HC Deb 26 May 1966 vol 729 c696
8. Mr. Probed

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the way in which he exercises his general powers of oversight in Wales in cases where he has no direct responsibility.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I do this through my membership of the Cabinet, the monthly conferences of heads of Government Departments in Wales, the machinery of the Welsh Planning Board and day-to-day consultations with all Departments on particular issues.

Mr. Probed

But is my right hon. Friend completely satisfied that in matters affecting the well-being of the Welsh people he has an effective voice in policy decisions, notably in respect of the Board of Trade?

Mr. Hughes

Yes, Sir. As in all forms of consultation and co-operation of a rather informal character, everything depends on how well one uses them. I have arranged for my hon. Friend the Minister of State to take a direct interest in the exercise of all these oversight functions, including liaison with the Board of Trade, which is of vital importance at present.