§ 46. Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Prime Minister if he will give an undertaking that the question of an inquiry 1894 into the relationship of Wales with the rest of the United Kingdom will be reexamined in the light of the experience gained during the Scottish inquiry, recently announced.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I should prefer to await the result of the inquiry into the practicability of a return of revenue and expenditure in Scotland before considering any similar question in relation to Wales. There is no desire whatever to be difficult about this matter but, as I have previously explained to the House, the practical problems involved in dividing Welsh and other United Kingdom expenditure are greater than in the case of Scotland, and I think that it would be wise to see how much progress can be made with regard to Scotland first.
§ Mr. G. RobertsCan I take it that at the conclusion of the inquiry into the Scottish position the Prime Minister will consult his Welsh colleagues, in the Government and on both sides of the House, with a view to examining the Welsh position as well?
§ The Prime MinisterThe whole point of the examination is, first of all, to see whether it is practicable. If it is found to be impracticable in the case of Scotland, I think it will be impracticable in the case of Wales. I must await the result of the inquiry first of all. If it is found to be practicable, other consultations will take place.
§ Mr. Emrys RobertsWill the Prime Minister reconsider this in a more sympathetic spirit than he displayed when he was first asked about it?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the hon. Member is entirely wrong.