§ 5. Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Secretary of State for Wales if the Welsh Economic Council has yet considered the Welsh Economic Development Plan which is to be published early next year.
§ Mr. George ThomasConsultations with the Welsh Economic Council have so far been on parts of the material to be included in the White Paper on Wales. A complete draft of the White Paper will be seen by the Council as soon as it is ready.
§ Mr. EvansI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but does he realise what a disgraceful situation exists now, 26 months after Labour came to power, which suggests that the Welsh Economic Council is not taken seriously by the Government, that planning in Wales is not taken seriously and that the Welsh nation is not taken seriously?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. Gentleman must realise that this Plan deals with the long-term interests of the Welsh people. We are determined that it shall be the best plan possible. There never has been and never will be a Government with a greater interest in Wales.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattWould the hon. Gentleman remember that the National Plan was produced in the long-term interests of the British people as a whole? May we be assured that the Welsh Plan, when it comes out, will be a good deal better? Second, how many subjects has the Economic Council before it at present, and why does the Council continue to work in an air of mystery?
§ Mr. ThomasIt is very hard to please the hon. Gentleman. On his first question, the Plan for Wales will fit into the National Plan and will be in the best interests of the Welsh people. Second, the Economic Council's current work is another question, but it is engaged on real and important relevant issues.