HC Deb 24 July 1962 vol 663 c1277
Q7. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Prime Minister if he will define the responsibilities of the Minister of Housing and Local Government in relation to Welsh Affairs.

The Prime Minister

It is the responsibility of the Minister for Welsh Affairs to safeguard all Welsh interests in Government matters and to take any action necessary to ensure that these interests are fully taken into account, particularly in Cabinet. This arrangement does not diminish the specific responsibilities of other Ministers towards Wales.

The Minister's general responsibility for Welsh matters is separate from his specific responsibilities as Minister of Housing and Local Government, but the knowledge of Wales gained in the latter capacity is a great help in understanding Welsh affairs in general.

Mr. Thomas

Whilst appreciating every platitude that the Prime Minister read out, may I ask him why in his valedictory letter to the former Minister for Welsh Affairs, he thanked him for his work in housing and local government but seems completely to have forgotten that he was also Minister for Welsh Affairs? Is he aware that throughout the Principality this is taken as a further indication of the contempt which the Government seem to have for Welsh matters?

The Prime Minister

I thought that my right hon. Friend had been so successful in that part of his work that it was not necessary to underline it.