§ 47. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many 236 times the Rural Wales Committee met during 1959; and, in view of the fact that no positive suggestions emanate from its activities in the recent Report on Government Action, Command Paper No. 961, whether he is satisfied with the Committee's terms of reference; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThis Committee of three persons met three times in 1959. As a number of other Departments are closely concerned in (Che well-being of rural Wales, I have come to the conclusion that the work will in future be better discharged by the Economic Committee of the Conference of Heads of Government Departments in Wales. This body did not exist when the Rural Wales Committee was first established; now it is well equipped to bring to bear on the problems of rural Wales the knowledge and experience of all the Departments which can assist.
§ Mr. WatkinsI am perfectly satisfied with the Minister's decision and hope that, as a result, greater activity will come from the Committee which is doing the work for rural Wales.
§ Mr. BrookeI hope that the whole of Wales will welcome the abolition of one Committee.