HC Deb 03 November 1966 vol 735 cc628-9
2. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the Government will introduce legislation to establish a Welsh water board.

The Minister of State for Wales (Mr. George Thomas)

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the Answer given to the hon. Member on 11th August last.—[Vol. 733, c. 416.]

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware how very deep is the anxiety felt by the people in some valleys lest, despite statements that there will never be another Try-weryn, their valleys and their homes may be drowned? Is he prepared to give an undertaking that no such scheme to drown a valley will be given consent by the Minister until a Welsh water board is established to consider the whole matter?

Mr. Thomas

I know that the hon. Gentleman will not want to encourage such fears in Wales. We have already assured him, and we assure the Welsh people once again, that my right hon. Friend is advised by a Welsh Committee on Water Resources, and no valley in Wales will be flooded without my right hon. Friend having first been satisfied on all aspects of the question.