§ 3. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many senior officers of his Department were born in Wales; what steps he proposes to increase the recruitment of persons for senior grades with particular knowledge of Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareI regret that the information sought in the first part of the Question is not readily available; but I can say that my Welsh Secretary and the heads of the major technical services in Wales are all Welsh. As for the second part of the Question, the selection of candidates for established posts in my Department, as in other Government Departments, is in the hands of the Civil Service Commission. I can assure my hon. Friend, however, that a close knowledge of Welsh conditions is given due weight when senior officers in my Department are appointed to posts in the Principality.
Mr. T. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea how many senior officers operating in England were born in Wales?
§ Mr. HareIf the right hon. Gentleman would really like to have the answer to that question, I will certainly send it to him.
§ Mr. G. ThomasIn view of the Answer given to this Question, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.
§ 5. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made during the last year in the devolution of the work of his Department in Wales; what progress is contemplated during the next twelve months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareYes, Sir; there has been substantial devolution. On 31st March, 1957, the Welsh Secretary—who as the House will know is my chief official in Wales—was responsible for the work of some 60 staff. He is now responsible for some 870 staff, and will 652 shortly assume responsibility for a further 80 staff concerned mainly with milk and pests. The remaining staff in Wales are mainly specialists who are responsible to their senior officers in Wales. They in turn report to our technical advisers in London, but the Welsh Secretary is responsible for their general co-ordination.