HC Deb 12 December 1961 vol 651 cc189-90
6. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will consult Welsh local authorities on the question of the working of the leasehold system in Wales.

Dr. Hill

I will gladly consider any views which Welsh local authorities send me on the subject of the leasehold system.

Mr. Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that accommodating reply will be very favourably received in the Principality? Is he further aware that the Welsh people, while realising that he is still somewhat new to his present office, none the less hope that he will give urgent and sympathetic consideration to this problem which is of top priority among the people of the Principality?

Dr. Hill

The hon. Gentleman has made me fully aware of the importance that he attaches to this problem, but there is nothing further that I wish to say about it today.

Mr. C. Hughes

Will the Minister say whether or not he has consulted the Council for Wales, which is a body to advise the Government on major Welsh issues, about this matter? If he has not, will he do so forthwith?

Dr. Hill

Quite frankly, there is no need for further consultation to demonstrate the feeling which has been expressed on this subject.

7. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will conduct a plebiscite in Wales on the question of leasehold reform.

Dr. Hill

No, Sir.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that I am not surprised at his reply? Is he further aware that the petition that I recently presented to the House would be supported by a very large number of people if there were a plebiscite in Wales? Since the Government foisted on us a plebiscite on Sunday opening, it would be interesting if they gave us a really important subject on which to vote.

Dr. Hill

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's passions for plebiscites, but this is too complicated a topic to be dealt with in that way.

Mr. C. Hughes

The ratepayers of Wales would far more readily bear the burden of a referendum on this issue than on Sunday opening.

Dr. Hill

That may be, but there is not going to be a plebiscite.