§ 45. Mr. George Thomasasked the Prime Minister what subjects he has submitted for the consideration of the Advisory Council for Wales; and whether he will seek their opinion on the subject of a capital city for Wales.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)It is for the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire to settle their own agenda, and while I do not exclude the possibility of the Government wishing to ask their advice on specific subjects in special circumstances, we have not so far found it necessary to do so, and it is, I am sure, better that as a general rule the initiative should come from them. One of their main duties is to secure that the Government are adequately informed of the impact of Government activities on the life of the people of Wales and Monmouthshire, and they are the best judges of the priority which they should give to different topics. It is open to the Council to express views on the Subject Of a capital city for Wales, but I do not propose to suggest that they should single it out for special consideration.
§ Mr. ThomasDid I understand the Prime Minister to say in the last part of his reply that he was not making representations to the Council?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, I am not making representations.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the representations that have been made to the Government in very reasonable form, and the inability of the Government to reach a decision on this matter, will he now refer it to the representatives of Wales themselves?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not quite clear to which matter the hon. Member is referring.