HC Deb 12 May 1949 vol 464 cc1985-6
19. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether consideration has now been given to the petition presented by the Cardiff City Council asking for Cardiff to be recognised as the capital city for Wales; and what answer he has returned.

Mr. Ede

The petition is still under consideration.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

While it is under consideration, will the Home Secretary bear in mind that comparatively speaking Cardiff is a modern excrescence on the landscape, and that it will be wrong to ignore an historic and cultural centre such as St. David's if a change is to be made in the present arrangements?

Mr. Thomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Irish interference in questions of the Principality of Wales reflects credit on no one? Will he further bear in mind that this petition is very widely supported throughout the Principality, and that the City of Cardiff needs no recommendations from Bedford or any other area in this matter?

Mr. Price-White

Is the Home Secretary aware that the general support accorded by the hon. Member for Central Cardiff (Mr. G. Thomas) does not reach the ancient borough of Caernarvon? While expressing no opinion on the merits of these two ancient towns, comparable to Glasgow and Edinburgh, does not the Home Secretary agree that the time spent by a lot of worthy and enthusiastic persons on these claims might be better spent in dealing with more urgent matters in Wales?

Mr. Ede

I know that there are many claimants for the honour of being the capital city of Wales, and three have been mentioned today, but there are other places whose claims could not be overlooked and which have not been advanced this afternoon. I do not think it is exactly fair to all the claimants for the claims of one to be pressed by Question and answer in the House.

Mr. Keenan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Liverpool also claims to be the capital of Wales?

Mr. Ede

I had occasion recently to inquire where was the most convenient place for the education authorities of Wales to meet me and I was assured that it was Shrewsbury.

Mr. Thomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if he visits the Principality and goes to Cardiff he will find it is already the capital for all administrative purposes?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I have been to Cardiff on many occasions and I can think of other places that have claims.