HC Deb 07 March 1963 vol 673 cc643-4
Q8. Mr. Morris

asked the Prime Minister whether he will co-ordinate the activities of the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Education, in regard to the future of a Welsh agricultural college; and what steps are being taken to reach an early decision.

The Prime Minister

I consider that no special action on my part is called for, as the Departments concerned are already in the closest consultation on this matter.

Mr. Morris

Is the Prime Minister aware that this unborn college is having a unique and unnatural period of gestation? Is he aware that the Minister of Agriculture has been stalling on an announcement on this issue, consulting everyone he can on the need for the college? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that we were promised a statement before Christmas, that no statement was made and that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture has now stated that we have to wait a further few weeks? Will the right hon. Gentleman impress on both his colleagues the need for an early announcement on this important issue?

The Prime Minister

I am quite ready to take that limited kind of responsibility on my shoulders.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Does it not call for the Prime Minister's special consideration that a promise was made that a decision would be announced well before Christmas? Will he consult the other Ministers and speed up the decision?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I have said that it was to be made within a few weeks and I hoped that would settle the matter.