HC Deb 24 February 1966 vol 725 cc598-9
2. Mr. Gibson-Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for a new town in Mid Wales.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. James Griffiths)

I am at present considering the proposals on this subject put forward by Economic Associates Ltd. and I am arranging for its report to be published as soon as possible. In the meantime, I propose to discuss the report with the Mid Wales Industrial Development Association. I have also asked the Welsh Economic Council to consider it at their next meeting. The Government's decisions will be made known in due course.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Will not the right hon. Gentleman admit that he has already had discussions with the Mid Wales Industrial Development Association on this and it was against the project? Is he not now the only man in Wales who considers this policy to be sensible, and will he, therefore, chuck it out of the window?

Mr. Griffiths

No, Sir. I have had discussions with the Mid Wales Industrial Development Association about the whole problem of Mid Wales, and it was not against this proposal. The Association is anxious, as I am, that we should supplement it by strengthening the economies of the existing towns. But this will be the first time that I have discussed with the Association the actual report presented to me on the proposal.