§ 1. Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his latest estimate of the date of publication of the Plan for Wales, the formulation and implementation of which was assigned to his Department in the original allocation of responsibilities in November, 1964.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. George Thomas)My right hon. Friend has extended the field to be covered by this Plan and does not now expect to have it ready for publication before the end of the year.
§ Mr. AndersonDoes the Minister not recognise that there must be many business decisions and local authority decisions awaiting the forecasts and recommendations to be contained in this Plan, and that there is an overwhelming case for speeding up the publication of the Plan under the present uncertainties?
§ Mr. ThomasIt is essential that every care should be taken in drawing up this Plan. At least 15 Government Departments have to be consulted, as well as the Welsh Economic Council, the University of Wales, both sides of industry, the Welsh Tourist Board, and others.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe right hon. Gentleman will be aware that, in the National Plan last year, the Government said that 140,000 agricultural workers should come from the country as a whole, of which, I understand, 5,000 are to come from Wales. In view of the necessity for maintaining confidence in the farming industry, will the right hon. Gentleman see 840 that a realistic figure is put in any Plan for Wales?
§ Mr. ThomasJust on a point of information, Mr. Speaker, I am not yet a Privy Councillor, but I am quite willing!
As regards the figures for which the hon. Gentleman asked, we will, of course, bear in mind the need for confidence in the industry.
§ Mr. HoosonIs the Plan to be revised in the light of the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday and in the light of the current economic situation? If so, what changes does the Minister of State expect?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. and learned Gentleman must not be too pessimistic. This will be a realistic Plan holding out good opportunities for the Principality.