§ 32. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development when he will publish the delimitation and designation of the five regional development plans for Wales, and in particular the proposals for the South Wales area.
§ Mr. HeathI understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs that the areas which the Welsh Office will be examining in collaboration with other Departments are broadly South Wales, West Wales, Mid Wales, North-East Wales and North-West Wales. The South Wales area will include the industrial belt from East of Newport to West of Lianelly.
§ Mr. McBrideMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for answering this Question, first tabled on 17th December? In view of the plans already in existence, has not the Secretary of State sufficient information to formulate his plans now, rather than waiting until 1965? Does he think that this announcement will allay the anxieties of workers and management in industry? Is not this a most dubious agreement procedure, asking the Welsh people to sign a blank contract form, with the details to be filled in by the Government later? Is it not really designed to provide a method of escape for the Government and a platform point for the General Election?
§ Mr. HeathI think that the approach we have decided upon is the best one, to do a comprehensive study of South Wales and Mid-Wales as the first two. The hon. Gentleman asked for the general boundaries of the studies. They are as I have described them to him.
§ Mr. McBrideIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.