HC Deb 27 November 1958 vol 596 cc553-4
48. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to Cabinet Ministers acting as chairman of outside committees set up as advisory boards for Government Departments.

The Prime Minister

The merits of such an arrangement depend on the circumstances of each case.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Prime Minister aware that there are no merits in the case of the Council for Wales and Monmouth shire? Is he aware that we might have borne the burden of the end of this Council much easier than we can bear the burden of having the Minister as its Chairman? Is he further aware that, as long as the Minister is in the Chair, we regard this as a Departmental Committee rather than as a Committee representing Welsh interests?

The Prime Minister

As I made clear in my letters to the members of the Council, this was a step which we thought it right to take as a temporary arrangement. I am bound to say that the view expressed by the hon. Gentleman is not by any means universally held in Wales or in the Committee itself.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Prime Minister aware that he himself said a year ago that this Council must be independent if it is to fulfil its functions, and that he has never explained to the Welsh people why he has changed his mind on this important issue?

The Prime Minister

I understand that, some time in September, there is to be a new Council appointed, and it was thought that, in the circumstances which had arisen, the Minister for Welsh Affairs could assist by taking the Chair himself and working out what might be changes in the proposed character and organisation of the Council. On the whole, that has been received with as much support as opposition from those concerned.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is the Prime Minister aware that there has been some confusion of opinion about this? Is it the intention of the Government, not merely to appoint or re-appoint persons to the Council, but to consider changing the whole character of the Council from September onwards?

The Prime Minister

As regards the constitution, I think there has been a good deal of discussion on whether it could be improved, and on—and this is also very important—its close relations with the Minister concerned.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister aware that there is a variety of opinion about this, and that opinions are changing even from day to day? Would he agree that it might well be beneficial to wait a while before making a final decision?