HC Deb 03 November 1966 vol 735 c629
3. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the Welsh Economic Council will publish a development plan for Wales.

Mr. George Thomas

The Government's White Paper on Wales will be published as early as possible next year, after full consultation with the Welsh Economic Council.

Mr. Evans

Is not the Minister aware that several times in the last year we have had announcements that there would be published in the near future a development plan for Wales? Does not he realise that the public are losing patience with the Government inasmuch as they have not even started developing Wales in an economic sense, and there is a widespread fear that, even when this plan is published, it will be no more than a study of a region?

Mr. Thomas

The hon. Gentleman is even more diffuse than usual. The White Paper will deal with a wide plan for the future development of Wales. He ought not to anticipate what it will be. Already, we have ensured for Wales last year the introduction of 123 new factories or extensions of factories.