr. Blenkinsop

I am sure that my hon. Friend's point of view will be kept in mind. I would remind hon. Members that this applies not only to Wales but to other parts of the country as well.